Discover Asbury Park’s unique history and musical legacy on a lively guided tour. Perfect for history lovers and curious explorers, this adventure offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of New Jersey’s most iconic towns.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Average physical fitness is sufficient; most walking is at a gentle pace.
Wildlife
History
The town’s reputation as a cultural hub blossomed in the early 20th century with the rise of jazz and rock 'n' roll.
Conservation
The tour highlights efforts to preserve historic landmarks and promote sustainable tourism practices in Asbury Park.
History Chick Tours
Discover Asbury Park’s unique history and musical legacy on a lively guided tour. Perfect for history lovers and curious explorers, this adventure offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of New Jersey’s most iconic towns.
History Chick Tours is a small guided-walk operator based in Asbury Park, New Jersey, focused on accessible, narrative-driven tours that explore the city’s cultural and maritime past. Led by historian Lesley “The History Chick” Schierenbeck, the business offers a range of themed walks including a dog-friendly “Tails & Tales” stroll, a comprehensive city history tour, and evening excursions that examine true crime and haunted local lore.
Each tour emphasizes primary stories tied to visible landmarks such as the Carousel House and Convention Hall, situating anecdotes inside Asbury Park’s urban landscape. Tours combine original research, archival detail, and public storytelling techniques to make local history approachable for residents, visitors, and small groups.
History Chick Tours operates public walks and special one-night events, including fundraisers that partner with local organizations like the Asbury Park Historical Society. One featured evening tour was presented as a fundraiser benefiting the society. The guide has been featured on PBS, lending third-party credibility to the program’s historical focus.
Practical details include pet-friendly scheduling for the Tails & Tales walk, accessible meeting points along the boardwalk, and roughly hour-long formats for some experiences. Advance reservations are recommended for weekend and evening tours. The enterprise emphasizes safety, clarity of historic sourcing, and respectful interpretation of sensitive topics encountered on dark-history routes.
Booking information, group rates, accessibility accommodations, and private-tour options are available by contacting the tour operator directly. Public calendars list scheduled departures seasonally, with additional charity and custom events added throughout the year. Check listings before visiting today.
Location
Asbury Park, NJ
Historic Jersey Shore setting
Local Guide
Lesley "The History Chick" Schierenbeck
Professional historian and storyteller
Featured On
PBS
National media recognition
Tours Offered
4 distinct walks
History, dark tours, dog-friendly
Book Tails & Tales, The Asbury Story, or The Dark City — small-group tours led by a PBS-featured historian. Check dates, reserve online, or inquire about private events.
Wear comfortable shoes
The tour involves a lot of walking through historic streets, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring a notebook
Capture interesting stories and details shared during the tour.
Check the weather
Dress appropriately for the forecast, as most of the tour is outdoors.
Arrive early
Arriving a few minutes before start time helps you settle in and get the most out of the experience.
Comfortable walking shoes
Necessary for covering the historic districts comfortably.
Notebook and pen
Useful for jotting down facts or interesting stories.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated while walking through open areas.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin during outdoor segments of the tour.