Discover the Hot Sand Glass Studio Experience in New Jersey

Hot Sand is a walk-in glassblowing studio and gallery in Asbury Park where visitors can create their own glass pieces, watch live demonstrations, and explore the world of molten glass up close. Offering hands-on experiences for beginners and families, it’s one of the most unique interactive attractions on the Jersey Shore.
Why it’s special: Hot Sand is New Jersey’s first walk-in glassblowing studio, allowing guests of all ages to design and help create one-of-a-kind glass art.

History/Story of Hot Sand

Founded in 2007, Hot Sand began as a community art studio dedicated to making glassblowing accessible to everyone. Over time, it grew into a popular Asbury Park destination, combining professional glass artistry with interactive public experiences. Today, the studio hosts thousands of visitors each year, offering workshops, experiences, and stunning handmade glass items.

What You’ll See & Do

• Create your own fused glass project or blown-glass object (varies by experience type)

• Watch professional glass artists shape molten glass at 2,000°F

• Learn about furnaces, tools, blowing pipes, colors, and glass chemistry

• Explore the gallery filled with handcrafted bowls, ornaments, tumblers, and art pieces

• Pick up your completed piece after annealing (cooling)

• Enjoy a fun, safe introduction to the ancient craft of glassblowing

Visiting Information

Hands-On Elements

Guests choose from a menu of projects (paperweights, drinking glasses, ornaments, fused glass pieces). Under close instruction, visitors help gather molten glass, shape it with tools, add color, and blow air through a pipe for certain projects. No prior experience is needed.

Photo/Video Policy

Photography is encouraged in designated areas of the studio. Staff may restrict filming near hot equipment for safety.

Souvenirs & Extras

• Your own handmade glass project

• Gallery pieces crafted by Hot Sand artists

• Seasonal items such as pumpkins, ornaments, and vases

• Gift cards and experience packages

• Educational workshops and private group sessions

Practical Info

Experiences vary in duration from 15 to 45 minutes depending on the project. All glass pieces require overnight cooling and can be picked up later or shipped. Closed-toe shoes are required. Experiences are available for almost all ages, though some projects have age minimums.

Pricing

• QuickCast (fused glass): approx. $30–$40

• Glassblowing Experiences: approx. $50–$125 depending on project

• Pickup/Shipping of finished pieces: additional fee if shipping

• Gallery items: individually priced

Nearby

• Asbury Park Boardwalk & Beach

• Convention Hall & The Stone Pony music venue

• Asbury Park restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques

• Silverball Retro Arcade

FAQs

Can I take my piece home the same day?

Not usually. Glass must cool in an annealer overnight; pickup is available later or shipping can be arranged.

Do I need a reservation?

Highly recommended, especially on weekends and in summer. Walk-ins may be accepted for certain fused glass projects.

Is the experience kid-friendly?

Yes — kids can participate in many fused glass activities, though hot-glass work has minimum age requirements.

How long does each project take?

Glassblowing projects typically take 20–30 minutes; fused glass is often 15–20 minutes.

Do I need prior experience?

No — all sessions are guided by trained glass artists.