Heading to the Jersey Shore with the kids is a classic summer tradition—and it’s even more fun when your dog can join.
In Wildwood, you can call it the Dog Days of Summer since the 5-mile island has one of the Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in the United States, according to HGTV. And it’s the only beach in New Jersey that made the list!
The Wildwood Dog Park & Beach is located between Glenwood and Maple avenues in the Wildwood section of the island. It’s marked by an iconic 25-foot-tall fire hydrant statue.
Dogs in the park can run as they wish because the area is fenced in (separate sections for large and small breeds), but beach-goers must stay leashed. The park is open daily, and the beachfront is open from dawn to dusk from May to October. Make sure you and the dogs only swim when a lifeguard is on duty, and a life jacket for your pup is a good idea, too.
There are free plastic bags, water stations, shaded areas and doggie play stations at the one-and-a-half block long, 190-foot wide area, making it an ideal spot for pups and pup parents.
Any dog playing in the park or beach must be licensed, and owners are responsible for following all rules, including cleaning up after your pets.
Fido’s fun doesn’t stop there. The entire island loves dogs, between restaurants, hotels and events that welcome four-legged friends.
Additional dog-friendly locations include Sunset Lake in Wildwood Crest and the Wildwoods bike path. In North Wildwood, dogs are allowed on the beach during the summer season, but when lifeguards are not on duty. They can walk along the sea wall or take them to a fenced-in dog park on the east side of the beach at 24th Avenue. A dog permit is required, which you can get at the North Wildwood Clerk’s Office, 901 Atlantic Ave. The park is open from 8 am to dusk.
You won’t have to bring Lassie home before dinner. Instead, several restaurants allow a furry friend at the table. MudHen Brewing Company welcomes dogs at its outdoor dining space.
Morey’s Mariner’s Pier has the PigDog Beach Bar, which holds a puptastic PuppaPalooza Pooch Pool Party & Beach Walk at Raging Waters Water Park every September.
Another popular event for furbabies is the July 4th Patriotic Pooch Parade, which is part of the Independence Day Parade in North Wildwood. You can win a prize for dressing up your pet in the best patriotic outfit.
If you’re from out of town, you don’t have to leave Spot at home. Call any hotel or motel to ask about their policy, or visit WildwoodsNJ.com/plan-a-vacation/places-to-stay and select the “pet-friendly” option in the amenities tab.
The 16 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in the U.S., according to HGTV (in no particular order):
- Huntington Dog Beach, California
- Outer Banks Beaches, North Carolina
- Montrose Dog Beach, Chicago
- Block Island Beaches, Rhode Island
- Edisto Island Town Beach and State Park, South Carolina
- First Landing State Park, Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Plymouth Beach and Long Beach, Massachusetts
- Panama City Beach, Florida
- Long Beach, Washington
- Wildwood Dog Park and Beach, New Jersey
- Crystal Coast Beaches, North Carolina
- Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island Beaches, Georgia
- Port Aransas Beach, Mustang Island, Texas
- Bluff Point Beach, Bluff Point State Park, Groton, Connecticut
- Singing Beach, Manchester-By-The-Sea, Massachusetts
- Cannon Beach, Oregon
And it’s no surprise that the island overall has received another top award. The Wildwoods have been voted the Best Beach in New Jersey in the 2025 USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards contest. This is the second consecutive year that the Wildwoods’ beautiful, free beaches have ranked No. 1 in New Jersey in the USA Today contest.
The 10 Best Beaches in New Jersey, according to USA Today readers:
- The Wildwoods
- Ocean City
- Atlantic City
- Cape May
- Sea Isle City
- Long Beach Island
- Asbury Park
- Avalon
- Brigantine Beach
- Avon-By-the-Sea
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