Book a Dog-Friendly Beach Getaway to Asbury Park, New Jersey

Forbes

2 days ago

The dog days of summer were made for beach vacations – with your favorite furry friend, of course. While vacation towns can range in dog friendliness, Asbury Park on the Jersey Shore stands out for its hyper-dog-friendly accomodations, activities, restaurants and more. Whether you're going for a quick overnight trip with your pet or a longer getaway, here's how to enjoy Asbury Park on a dog-centric beach vacation.
To Stay: The Asbury Hotel
Located on Fifth Avenue, just blocks from the beach, The Asbury Hotel offers dog-friendly accomodations in every tier of room including studios and family-style suites. Dogs are allowed at the pool area (not in the pool) and there is a spacious park outside the property for walking.
$50 from every $100 pet fee is donated to a local rescue, and dogs can order pup cups and bark-cuterie boxes at the lobby cafe. The spacious downstairs area is hyper canine-friendly, with visitors and locals congregating at communal tables and on couches for coffee and laptop hours by day and cocktail service by night.
A spacious rooftop screens family-friendly outdoor movies during the summer and the adjacent Asbury Lanes and Asbury diner offer some old school fun, plus weekly live entertainment.
To Eat: Kim Marie's Eat N' Drink Away
Also steps from the beach, this Kim Marie's spacious pub offers plenty of outdoor seating for pups, plus cold water bowls and a special dog menu that offers canine-friendly salmon, burgers, and more. For humans, pub fare is top notch, including signature Irish egg rolls stuffed with cabbage and corned beef, fish and chips, bangers and mash, various types of burgers and grilled cheese, plus salads for a bit of lighter fare.
To Drink: Wonder Bar
This spacious bar between The Asbury Hotel and the beach is renowned for its Yappy Hour, daily dog-friendly gatherings in an outdoor, fenced-in area. Hours are weather dependent but are generally Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. (small dogs only), Thursdays and Fridays from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., and weekends from 1 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Humans can enjoy $6 draft beers, plus $9 house wine, signature cocktails, and non alcoholic drinks as well. To eat, a menu of finger food like mac and cheese bites and fried pickles, plus burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches.
To Swim: Asbury Park Dog Beach
A beach area specifically designed for off-leash dogs and their human supervisors, this spacious, sandy area on the ocean is open year round. During peak summer season, May 16 through September 15, dogs are only allowed in the area in the morning before 8:30 a.m. and evenings after 6:00 p.m. A shower on the boardwalk can help rinse of sandy pets, but dogs are not allowed to stroll on the adjacent Asbury Park boardwalk during the summer season.
To Shop: Paws Barkery and Boutique
Want to reward fido for their great behavior on vacation? Purchase a doggy souvenir or extra life vest? Locally owned Paws Barkery and Boutique is the place to shop. Inside, you'll find fresh, natural homemade dog treats plus pup-friendly ice cream. Handmade leashes and collars are also available, as are more stylish pet supplies and necessities.