The Wildwoods, NJ – July 20, 2023 – In a world where companionship knows no bounds, The Wildwoods, NJ have emerged as a top-notch destination that welcomes vacationers and their four-legged friends!
Get ready to embark on an adventure that will leave your furry friends’ tails wagging with delight and will create cherished memories. Whether it’s a day at the beach, or a week-long vacation, the Wildwoods have beaches, businesses, and accommodations that are pet-friendly.
Dog-Friendly Beach and Recreational Attractions
From May through October, four-legged friends have a special, designated beach area at Glenwood Avenue in Wildwood where they are welcomed with open paws. All dogs must be licensed and leashed, except inside the enclosed beach dog park, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their four-legged friends. North Wildwood beaches allow dogs during the summer season, anytime when lifeguards are off duty (lifeguard hours 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. through Labor Day).
The Wildwoods Dog Beach has been named one of the Top 10 ‘Best Dog Friendly Beaches in the US’ in the 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest, sponsored by USA TODAY. USA TODAY 10Best teamed up with BringFido.com to nominate the 20 most dog-friendly beaches in the nation. The Wildwoods Dog Beach received the second highest number of votes, ranking it #2 overall in the nation.
Tails wag as dogs make their way across the Boardwalk and onto the sand as they approach the 25-foot-tall red Fire Hydrant Sculpture at the beach Dog Park – right at the entrance to the Dog Beach. The Dog Park is completely fenced in, so there is enough room for dogs to run and stretch their legs. It is separated into two sections – one for large breed dogs and the other for small breed dogs. As with the Dog Beach, all dogs entering the Dog Park must be licensed, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their four-legged friends.
Picture your four-legged pal dashing on the beach with ears flapping in the ocean breeze, and the pure joy radiating from their playful antics. With designated dog-friendly beaches and a commitment to cleanliness, The Wildwoods offer endless fun under the sun, where splashing, digging, and fetching become the order of the day. The block-and-a-half-long, 190-yard-wide area is open from 6 a.m. until dusk, and this section of the beach is well equipped with pet amenities including water stations, doggie play stations, shade structures, and signs reminding doggy owners to clean up after their loved ones with free plastic bags provided.
Additional dog-friendly recreational attractions throughout the Wildwoods include Sunset Lake, the Sea Wall in North Wildwood, and the Wildwoods Bike Path.
Dog Friendly Businesses
Several Wildwoods establishments welcome four-legged patrons to dine outdoors with their families. Morey’s Mariner’s Pier is home to the PigDog Beach Bar, a laidback atmosphere accessible via Raging Waters Water Park, the beach, and the Boardwalk. Both family and dog-friendly, this new breed of beach bar is serving up tasty barbecue classics, cocktails and a mix of domestic options and warm weather imports. For more information, visit www.moreyspiers.com/food/pigdog.
MudHen Brewing Company is another Wildwoods eatery accommodating four-legged travelers. Big or small, short, or tall, all dogs are welcome to dine, while on a leash with their owners in its spacious outdoor dining area.
In addition to PigDog Beach Bar and MudHen Brewing Company, several other Wildwoods restaurants and eateries allow dogs to dine outdoors with their owners. Please call ahead to the establishments to inquire about their dog policy before dining.
Dog-Friendly Activities and Events
The Wildwoods love dogs, and we’ve picked four summertime national dog holidays to celebrate here with your furry friend:
- International Dog Day – August 26, 2023
- National Dog Week – September 20-27, 2023
- National Pet Week – May 5-11, 2024
- Pet Appreciation Week – June 2, 2024
- All-American Pet Photo Day – July 11, 2024
If you’re someone who loves the open sea and everything it has to offer – fishing, crabbing, whale, and dolphin watching – but you don’t want to leave your best friend behind, you need not worry. Several Wildwoods’ sightseeing charter boats and fishing/crabbing boats allow you to bring your dog on board. Please remember to outfit your pet with an appropriate life jacket to keep them safe during your day at sea.
Your pooch can enjoy a walk on the beach followed by a paddle in the pools of Raging Waters Water. Park at Morey’s Piers during the Morey’s PigDog PuppaPalooza annual event September 9. The day starts with a Doggie Dash – a 1-mile or 5k beach walk/run with your favorite canine – followed by a day frolicking at Raging Waters water park on Mariner’s Pier. Throughout the day, the famously dog-friendly PigDog Beach Bar will host “Yappy Hour” specials for you and your “fur”iends. Also, in attendance at PigDog will be Beacon Animal Shelter with items to auction and pups to adopt. Visit www.MoreysPiers.com/events for more information.
Dog-Friendly Accommodations
In The Wildwoods, finding dog-friendly accommodations is a breeze. With amenities such as doggy beds, treats, and even pet-sitting services, these accommodations ensure that your pup is just as pampered as you are during your stay. Below is a list of pet-friendly places in the Wildwoods. Please call to confirm that the hotel/motel of interest welcomes dogs. Also visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com/plan-a-vacation/places-to-stay and select the ‘pet-friendly’ tab to see all the pet-friendly places to stay*.
Admiral Resort Motel
7200 Ocean Ave., Wildwood Crest, NJ
609-522-7704
Beach Colony Motel
500 E. Stockton Rd., Wildwood Crest, NJ
609-522-4037
Enchantras Inn Bed & Breakfast
2814 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood, NJ
609-523-1101
Esplanade Suites
230 E. Taylor Ave., Wildwood, NJ
800-522-7850
Island Breeze Motel
411 E. 26th Ave., North Wildwood, NJ
609-522-2700
Monaco Motel
4211 Ocean Avenue, Wildwood, NJ
609-522-2269
Red Horse on the Lake
7705 New Jersey Ave., Wildwood Crest, NJ
609-522-1667
Royal Hawaiian Beachfront Resort
500 E. Orchid Rd., Wildwood Crest, NJ
609-522-3414
Rus Mar Motel
5010 Ocean Ave., Wildwood Crest, NJ
609-522-0101
Sand Box Motel
5310 Park Blvd., Wildwood, NJ
609-846-1200
The Shore House
422 E. 16th Ave., Wildwood, NJ
609-602-1769
Tide Winds Motel
231 E. Davis Ave., Wildwood, NJ
609-522-0901
*Pet policies are subject to change. Please check with the property for the latest policy on pets.
For more information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
