The Wildwoods, NJ welcomes beach-loving, four-legged friends! With many families wanting their dogs be a part of their vacation, the Wildwoods have rolled out the red carpet for canines with a dog beach, dog park, fun activities and dozens of businesses and accommodations that are dog-friendly.
Dog-Friendly Beach and Recreational Attractions
The beaches in the Wildwoods welcome dogs to splash and play year-round. While dogs have full access to the entire length of the Wildwoods world-famous beaches, from October through May, there is a very special place designated just for them, where they can freely kick up the sand and frolic in the surf from May through October.
The Wildwoods Dog Park & Beach on Glenwood Avenue and the Boardwalk is the largest dog park in the world, with dog-friendly-designated features and lots of pup perks. Dogs can also enjoy a fun-filled day at the Dog Beach on Glenwood Avenue as well. There are a few rules to follow: All dogs must be licensed and leashed, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their four-legged friends. In 2022, the Wildwoods Dog Park & Beach was named the #1 most dog-friendly beach in the nation by Pets Radar. And in 2016, was named one of the top 10 ‘Best Dog-Friendly Beaches’ 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 Park & Beach received the 2nd highest number of votes, ranking it #2 overall in the nation.
Tails have been wagging as dogs make their way from Glenwood Avenue across the Boardwalk, and onto the sand. There’s no mistaking they are in the right place, as they are greeted by a 30-foot-tall Fire Hydrant Sculpture at the Dog Park – right at the entrance to the Dog Beach. The Dog Park is completely fenced in so canines can run, stretch their legs, and make new friends! The park 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. The block-and-half-long, 190-yard-wide area is open from 6 a.m. until dusk, and this section of the beach is well-equipped with amenities including water stations and free plastic bags.
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
When your pooch and you get hungry, several Wildwoods establishments welcome four-legged patrons. Morey’s Mariner’s Pier is home to the PigDog Beach Bar, 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 ice-cold domestic beer options and imports. For more information, visit www.moreyspiers.com/food/pigdog.
MudHen Brewing Company is another Wildwoods eatery accommodating four-legged travelers. MudHen Brewing Company welcomes all dogs – big or small, short or tall – to dine, while on a leash of course, with their owners in its spacious outdoor dining area. For more information visit https://www.mudhenbrew.com/.
In addition to PigDog Beach Bar and MudHen Brewing Company, several other Wildwoods restaurants and eateries allow dogs to dine with their owners including Alumni Grill, North End American Grill, Poppi’s Brick Oven Pizza, Goodnight Irene’s and The Wild Burrito. Please call ahead to inquire about respective dog policies before dining.
Dog-Friendly Activities and Events
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 on dry land, 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 at sea!
The Boardwalk Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show – held over the winter at the Wildwoods Convention Center – is another great activity available to dog lovers. A pre-lude to the Westminster Dog Show, this show features over 750 show dogs of every breed imaginable.
The Patriotic Pooch Parade joins in the march of the Independence Day Parade on July 4th through the island starting at 8th and Atlantic Avenues in North Wildwood. Dogs of all shapes and sizes parade along the streets of North Wildwood dressed in patriotic garb alongside decorated bicycles. Prizes are awarded for the best-dressed pooches.
Your pooch can paddle in the pools of Raging Waters Water Park at Morey’s Piers during the Pooch Pool Party event, taking place in September each year. Man’s best friend can enjoy a swim in the waterpark located at the rear of Morey’s Mariner’s Pier at Schellenger Avenue and the Boardwalk. Water bowls and free dog treats are stationed throughout the waterpark for dogs to recharge as they paddle around the River Adventure or play in the Fountain Pool.
Dog-Friendly Accommodations
When you and your canine are on vacation, it’s often hard to find accommodations to suit the entire family. Below is a list of dog-friendly hotels and motels to enjoy while vacationing in the Wildwoods (plus dozens of vacation rentals as well!)
7200 Ocean Ave, Wildwood Crest, NJ 609-522-7704
500 E. Stockton Rd., Wildwood Crest, NJ 609-522-4037
3710 Atlantic Ave, Wildwood, NJ 609-522-0257
2814 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood, NJ 609-523-1101
230 East Taylor Avenue, Wildwood, NJ 609-522-7890
423 E. 23rd Ave., North Wildwood, NJ 609-536-9335
411 E. 26th Ave., North Wildwood, NJ 609-522-2700
510 E. 4th Ave., North Wildwood, NJ 609-522-1867
4211 Ocean Ave, Wildwood, NJ 609-522-2269
7705 New Jersey Ave., Wildwood Crest, NJ 609-522-1667
Royal Hawaiian Beachfront Resort
500 E. Orchid Rd., Wildwood Crest, NJ 609-522-3414
5010 Ocean Ave., Wildwood Crest, NJ 609-522-0101
5310 Park Blvd., Wildwood, NJ 609-846-1200
2511 Atlantic Ave, North Wildwood, NJ 609-522-7422
3917 Atlantic Ave., Wildwood, NJ 609-522-5082
1600 Ocean Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 609-473-1992
231 E. Davis Ave., Wildwood, NJ 609-522-0901
It’s clear that the Wildwoods are the place for four-legged family members and their humans, so pack the leash and head on down to our dog-friendly family resort!
