The Wildwoods, NJ – June 16, 2026 – A getaway to the Jersey Shore just isn’t the same without your four-legged friend. The Wildwoods, NJ, proudly cater to pups and dog owners alike by offering an expansive network of pet-friendly infrastructure including dedicated dog beaches, well-maintained parks, and a comprehensive selection of dog-friendly local businesses and lodging options across the island.
Dog-Friendly Beach and Recreational Attractions
Four-legged friends can enjoy a special, designated beach area on Glenwood Avenue in Wildwood from May through October. All dogs must be licensed, must always be leashed, except when inside the enclosed beach dog park, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. 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.).
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.
Watch the tails wag as pups head across the Boardwalk and onto the sand, destined for the massive 25-foot-tall red Fire Hydrant Sculpture. This landmark sits right at the entrance to the Dog Beach and the fully fenced-in beach Dog Park, where dogs have plenty of room to stretch their legs and play. The park features two separate sections, one tailored for large breeds and another for smaller dogs. Just like at the Dog Beach, all furry visitors must be licensed, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
With dedicated dog-friendly beaches and a focus on pristine conditions, the Wildwoods offer the ultimate playground for pups to splash, dig, and fetch under the sun. Spanning a block and a half long and 190 yards wide, this beach area welcomes visitors from 6 a.m. until dusk.
The space is thoughtfully designed with premium pet amenities, featuring drinking water stations, doggie play structures, and shaded spots to cool off. Free plastic waste bags and reminder signs are also readily available, making it easy for owners to clean up after their pets.
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 and outdoor restaurant serves tasty barbecue classics, cocktails and a mix of domestic options and warm weather chilled imports.
MudHen Brewing Company is another Wildwoods eatery accommodating four-legged travelers. All dogs are welcome to dine on a leash with their owners in its spacious outdoor dining area.
In addition to PigDog Beach Bar and MudHen Brewing Company, a number of other Wildwoods restaurants and eateries allow dogs to dine outdoors with their owners. Call ahead to the establishments to inquire about their dog policy before dining.
Dog-Friendly Activities and Events
Your four-legged companion can celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in style at the July 4th Patriotic Pooch Parade. Part of the annual North Wildwood Independence Day celebration, this event features dogs of all shapes and sizes marching alongside decorated bicycles. Registration is open to all dogs, with prizes awarded for the most creatively dressed, patriotic pooches.
The Wildwoods love dogs, and we’ve picked a few summertime national dog holidays to celebrate here with your furry friend:
- All-American Pet Photo Day – July 11, 2026
- National Dog Day – August 26, 2026
- National Dog Week – September 20-26, 2026
For maritime enthusiasts looking to enjoy deep-sea fishing, crabbing, or whale and dolphin watching without leaving their canine companions behind, 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 dog can enjoy a paddle in the pools of Raging Waters Water Park at Morey’s Piers during the Morey’s PigDog PuppaPalooza annual event in September. Guests who purchase the Puppapalooza Pool Party Pass earn their pups free rein to paddle along the river adventure or fetch tennis balls in the Raging Waters Water Park activity pool. Owners will find food and beverage options (and doggie ice cream) at PigDog Beach Bar for purchase. A portion of proceeds will benefit Beacon Animal Shelter a volunteer-run, no-kill dog and cat rescue servicing Cape May and Atlantic Counties. Visit MoreysPiers.com/events for more information.
Dog-Friendly Accommodations
The Wildwoods are proud to be home to numerous pet-friendly accommodations across the island. Please call to confirm that the hotel/motel of interest welcomes dogs. Also visit WildwoodsNJ.com/plan-a-vacation/places-to-stay and select the ‘pet-friendly’ option in the amenities tab to see all the pet-friendly places to stay.
In addition, an online hotel reservation system on the Wildwoods official tourism website, WildwoodsNJ.com, allows visitors to conveniently book accommodations at a range of Wildwoods hotels and motels via the Book Your Stay webpage. Just click on the ‘Pet-Friendly’ button on the left tab to see a list of pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals.
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.
