Asbury Park is one of the best-known beach towns on the New Jersey shore. From strolling along the legendary boardwalk in the off-season to attending a summer Yappy Hour, there are wonderful things to do in Asbury Park with dogs throughout the year. Here is our guide to help you plan your dog friendly Asbury Park visit.
Dog Friendly Hotels & Restaurants
There are several great dog friendly hotel options in Asbury Park. Louie and I stayed at the historic Berkeley Hotel. Our huge room had an expansive view of the Atlantic Ocean and the city’s iconic Convention Hall. The hotel allows one dog under 50 pounds per room. Guests with dogs must pay an extra $100 cleaning fee PLUS an additional $25 per night to stay at the elegant Berkeley Hotel.
If you prefer modern design, check out The Asbury. This boutique hotel is about half the size of the Berkeley but allows two dogs per room. There is a one-time $100 cleaning charge for guests with pets. My favorite thing about this dog friendly Asbury Park hotel is that pups can hang out in the lobby and pool area. Larry and I walked over to The Asbury each morning just to get coffee and people-watch.
In the evening, we grabbed an outside table at Kim Marie’s. At this dog friendly restaurant, there is a special menu just for pups. Larry was more interested in sniffing around under tables and greeting all the other dogs who passed by. Kim Marie’s is a popular spot for people visiting Asbury Park with dogs. You may have to wait for an outside table at peak times.
Where to Play with Dogs in Asbury Park
Another dog friendly Asbury Park hot spot is The Wonder Bar. The bar holds regular Yappy Hours in their fenced-in yard when the weather is mild. Dogs must be off-leash and on their best behavior. You should bring proof of rabies vaccination but leave any toys or treats at home. The Wonder Bar donates the $10 admission charge to local shelters.
Unfortunately, one place your dog can’t play in Asbury Park, is on the beach. Even the boardwalk is off-limits between mid-May and mid-September. For an interesting walk year-round, I recommend the gentrified downtown area. Numerous downtown shops, cafes, and art galleries allow well-behaved pups.
We especially enjoyed visiting Hot Sand glass studio. The artists there can help you make a beautiful keepsake of your dog’s pawprint. Studio staff will help you cast your dog’s paw in the sand. They will add pigments and molten glass while you watch. After about a week of cooling and cleaning your creation, the staff will send it to you as a keepsake of your visit to dog friendly Asbury Park.
Its great to see more dog friendly places everywhere. Im sure my dog Henry wiuld love it there.
It’s fun there, but you definitely have more dog friendly places on the other side of the “pond.”
We just moved to New Jersey recently and are looking forward to checking out Asbury Park (and many of the other beach towns!). It’s too bad we can’t bring our dog on the beach during summer. Do they allow dogs early in the morning or is that 24/7 during those months?
The ban is 24/7 other than a small section at the northern end.
Count me in for the Yappy Hour at the Wonder Bar. Pawtastic! All I need now is my dog and making it over the pond.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
Great article but too bad about the beach. I can see their point though. With the extra cleaning fees, I am more inclined just to leave the dog at home unless you can have the whole place to your self.