Although most Cape May County beaches don’t allow dogs during the summer months, we’ve compiled a list of beaches as well as dog parks that allow Fido to have some fun in the summer sun!
Wildwood Dog Beach
Glenwood/Maple Avenue Beach, Wildwood
Fees: Free!
Hours: 6 a.m. to dusk daily
This designated dog beach area features a 25-foot-high fire hydrant sculpture, and stretches to nearly two city blocks wide. Dogs are able to join their families on the beach and swim in the ocean. Fresh water and waste bags are available. All dogs must remain on leashes unless in the designated fenced in area, which has separate areas for small dogs and large dogs as well as obstacles, toys, water, waste bags and a shaded area for sitting. You are allowed to walk your dog over the Boardwalk to get to the dog beach.
North Wildwood Dog Park
24th Avenue Beach, North Wildwood
Fees: Annual – $10. Permits can be obtained from the City of North Wildwood Clerk’s Office, 901 Atlantic Ave., North Wildwood.
Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk daily
This large fenced in area on the beach in North Wildwood has several fenced in areas within, as well as water bowls and waste bags. Limit two dogs per person.
Stone Harbor Beaches
Fees: Free!
Hours: 7 p.m. to sunset daily
Dogs are permitted on the beach from 7 p.m. to sunset. All dogs must be leashed. Dogs and other pets are not permitted at the Stone Harbor Point at any time.
Lower Township Beaches
Fees: Free!
Hours: Before 11 a.m. and after 4 p.m. daily
Animals are prohibited between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. in-season on Lower Township beaches, which run along the bay coast. Dogs are to be leashed at all times when on the beach.
City of Cape May Dog Park
705 Lafayette St., Cape May
Fees: Seasonal – $20; Weekly – $10. Applications and park tags can be obtained from the Cape May City Clerk’s Office, 643 Washington St., Cape May.
Hours: Dawn to dusk daily
This fenced in area allows dogs to go unleashed when within designated free run areas. Otherwise, dogs must be leashed at all times. Fresh, running water is available, and there is a gazebo for shade. Dog owners must apply annually for a dog park tag and tags must be visible at all times. Children under the age of 18 are prohibited in the Dog Park unless accompanied by an adult, and no children under the age of 10 are allowed inside the fence. Limit two dogs per person.
Ocean City Dog Park
45th Street & Haven Avenue, Ocean City
Fees: Annual – $30 Cape May County resident, $40 non-resident; Weekly – $10. “Paw Pass” applications can be found online at ocnj.us/dogpark. Drop off and submit payment at the City Hall Welcome Center, 861 Asbury Ave., the Knight Building, 115 E. 12th St., or the Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center, 1735 Simpson Ave.
Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk daily
This 42,000 square-foot, fenced-in dog park allows you to let your dog off the leash in designated areas. The sandy soil has three separate areas: one for large dogs, one for small dogs and a dog run area for all dogs. The park features a shared pavilion with picnic tables, open shed shelters, benches, water fountains, waste bags, play equipment, a porta-pottie. Children under the age of 18 are prohibited in the Dog Park unless accompanied by an adult. Limit two dogs per person.
Upper Township Dog Park
1700 Mt. Pleasant-Tuckahoe Rd., Tuckahoe
Fees: Annual – $30; Weekly – $10. Dog park passes can be obtained at the Upper Township Clerk’s Office, 2100 Tuckahoe Rd., Petersburg. Applications can be found online at uppertownship.com under Departments, Sports and Recreation, Dog Park Access Application.
This large, grassy, fenced in area allows you to let your dog run freely and play on multiple obstacles. Benches are available for sitting. Leashes are to be removed only in the designated “unleashed area.” Children under the age of 18 are prohibited in the park unless accompanied by an adult. Limit two dogs per person.
Cape May National Wildlife Refuge
Delaware Bay Division, Middle Township
Great Cedar Swamp Division, Uppers and Dennis Townships
Fees: Free!
Hours: Dawn to dusk daily
Pets are permitted within the Delaware Bay and Great Cedar Swamp Divisions of the Cape May National Wildlife Refuge if on a short, hand-held leash. Pets are prohibited at the Two Mile Beach Unit in Lower Township.
Your furry friends aren’t just limited to these areas – there are plenty of dog-friendly hotels, restaurants and attractions throughout Cape May County!