The Wildwoods, NJ welcome your four-legged family members! Many families insist on traveling with their dogs and having them being a part of the vacation; and the Wildwoods, NJ are making it easier than ever. Whether it’s a day at the beach and boardwalk, or a week-long vacation, the Wildwoods have dozens of businesses and accommodations that are dog-friendly.
Dog-Friendly Beach and Recreational Attractions
From October through May, dogs have full access to the Wildwoods world-famous beaches. But, from May through October, every four-legged friend has a special, designated place to call their own.
The Wildwoods offers a dog friendly-designated beach on Glenwood Avenue where dogs, along with their owners, can enjoy a fun-filled day at the beach. Just to be safe, all dogs have to be licensed, must always be leashed, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their four-legged friends.
Tails have been wagging as dogs make their way across the Boardwalk, and onto the sand as they approach the 25-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 your furry friend has enough room to run and stretch their legs, and is also 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 all-furry amenities including water stations and signs reminding doggy owners to clean up after their loved ones equipped with free plastic bags for scooping 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. 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. New to the Wildwoods for the 2018 summer season, 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.
In addition to PigDog Beach Bar and MudHen Brewing Company, several other Wildwoods restaurants and eateries allow dogs to dine 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: All-American Pet Photo Day on July 11, National Dog Day on August 26, and National Dog Week from September 22 to 28.
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 during your day at sea!
The Boardwalk Kennel Club All-Breed Dog Show – held annually in January at the Wildwoods Convention Center – is another great activity available to dog lovers. A prelude 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 through the island at 8th and Atlantic Avenues in North Wildwood. Dogs of all shapes and sizes parade along the streets of the Wildwoods 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 “Gone to the Dogs! Annual event” Man’s best friend can enjoy an evening swim from 5-7 p.m. (check in starts at 4:45 p.m.) located at the rear of Morey’s Mariner’s Pier at Schellenger Ave. and the Boardwalk. Water bowls and free dog treats are stationed throughout the water park for dogs to recharge as they paddle around the river adventure or play in the fountain pool. A variety of activities are scheduled including a doggy swimsuit competition.
For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call (800) 992-9732.