With a dog beach open year round, fenced-in outdoor bar dedicated exclusively to dogs, and numerous restaurants and bars open to our furry friends, Asbury Park is one of the most dog-friendly destinations on the Jersey Shore. Keep reading to find out how to spend an ideal day with your dog in Asbury Park, or check out our comprehensive list of places to eat, sleep and have fun with your dog in Asbury Park.
1. catch the sunrise
Dogs, the beach, and the sun rising over the ocean in the distance. If there is such a place as heaven on earth, this is it. During the off season, the dog beach is open all day but during the summer season (May 16 – September 14), dog beach hours are 6pm to 8:30am (this is strictly enforced). Bring some water, clean up after your dog, and watch your pup have the time of his/her life!
2. visit a dog-friendly coffee spot
Grab a coffee and bagel for the human and some pets and a pup cup for your dog from Asbury Park Roastery right down the boardwalk in Convention Hall. If you’re visiting during the summer season when dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk, swing over a block from Convention Hall to The Counter on the left side of the lobby of The Asbury Hotel instead. Grab a cold brew and breakfast sandwich and relax with your pup in the dog-friendly bottom floor of the hotel.
3. head downtown
Take a stroll towards downtown, making sure to stop at the Asbury Fresh Farmers and Makers Market (Sundays) in Library Square Park on the way. We love stopping by the Paws Pet Boutique stall for some homemade treats! Once downtown, grab brunch on the outdoor patio of our favorite brunch spot, Cardinal Provisions. Cardinal is walk-in only, but you can stroll around downtown until you’re called.
4. Play at yappy hour
A dog’s dream land, Yappy Hour provides a fenced-in area for pups to run around, complete with dog bone-shaped pools, water bowls, and umbrellas for shade. Not to mention the outdoor bar where you can grab a margarita or your beer of choice. Dogs must be spayed/neutured and proof of rabies vaccine is required at the door. A $10 cover charge goes to a local dog rescue. Dog “bouncers” walk around to keep order, but make sure to keep an eye on your dog and clean up after them.
Rainy day? Check out Wild Air Beerworks, which allows dogs inside on-leash. They don’t serve food, but you can bring your favorite sandwich or order in! We love their mango sour.
5. eat a doggy meal
Pass by the local pub Kim Marie’s at any time of day and you’ll see a number of dogs at the outdoor tables, enjoying entrees off their doggy menu. Tip: Entrees come with meat and vegetables, but you can ask for just a doggie burger for $5.00. Still downtown? The Asbury Ale House offers a doggy menu as well.
6. listen to live music
In a town made famous by Bruce Springsteen and known for its music scene, it would be remiss not to catch some live music while you’re in town. And your pup doesn’t necessarily have to stay at home. Stop by Low Dive on the boardwalk or head back to The Asbury Hotel to jam to some tunes performed by the so many talented local artists. Music is flowing almost every night of the week, but check their websites’ events calendars or Instagram pages for schedules.