Summer dog friendly activities in New Jersey

Summer is just around the corner, which means that it’s time to start making plans with your trusted companion. Aside from dog parks in which there are hundreds located all over the state of New Jersey, there are other spots that you can bring your dog to.

Below are some wonderful places that you and your dog will enjoy!

Turdo Vineyards & Winery
Cape May
Turdo Vineyards & Winery has a lovely dog-friendly patio for enjoying a picnic and a glass of wine. Turdo Vineyards is now the only vineyard and winery in the state of NJ to be run 100% on solar energy! That within itself is a plus.

Mills Reservation
Cedar Grove
This 150-acre oasis remains in its natural state with hiking trails and woods.  The reservation has several walking/jogging trails, including four major trails and numerous smaller trails. One of the four main trails leads to a cliff that overlooks the NYC skyline. Dogs are welcome as long as they are on leash.

The Wonder Bar
Asbury Park
This restaurant/bar offers an outdoor fenced area for pets to socialize. Yappy Hour is every Thursday, from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., from April through September. Dogs get to socialize and mingle while pet parents enjoy a cool drink or cocktail.

Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area
Manasquan
The 55-acre site is a great place to fish, walk on the beach, or go sunbathing. Dogs are welcome at Eastern section of the beach, but they must be leashed at all times to preserve the delicate coastal habitat.

Mountain Lakes Open Space Area
Princeton
A “Central Park” in Princeton, consists of some 400 acres just north of the center of town, most of it open to the public. It has a wide variety of dog friendly hiking trails and two biking trails.

North Wildwood Dog Beach
North Wildwood
The beach is large and has several fenced in areas, one for large and small dogs. The beach offers water, (there’s a hose bib) and bowls for the pups.  They also provide pet waste bags.

8th Avenue Dog Beach
Asbury Park
From October 1st through May 15th, dogs are allowed on the Boardwalk and on the 8th Avenue Dog Beach all day. During the summer, dogs are welcome after 5:00 pm during the week and after 6:30 pm on the weekends. They only allow licensed non-aggressive dogs with adult supervision.

Cape May Whale Watcher
Cape May
Whale and Dolphin Watching with your dog. The Cape May Whale Watcher offers the largest and fastest whale and dolphin watching boats in New Jersey and they are Dog Friendly. If whales or dolphins or porpoise are not sighted, they offer a free pass for another cruise, for all humans aboard at least. Well behaved puppies, ride for free!

Rockleigh Woods Sanctuary and Lamont Reserve
Rockleigh
Offers natural hiking trails that you can bring your dog to. All dogs must remain on leash. Use map trails to indicate hiking difficulty.

As far as restaurants and cafes go, there are many throughout the state whose outdoor seating may be dog friendly, just call them head of time to make sure.

The same goes with ice cream parlors.  Many offer benches outside for visitors who may want to bring their pooch in for a cone as well.

If you live in or near Hoboken you may have run into The Frosty Pooch. It’s an ice cream truck that offers lactose-free and all natural ice cream for dogs.  If you are in the area look out for it!

Do they offer any dog friendly establishments that you like to go to with your dog?  Please comment.