Dog walking in Point Pleasant

Point Pleasant Beach

The great thing about Point Pleasant Beach is that there are lots of sidewalks around town to walk about and sniff some new smells. You can walk adjacent to Jenkinson’s Boardwalk, even if you can’t walk right on it, and still take in lots of local scenery. And what the beach area lacks in dog parks, it makes up for in dog-friendly dining. If you’re looking to cool off during the dog days of summer, nothing beats Stewart’s Root Beer, where you’ll find 12 outdoor tables for dog-friendly seating. Lap up a classic root beer float, or enjoy a diner classic, like a burger or grilled cheese. If a cafe is more your style, try the Green Planet Coffee Company. Dogs are not allowed inside, so you’ll have to tie up Fido or leave him with a friend, but you are welcome to sit in the chairs outside and sip your cup with your pup by your side.

Borough Center

Riverfront Park is one of the few grassy parks in Point Pleasant. It’s the pawfect place for a scenic walk with your furry friend. As long as you’ve got your dog leashed, you can enjoy the paved walking trail that lines the perimeter of the park. You’ll also find open meadows for picnics, grills for barbequing, and a playground. If your dog can resist the urge to go fetch, you might even consider a match of bocce ball on the boccee courts. When it’s time to chow down, you and your furry best friend can hang out at one of the four outside tables at the Local Urban Kitchen. There you’ll find healthy meal options. Select a vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, or meat-lovers meal. Crowd favorites include the vegan “big boy” (a breakfast medley), the blackbean burger, and the mocha raspberry latte. Bone-appetit!

Beaver Dam / Route 88

Looking for a place to play with your pup? Check out the Beaver Dam Creek Park. This 40-acre county park has plenty of open space where you can have fun with Fido. Enjoy a short walking trail through the marsh and meadows, or have a picnic with your pup. For the humans, you’ll also find two playgrounds, six acres of playing fields, a tennis court, and a basketball court. Nearby, you’ll also find the Slade Dale Sanctuary, a nature preserve along the Beaver Dam Creek where you can walk through the preserve to admire the wetlands. Dogs must stay leashed at all times. You’ll also need waste bags, just in case.

Brielle Rd/ 1st Ave

The nearby town of Manasquan has some furtastic options for you and your dog, especially in the Brielle Road/1st Avenue area. With the inlet nearby, it's s a pawsitively lovely beach neighborhood. Check out the east side of the Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, a 55-acre strip of land near the inlet. On-leash dogs are allowed to use the eastern section of the beach year-round. Bury some bones in the sand, splash in some waves, or sunbathe. All that digging and swimming is sure to make you hungry, so check out Riverside Cafe. This family-owned restaurant is popular with local dog-lovers who enjoy the outdoor, dog-friendly seating. You can find breakfast, lunch, and dinner staples, and best of all, they offer a yappy meal for pups that’s doggone delightful. If you’re feeling a more Mexican vibe, check out Taco Surf where dogs can sit outside with their people. You may want to find a human friend to watch Fido, though, as dogs are not allowed inside to place orders.

Asbury Park City Center

Asbury Park is one of the most dog-friendly cities in New Jersey, and the City Center area has a ton of puptastic options to enjoy. Your pup can get the true Jersey Shore experience at the 8th Avenue Dog Beach. During the off-season, dogs are allowed to roam free (no leashes necessary), run on the sand dunes, dig holes, and splash in the water. During the summer season, dogs can still run the park off-leash during the hours of 6 PM - 8:30 AM. Remember, your waste bags and some water. On-leash dogs can walk the boardwalk in Asbury Park for a view of the beautiful beach and historic buildings. If someone’s been a good dog, check out K9 Confections for gor-mutt treats, or swing into Paws Pet Boutique for a little poochy dress. When you’ve worked up some thirst, loosen your collar and sip a cocktail at Wonderbar. A local favorite watering hole for dog lovers, here you can grab a drink and listen to live music in their fenced in patio, complete with doggy pools. They have the best Yappy Hour in town. If your feeling more like a meal than a cocktail, Pop’s Garage serves Mexican in a dog-friendly environment. You’ll drool over their tacos. They’ll also provide a water dish for your dog.