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Many places in the US are getting more and more dog-friendly, and New Jersey is no exception. Dogs are now allowed in many public spaces, from parks to cafes and restaurants. Because of that, your dog can be much more than just a cuddle buddy. If you train your puppy properly, it doesn’t have to sit at home the entire day waiting for you to come back. In fact, your four-legged best friend can be a good companion for various activities in your life. Whether you’re a Jersey resident or are just visiting with your furry friend, you might need help planning dog-friendly activities. To give you a few ideas, we’ve compiled this list of the best places in New Jersey to visit with your dog.

Parks

Every puppy needs exercise in order to stay fit and healthy. Dog parks are great places for your dog to run around and explore freely. Also, they’re great for socializing with other dogs, especially if your dog is young. There are many great dog parks in New Jersey, and here’s a list of those we liked the most.

Lincoln Dog Park (Jersey City)

This large park on the west side of Jersey City is definitely one of the best places to visit with your dog in New Jersey. It’s a free-of-charge park with plenty of space for your furry friend to explore. Smaller dogs have a designated separate area, so you won’t have to worry about them getting hurt during play. Apart from the dog facilities, this park has a few resting spots for the owners. If you and your dog have just moved to the area, experts at Ryder Relocations NJ suggest visiting this park. It will be an excellent place for you to socialize with other dog owners and make friends in a new city.

Dog parks are great for your dog to run around and play in.

Sirius Dog Park (Bayonne)

Located next to the Bayonne Bridge, this park is every dog owner’s dream come true. It features two fenced areas, one for small dogs and one for big ones. You can safely unleash your dog there, as you can be sure they won’t be able to run away. There are a few exercise ramps in the park, so your dog can have a dynamic workout and shaded areas where you can rest. Also, you’ll be able to find convenient facilities such as a water fountain and a bag dispenser.

South Mountain Dog Park (Maplewood)

South Mountain reservation is one of Maplewood’s greatest natural treasures. This is why this dog park is not only enjoyed by puppies but also by their owners. It features two fenced areas which allow your dog to enjoy their leash-free time. If your furry best friend gets overwhelmed, there is a calm area where dogs can relax. There is also some agility-training equipment available on-site. If you want to sit down and rest while your dog is having fun, plenty of seating options exist in the shaded areas.

Beaches

Now that the weather is getting warmer, spending a day at the beach is a great option. New Jersey has a relatively long coastline. This means that if you’re moving to NJ from far away, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Once you find the right long distance moving team, the only thing left to do is to enjoy the coast with your dog. Here are some of the best dog-friendly beaches in NJ.

Dog-friendly beaches are some of the best places in New Jersey to visit with your dog.

Asbury Park Dog Beach

Located in the city of Asbury Park, this lovely beach is a must-visit with your puppy. The soft sand is perfect for playing catch or tug of war. After you’re done, your dog can freely take a dip in the ocean. The beach is all fenced-in, so you won’t have to worry about your furry best friend running away. While dogs aren’t permitted on other beaches in Asbury Park, they’re welcome year-round here. However, keep in mind that during the summer months, the beach is open for dogs only in the evening and early morning.

Manasquan Dog Beach

Apart from being very popular with fishing enthusiasts, Manasquan Beach is a dog-parent favorite. It is, by no doubt, one of the best places in New Jersey to visit with your dog. There’s plenty of space to stroll around, and the water is just the right depth for your puppy to enjoy danger-free. Dogs need to be on a leash at all times at this beach. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t have the time of your life here.

Berkeley Township Dog Beach

If you and your dog ever wind up in Ocean County, NJ, make sure to visit Berkeley Township Dog Beach. This delightful beachfront space has all the amenities of a dog park with scenic ocean views. You’ll be able to find dog waste bags and water fountains, which are not that common for dog beaches. There are two designated off-leash areas where your dog can run freely. This beach is very popular with the locals, so you’ll have no problems making friends with the other owners.

Cafes

While running around with your dog is fun, sometimes you just want to relax and have a cup of coffee and a snack. Luckily, your furry best friend doesn’t have to be excluded from that experience. There are plenty of fantastic dog-friendly cafes nowadays. Wherever you are in New Jersey, you’re guaranteed to find one to your liking. Here are our favorites.

Going out for food and drinks is more fun with your pup by your side.

Wonder Bar (Asbury Park)

If you want to spend a sunny weekend in a beachside cafe, Wonder Bar is the place to go. They host a Yappy Hour each weekend from 12 to 6 pm, and it’s a perfect socializing opportunity for you and your dog. The entire cafe is fenced so that you can forget about the leash. In the summertime, they also put rubber pools out for dogs to cool down in and tennis balls to play with, which is super considerate.

Red Eye Cafe (Montclair)

This cozy coffee shop in Montclair welcomes all kinds of dogs to their outdoor seating area. You can chill out in the sun with your furry friend while enjoying a cup of coffee and maybe some pastries. The atmosphere here is very dog friendly: they provide water bowls and dog treats, so your puppy can get its well-deserved snack. Occasionally they host special dog-themed events like ‘Pups and Pints .’During these, dogs are allowed in the interior of the coffee shop as well, so you should definitely check it out if you’re in the area.

Parker (West New York)

Just across the river from Manhattan Island lies West New York, and this lovely coffee shop is in its heart. The outdoor area where the dogs are allowed is extremely spacious, and furry friends are more than welcome. While you’re enjoying one of their excellent coffees and snacks, they will gladly provide your dog with a bowl of water and treats. Their only requirement is that your dog is friendly, which shouldn’t be too hard!

Restaurants

Going out to eat is a great way to socialize and try out new things. If you feel guilty about leaving your dog at home when you go out for food, there’s a solution. And while many restaurants aren’t dog-friendly for sanitary reasons, the ones that are have grown in popularity recently.

Rusty Nail (Cape May)

If you’re looking for high-quality seafood in southern New Jersey, look no more. Rusty Nail is the perfect place to have a fantastic meal while your dog keeps you company. However, you’re not the only one that gets to eat like a king here. They have an entire menu devoted to our four-legged friends. It consists of foods made with dog-friendly ingredients, such as plain chicken, steamed vegetables, and so on. Both you and your pup will love it, so make sure to check it out if you’re in the area.

9th and Coles Tavern

This lovely, laid-back restaurant in Jersey City offers plenty of options for every palate. They do classic American cuisine and have plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on their menu. Outdoor seating is available during warmer months, which is when you can bring your dog with you. Their friendly staff will be more than glad to accommodate your dog’s needs and will provide water and snacks on request.

Surf Dog Bar & Grill (Woodbine)

As its name states, this Woodbine-based restaurant is as dog-friendly as it gets! You can enjoy a variety of mouth-watering dishes here, including burgers, seafood, and hotdogs. Dogs are allowed on the patio at all times, as long as there’s outdoor seating available. Furthermore, they occasionally host dog-themed events during which dogs are allowed indoors, so keep an eye out for those as well.

Final Words

All in all, NJ is a very dog-friendly state. This is why picking out the best places in New Jersey to visit with your dog wasn’t easy. Our furry friends are welcome in many places, which is convenient for multiple reasons. You can spend quality time with your pup and enjoy its company. Socializing with other dog owners is also a plus, as you can share stories about your four-legged best friends. There are plenty of amazing options to choose from for your next outing with your dog, and you won’t be wrong whichever you prefer.

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