North Jersey
Thirsty for a cold one with the (good) boys … and girls? North Jersey’s craft beer scene – spanning both the Skylands and Gateway Regions – is the place to be and bow-wow. Roll into Hackettstown and grab an IPA at Czig Meister Brewery or a lager at Jersey Girl Brewing Company. Get happy at Angry Erik Brewing in Newtown. And enjoy gluten-free beer at Departed Soles Brewing Company in Jersey City. They’re all pleased to greet you and your pooch. Of course, these breweries are just four of more than 50 must-sip stops along the Jersey Brews Trail – make sure to sign up for the trail and visit before November 7, 2024 to earn great swag.
Of all the lakes in New Jersey, Lake Hopatcong is the largest by far. It’s also the star of Hopatcong State Park in Landing, where you can stroll trails, go fishing, pack a picnic and more. Outdoor adventure also abounds at Allamuchy Mountain State Park in Stanhope and Hacklebarney State Park in Long Valley (all located in the Skylands Region). You can also get to the Gateway Region to visit South Mountain Reservation in West Orange and Ramapo Valley County Reservation in Mahwah.
If you’d rather march in the footsteps of General George Washington’s Continental Army, leash up your doggo and report to Morristown National Historical Park, where American Revolutionary War sites are sure to wow. Or see what’s growing in the Garden State with a visit to Ort Farms in Long Valley – where dogs are welcome in the pumpkin patch. Both of these attractions are nestled into the serene Skylands Region.
Staying the night? Check in to one of these pet-friendly area hotels: Best Western Inn Plus Morristown Inn, Hyatt House Jersey City, Element by Westin, Harrison/Newark or The Wilshire Grand Hotel (West Orange).
Central Jersey
In search of a dog-friendly botanical garden? You’re barking up the right tree with Rutgers Gardens in North Brunswick, where you can stroll through 180 acres of annuals, perennials, herbs, veggies, drought-resistant plants, woods, hollies, shrubs, ornamental grasses, native plants, evergreens, shade trees and a bamboo grove.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more tranquil outdoor setting to enjoy an artisan hard cider paired with delicious farm-to-table fare with your furry bestie by your side than Ironbound Farm & Ciderhouse in Asbury. This regenerative farm also plays host to entertaining events that will have you begging for more.
Gather a group of your vino-loving pals, pack some snacks, leash up your pup and claim your patch of grass to enjoy the varietals coming out of Working Dog Winery in Hightstown. Looking for a swirl-and-savor getaway? Explore our 3-Day Road Trip Wine Tasting that spans the Garden State from top to bottom. Top Tip: Check with individual vineyards on the itinerary to determine if they allow dogs on site before dashing out the door with Fido.
Grab the day by the horns at Bull’s Island Recreation Area in Stockton which grants you easy access to the always-dog-friendly Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park. Of course, Central Jersey is covered in even more expansive green spaces to explore with your canine sidekick – including Sourland Mountain Preserve in Hillsborough, Round Valley Recreation Area in Lebanon and Duke Island Park in Bridgewater.
Extend your visit by making a reservation at one of these dog-loving hotels: Nassau Inn (Princeton), Woolverton Inn (Stockton), Hampton Inn & Suites (Robbinsville), Residence Inn Bridgewater Branchburg or Staybridge Suites (North Brunswick).
South Jersey
Now that the summer crowds have packed up their umbrellas, towels, shovels and pails, many New Jersey’s beaches and boardwalks are going to the dogs in the very best way. From the Shore Region, through the Greater Atlantic City Region and into the Southern Shore Region –leashed pets are welcome to romp and play the day away. Find your perfect fall down-the-shore destination here – and be sure to review their dog policy, which varies by municipality.
One of the most coveted beach towns nestled into the Southern Shore Region along our 130 miles of coastline is Cape May, America’s Original Seaside Resort. Travel back through time to explore the grounds of New Jersey’s largest open-air living history museum at Historic Cold Spring Village – you and your doggo can even stop in for refreshments at its Cold Spring Brewery. Indulge your high-flying fascination at NASW Aviation Museum and experience behemoth fun with Cape May Whale Watcher.
In the Shore Region, Asbury Park is a must-visit with your pooch. Start by making a keepsake Hot Paws glass craft together at Hot Sand. Frolic and play by the crashing surf at Asbury Park Dog Beach – accessible by entrances at Deal Lake Drive or the north end of the Fisherman’s Parking Lot. Also, be sure to pop in to Wonder Bar before their always-popular Yappy Hour season comes to a close for the year (check their website for dates and times).
You can also create your own happy hour at dog-friendly breweries across the Shore and Delaware River Regions including Oyster Creek Brewing in Waretown, Carton Brewing Company in Atlantic Highlands and Eclipse Brewing in Merchantville. For all the latest on pumpkin ales, Oktoberfest brews and other sensational seasonal sips around the Garden State, check out Fall Craft Beers in New Jersey.
Extend the fun and stay in style down the shore at The Asbury Hotel, the Boarding House (Cape May) or Seaview, A Dolce Hotel (Galloway). Further inland, you can spend the night at the Hampton Inn Pennsville or Holiday Inn Express & Suites (Vineland).
Looking for additional trip inspiration? Download our free travel guide and subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter. And please visit the official websites or social media pages of your destinations before you hit the road with your beloved tail-wagger for the very latest pet policy details.
