Asbury Park is an oceanfront city in the state of New Jersey. If you’re passing through the area on your way to New York, or just want a spot to play for a while with your furry friends, you’ll want to check out Asbury Park Dog Beach!
Asbury Park Dog Beach is open year-round, but there are limited hours. In addition, there are a few rules you’ll need to be aware of before you bring your pup to play. This guide will tell you everything you need to know before you pack your beach bag.
Before you scroll down to learn more about Asbury Park Dog Beach, check out: Goldendoodle Breeders in New Jersey: Top 7 Picks! (2023) and 3 Best Goldendoodle Rescues in New Jersey! (2023).
Asbury Park Dog Beach: The Basics
Before you visit Asbury Park Dog Beach, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the rules. Most importantly, the beach does not permit dogs during peak season. From May 16 to September 15, you face fines if you bring your dog on the beach or the boardwalk. Please schedule your trip accordingly.
Dogs are permitted off-leash on the dog beach, but aggressive pups must be leashed immediately. Failure to pick up after your dog will result in up to a $1,000 fine, so bring your doggy bags and poop scoops! Furthermore, you must have a license for your dog. This may be purchased from the City of Asbury Park.
A beach pass is required, though the price may vary based on the season and the day. Typically, you can expect to pay $6 on a weekday or $9 on a weekend. However, you can purchase a season pass. Adults will pay $70 and seniors will pay $20. Kids, military vets, and active personnel may access the park for free.
Do not use the 8th Avenue entrance, as this is located on the boardwalk. Instead, use one of the two other entrances. There’s one at Fisherman’s Parking Lot and another located on Deal Lake Drive.
Finally, Asbury Park Dog Beach has lockers, showers, and bathrooms on site. Depending upon the demand, lockers may not be available, so call ahead to make a reservation.
As you can see, there are quite a few rules to be mindful of when you visit. So, is it worth it? Let’s take a look at what others have said about the park.
Asbury Park Dog Beach Details:
- Location: 1738 Ocean Avenue N, Asbury Park, New Jersey
- Phone Number: 732-502-8863
- Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
- Vaccination Required: Yes
- Leashes Required: Yes
- Breed Restrictions: None listed
- Beach Pass: $6 weekdays, $9 weekends (summer months)
- Parking: Metered street parking and paid lots
Asbury Park Dog Beach Reviews
The rules and regulations, of course, are there to protect visitors. Because of the seemingly strict systems in place, Asbury Park Dog Beach is a wonderful place to visit with your pup. The park stays clean, dogs are usually on their best behavior, and human visitors are friendly.
During the summer months, it’s possible to bring your dog to the beach during the evening hours. Call ahead to confirm the times and locations dogs are permitted. Asbury Park Dog Beach visitors say that the evening hours are some of the most fun. Low tide gives plenty of space to roam, and wildlife in the area is abundant.
Doggy bags are provided, but it’s a good idea to bring a couple in case there are none available. In general, visitors agree that dog owners do an excellent job of picking up after their pups.
Parking is ample but is metered. With that said, dog owners generally don’t mind the walk to access points. The boardwalk is off-limits for dogs and one entrance is boardwalk-adjacent. The two other park entrances are accessible, though, and just a short walk to the beach.
In summary, Asbury Park residents and visitors agree that this dog beach is one of the best in the area. Space to play, amenities for the humans, and overall cleanliness make this dog beach a great excursion for pups and their parents.
What to Bring to Asbury Park Dog Beach
Ready to visit Asbury Park Dog Beach? Let’s get your bags packed! There are several must-have accessories you’ll want to pack in your bag before you head out to the beach.
There are showers and bathrooms available at Asbury Park Dog Beach, but if you’re visiting during the winter months when dogs are permitted, you may not feel comfortable with the showers. It’s a good idea to bring a few gallon jugs of tap water and some towels. This will allow you to rinse off before entering your vehicle.
There are water fountains but you can simplify your day by bringing a bottle of water and a travel bowl for pups. Grab a few snacks and treats, too, as many other pups will make your acquaintance! It’s good to have extra to share!
Your dog will need a rabies tag and license, and both must be visible on their collar at all times. Bring a leash, too. Dogs are permitted off-leash on the dog beach only. You’ll need a lead when walking to and from the designated area.
Finally, it’s a good idea to pack some human- and dog-appropriate sunscreen. There aren’t many shaded areas at Asbury Park Dog Beach, so protection from the sun will be your best friend on sunny days.
While You’re in Asbury Park
Asbury Park is a surprisingly dog-friendly community. It’s entirely possible to enjoy a day — or even a full weekend — with your dog. First, you’ll need to choose your lodging. The Asbury is one of the many pet-friendly hotels, or you can check in at the Shoreshack. Check out local Airbnbs as well, as many host pets. Please be sure you call ahead to learn about any breed or weight restrictions.
The Wonder Bar is a fantastic place to bring your dog when you work up an appetite. Happy Hour is a regularly scheduled event, and Happy Hour proceeds benefit designated charities. Check with the restaurant’s Facebook page for upcoming events. The Wonder Bar is for patrons 21 and older, so if you have kids a better option would be The Chat & Nibble. They have dog-friendly seating outdoors.
If you’re in the mood to bring your dog to a park but don’t want to deal with the sand, there are many doggie parks in Asbury Park. Want something a little more creative? Visit Hot Sand Glass Studio, which offers dog-friendly glass-blowing classes.
If you’re in town for an event that doesn’t allow dogs, doggy daycares are in abundance. The Dawg Joint offers full-day, cage-free care for just $30. Camp Bow Wow costs just $36 and offers a camp-like experience for your dog. Plan for this in advance, as there’s a (free) required meet-and-greet before you book.
We’ve only listed a handful of the dozens of activities that are pet-permitted in Asbury Park. With a little planning before you venture out, you can find many more that are a perfect fit for you and your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are limitations based on the time of year. During peak season from May 16 to September 14, dogs are only allowed on the beach in Asbury Park from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Yes. The beach pass is $6 on weekdays and $9 on weekends and holidays.
Visitors are allowed to swim and surf at Asbury Park beach.
Conclusion for “Asbury Park Dog Beach”
Asbury Park Dog Beach is a comparatively strict but clean and welcoming dog park in New Jersey. You’ll find all the amenities you wish for in a park, including bathrooms and showers. Additionally, the beach is kept clean and well-maintained by patrons and by the city.
Once you’re done exploring the dog beach, plan to spend at least a day with your dog in the city! Restaurants, hotels, art studios, and shops dot the streets of the little city and you will find plenty of businesses that will welcome both you and your furry friends.
If you find this guide on Asbury Park Dog Beach helpful, you might like:
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- 5 Best Cavapoo Breeders in New Jersey! (2023)
See dogs playing at Asbury Park Dog Beach by watching “8th Ave Dog Beach in Asbury Park, 6.26.21” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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