Buddy. Fido. Bailey. No matter what you call your furry best friend, bringing him along for the ride usually makes whatever you’re doing much better! From kicking back and drinking some cold ones to letting your dog run loose at the beach while you chow down on some sandwiches, we’ve got a list of our favorite Monmouth and Ocean County dog friendly places.

Mark your calendars! August 31st is a National Dog Day Celebration in Seaside Heights! Guests are invited to bring their leashed furry friends to the Seaside Heights Boardwalk and Beach and participating restaurants and bars. Pet friendly vendors will be selling dog toys and goodies on the Boardwalk. Stop by and visit representatives of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.

Top 20 Monmouth and Ocean County Dog Friendly Places

8^th Avenue Dog Beach, Asbury Park
As a local you may have been bringing your dog to the beach all winter long, but now that the summer season is here, it’s even more difficult to find a place where your dog can enjoy the sand and surf too. At Asbury Park’s 8^th Avenue Dog Beach, while the lifeguards are away, the dogs will play. Dogs are welcome to get as sandy and wet as possible from 6pm to 8:30am. Just make sure you grab a BLgT from Hoagitos while you are there! From October 1 through May 15, four-legged friends (as long as they’re licensed and supervised) are welcome on the Boardwalk and the Eighth Avenue Dog Beach.  From May 16 to October 14, dogs are allowed on the Eighth Avenue Dog Beach from 6 pm to 8:30 am. http://www.asburyparkchamber.com/beach.asp

Barnegat Light Dog Park, Barnegat Light
The Barnegat Light Dog Park at the north end of Long Beach Island is open year round. This double-gated park offers a ball field for your little ones and a dog park for your furry ones. If you’re coming off-season, your dog can even take a run on the beach from October 1^st – April 15^th. Located on W. 10th Street near the ballfield. http://www.barnegatlight.org/departments/recreation-department/

Bass River State Forest, Tuckerton
Make your camping experience more like home by bringing along your dog at Bass River State Forest in Tuckerton where there are even designated pet friendly campsites. Take a walk on one of the many miles of trails through the Absegami and West Pine Plains Natural Area and then take a nap with your dog on your bed, we mean sleeping bag. 762 Stage Road, Tuckerton http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/bass.html

Downtown Red Bank
Downtown Red Bank is one of the hippest places to be seen, especially with an adorable furry friend. Dine al fresco at the outdoor tables at any number of Broad Street’s restaurants. Your four-legged dining companion may not want the delicious sushi at The Bistro at Red Bank, but we’re pretty sure you should keep tabs on your Bistro Kobe Burger. Or head down by the river to The Boondocks Fishery, where you can chill on the deck with your pup while you chow down on fresh lobster.

Red Bank Dog Days, Monmouth Street
While you’re in Red Bank, don’t miss out on Red Bank Dog Days on June 28th (rain date July 12), where they shut down a portion of Monmouth Street for you and your four legged friends. Walk the street with your dog(s) and browse dozens of vendors featuring diverse products and services for dogs and dog owners including pet treats, dog bandanas and clothing, toys, collars, leashes, jewelry, artwork and more. Pet rescues and charities will also be on site to promote pet adoptions and awareness of their cause including the ASPCA, Humane Society, Save US Pets, Paws for a Cause and Home Free Animal Rescue.

Confections of a Rock$tar, Asbury Park
Grab a sweet cupcake for you and then one for your furry friend too. At Confections of a Rock$tar, they know just how much dogs mean to us which is why they offer dog and human treats that will have both of you wagging your tail. 550 Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park (732) 455-3510 http:/www.coarock.com

The Dawg Joint, Ocean Grove Pet Boutique, and Paws & Anchor
As pet parents we have to be sure to keep our pup up to date with the latest collars and treat. Visit The Dawg Joint in downtown Asbury Park for bones of all sizes, the Ocean Grove Pet Boutique in Ocean Grove for a new collar, and Paws & Anchor in Bradley Beach for some eco-friendly goodies. The Dawg Joint is located at 513 Bangs Avenue, Asbury Park (732) 455-3145 http://www.thedawgjoint.com Ocean Grove Pet Boutique is located at 60 Main Ave, Ocean Grove  http://www.ogpetboutique.com/

Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, Manasquan
The Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area is lovingly known as the Manasquan Dog Beach, a favorite for four legged beach lovers. A special portion of the beach is designated for dogs – see all the details here. Parking Area: 391 Third Avenue, Manasquan, NJ 08736 Activity Center: 383 Third Avenue, Manasquan 732-922-4080 or 3868 – Ranger Station (at Shark River Park) https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2521

Living on the Veg, Long Beach Twp.
Your dog may not be a vegetarian, but that doesn’t mean he won’t enjoy sitting outside with you at the picnic benches while you enjoy some delicious vegetarian dishes at LBI’s Living on the Veg. There’s even dog bowls full with ice cold water to keep them cool while you’re enjoying your sandwich (sans bacon). 2613 Long Beach Blvd, Beach Haven (609) 492-4066 https://www.facebook.com/Living-on-the-Veg-175542701779/

Photo by Diann Jones on Facebook

Nagle’s Ice Cream & Apothecary Café, Ocean Grove
One of the most popular places where the locals (both furry and not) tend to gather is at Nagle’s Ice Cream & Apothecary Café in Ocean Grove. Sit down for a leisurely breakfast or order an ice cream for your walk (and don’t forget a small vanilla or a side of bacon for your furry buddy). 43 Main Avenue, Ocean Grove (732) 776-9797  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nagles/141082565929847

Ocean County Park Off-Leash Dog Facility, Lakewood
This 4-acre dog park in Ocean County Park offers dogs of all sizes a chance to play in the woods or in the sand. With two parks, one for large dogs and one for small dogs, your four-legged friend will have a blast trailblazing through the grass and making new friends. And if your pup gets thirsty, there’s even a water fountain just for her! http://www.oceancountyparks.org/ContentPage.aspx?ID=a2f4e18e-1a12-4faf-a090-c443ba5483fa

Purr & Pooch, Shrewsbury and Wall
Instead of leaving your dog locked up all day long while you’re out working, bring her to Purr & Pooch for “doggie daycare.” Unlike your human kid, your furry kid will be jumping out of the car to leave you for a day filled with off leash group play on turf, grass, and swimming pools. You can even treat your dog to a salon service from grooming to a massage. It’s daycare at it’s best. 80 West Gilbert Street, Tinton Falls (732) 842-4949 http://purrnpooch.com/

Robert J. Miller Airpark, Berkeley Twp.
Take your furry friend to the airport at Robert J. Miller Airpark where he can run around with the other local canines. Your two legged children will also have fun with a playground and picnic area – hot dogs and burgers are welcome. 901 Route 530,
Berkeley Township, NJ 08721http://www.oceancountyparks.org/ContentPage.aspx?ID=a2f4e18e-1a12-4faf-a090-c443ba5483fa

Sandy Hook
One of our favorite places to go to the beach and explore the marine life is also one of our favorite dog friendly places in Monmouth and Ocean County. Even though your furry kids may not be allowed on the beach, just bring them to the bay-side at Plum Island and Horseshoe Cove where leashed dogs are welcome all year long. http://www.sandy-hook.com/sandy-hook-information.shtml

Thompson Park, Lincroft
One of the best kept secrets for dog lovers, Thompson Park in Lincroft offers 14 miles of trails, a playground, lake, picnic area, and yes, an off-leash dog park. The entire family is guaranteed to stay occupied from sunrise to sunset. 805 Newman Springs Rd, Lincroft (732) 842-4000https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2539

Wolf Hill Dog Park, Oceanport
Minutes away from Monmouth Park Racetrack is one of the best dog friendly places in Monmouth and Ocean County. At Wolf Hill Dog Park, your big or small dog can race their furry friends around the circular park while you take pictures of them being super cute. It’s just like the track without the starting gate! 3 Crescent Place, Oceanport (732) 229-7025 https://www.monmouthcountyparks.com/page.aspx?Id=2548

Photo by Victor Bubadias Photography

WonderBar, Asbury Park
One of the best dog friendly places in Monmouth and Ocean County, The WonderBar is one of the only places in the area where you can enjoy happy hour with your dog. Every weekend, bring your pup to “Yappy Hour” to hang out “at the beach” and “at the pool” from 1-7pm. It’s definitely the happiest of hours for both you and your dog. 5th Ave & Ocean Ave, Asbury Park (732) 502-8886 http://www.wonderbarasburypark.com/

Working Dog Winery, Hightstown
The first time we laid eyes on Working Dog Winery, we couldn’t quite believe it. Set among a sprawling vineyard, Working Dog Winery, part of the Garden State Wine Growers Association, is one of the best Monmouth and Ocean County dog friendly places. On any given weekend, bring along your friends, hairy and not so hairy, some snacks, and then purchase a bottle of wine (or two) while lounging outside under the sun. It’s truly an experience that everyone in your party will want to replicate. 610 Windsor Perrineville Rd, Robbinsville (609) 371-6000  http://www.workingdogwinerynj.com/

Labrador Lounge, Normandy Beach
With ample outdoor seating, Labrador Lounge is the perfect place to take your pup after a walk on the beach. Dine on their creative, beachy cuisine while you breathe in the salty air, and you and your dog can have a nice relaxing meal together! 3581 Route 35 North, Normandy Beach (732) 830-5770 http://www.labradorlounge.com/

Double Trouble State Park, Berkeley
One of the most scenic Monmouth and Ocean County dog friendly places – Take your furry friend for a long, leisurely walk through the loop at Double Trouble State Park, where you can follow the nature trails past a cranberry bog, the historic village, and scenic landscapes. Just be sure to bring a leash! 581 Pinewald Keswick Road, Bayville (609) 726-1191 http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/double.html