Although most Cape May County beaches don’t allow dogs during the summer months, we’ve compiled a list of beaches as well as dog parks that allow Fido to have some fun in the summer sun!

Wildwood Dog Beach
Poplar Avenue Beach, Wildwood
Fees: Free!
Hours: 6 a.m. to dusk daily
This designated dog beach area features a 25-foot-high fire hydrant sculpture, and stretches over one city block wide and 1,500 feet long. Dogs are able to join their families on the beach and swim in the ocean. Fresh water and waste bags are available. All dogs must remain on leashes unless in the designated fenced in area, which has separate areas for small dogs and large dogs as well as obstacles, toys, water, waste bags and a shaded area for sitting. You are allowed to walk your dog over the Boardwalk at Poplar Avenue to get to the dog beach.

North Wildwood Dog Beach
24th Ave., North Wildwood
Fees: Annual Permit - $10. Permits can be obtained from the City of North Wildwood Clerk’s Office, 901 Atlantic Ave., North Wildwood.
Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk daily
This large fenced in area on the beach in North Wildwood has several fenced in areas within, as well as water bowls and waste bags.

Stone Harbor Beaches
Fees: Free!
Hours: 7 p.m. to sunset daily from June 1 through September 30
Dogs are permitted on the beach from 7 p.m. to sunset. All dogs must be leashed. Dogs and other pets are not permitted at the Stone Harbor Point at any time.

Lower Township Beaches
Fees: Free!
Hours: Before 11 a.m. and after 4 p.m. daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day
Animals are prohibited at the beach between the hours of 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. in-season. Dogs are to be leashed at all times when on the beach. Lower’s beaches run along the Bay coast and can be found by following directions to the Ferry terminal. Make a right rather than turning into the Ferry complex, and the beach will be on your left as you drive north.

Cape May Dog Park
705 Lafayette St., Cape May
Fees: Seasonal - $20; Weekly - $10. Applications and park tags can be obtained from the Cape May City Clerk’s Office, 643 Washington St., Cape May.
Hours: Dawn to dusk daily
This fenced in area allows dogs to go unleashed when within designated free run areas. Otherwise, dogs must be leashed at all times. Fresh, running water is available, and there is a gazebo for shade. Park tags must be visible at all times.

Ocean City Dog Park
45th St. & Haven Ave., Ocean City
Fees: Cape May County Resident - $30 yearly; Non-Resident - $40 yearly; Visitor - $10 weekly. Applications and “Paw Passes” can be obtained at the Ocean City Aquatic and Fitness Center, 1735 Simpson Ave., Ocean City.
Hours: 8 a.m. to dusk daily
This 42,000 square-foot, fenced-in dog park allows you to let your dog off the leash. The sandy soil has three separate areas: one for large dogs, one for small dogs and a dog run area for all dogs. The park features benches, water, waste bags and a keyed gate.

Upper Township Dog Park
1700 Mt. Pleasant-Tuckahoe Rd., Tuckahoe
Fees: Yearly - $30; Weekly - $10. Dog park passes can be obtained at the Upper Township Clerk’s Office, 2100 Tuckahoe Rd., Petersburg, as well as online at www.uppertownship.com under Departments, Clerk/Registrar, Forms.
This large, grassy, fenced in area allows you to let your dog run freely and play on multiple obstacles. Benches are available for sitting.

Your furry friends aren’t just limited to these areas – there are plenty of dog-friendly hotels, restaurants and attractions throughout Cape May County!


Courtesy CMC Herald