Summer is the perfect time of year to pop in for some rest and Rock n Roll at the gem of the Jersey Shore, Asbury Park. This seaside music hotspot is known for its sandy beaches, historic boardwalk, and launching the careers of American rock royalty… like Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi.
A pup and family friendly playland by day and thriving live music scene by night, Asbury Park has small town Jersey charm with big city kicks. No matter if you are a surfer, foodie, or into browsing trendy boutiques, a trip to Asbury is a good time for the whole pack.
Here are our Fido-vetted picks for a getaway to the coolest surf town on the Jersey Shore.
Image Courtesy of Shutterstock
Where to Stay with Your Pup
Asbury Park has amazing dog-friendly accommodation options. From the chic Asbury Hotel, complete with a rooftop lounge that has glorious views of the Atlantic, to The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel where you and Fido will lap up luxury, listening to waves crash outside your window. And if you're in the mood for a more homey stay, we found you the top Superhost Airbnbs just a stone’s throw from the beach.
Image Courtesy of The Asbury
The Asbury Hotel
The Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel
Groovy Private Studio Airbnb
The Sea Breeze Cottage Airbnb
Where to Eat and Drink with Your Pup
From craft cocktails and crème brûlée to beers and boardwalk hotdogs, Asbury Park has mouth-watering picks of almost any cuisine you can think of within a two block radius. We highly recommend hitting Cafe Volan for your caffeine cravings, and for pizza, it’s truly a toss up between Porta and Talula’s. To satisfy your sweet tooth, head down to Purple Glaze Donuts where you and Fido can both enjoy a homemade treat!
Image courtesy of Porta
Cardinal - New American Breakfast & Brunch
Taka - Japanese
Cafe Volan - Coffee, Pastries, Avocado Toasts
Reyla - Modern Mediterranean
Porta Pizza - Pizza
Pascal & Sabine - European Brasserie
Talula’s - Pizza, Bar, Bakery
Purple Glaze Donuts - Baked treats for your pup too!
Things to Do with Your Pup
Starting in late summer, The Asbury Park Boardwalk opens up to dogs on leash! This is the best time to explore all the beautiful historic sights and yummy goodies along the sea together. Head over to 8th Avenue and Deal Lake for some off-leash beachside fetching and splashing. And, it wouldn’t be a pup trip to Asbury Park without a stop at Yappy Hour at Wonder Bar after your rollicking summertime fun.
Image courtesy of Yappy Hour at Wonder Bar
8th Avenue Dog Beach - Off leash allowed before 8:30am
Deal Lake Dog Beach - Check the link for off-leash dates and times
The Boardwalk - Dogs allowed from September 15 through May 15
Yappy Hour at Wonder Bar - Thursday through Mondays
Things to Do without Your Pup
Call up the guys and dolls down at The Dawg Joint to book your pooch for a day at the spa, so you can hit the spots in Asbury Park where pups can’t roam.
If games are your thing, take a stroll down memory lane for bowling or a show at the vintage bowling alley and live music venue, Asbury Lanes, or become a pinball wizard at the ultra-retro Silverball Arcade. For the best brews and views, head to Asbury Festalle and Biergarten, which has a 9,000 square foot outdoor rooftop biergarten.
Also, make sure to check out who is playing at The Stone Pony during your stay. The Pony is an old Springsteen watering hole, known for being one of greatest rock clubs of all time. This summer shows are rocking out in the open air by the beach at The Stone Pony Summer Stage!
Image Courtesy of Brunswick Bowling
Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten
Silverball Retro Arcade
The Stone Pony
Asbury Lanes
Services for Your Pup
We have you covered for all your Asbury Park pup care essentials. From grooming and day care at The Dawg Joint to all natural dog treats baked fresh daily from K9 Confections, Asbury Park has everything your pup might need during your stay. Don’t forget to stop by Hot Sand to create your own Hot Paws one-of-a-kind glass art pup paw impression!
Image Courtesy of Planetware
The Dawg Joint - Grooming, Day Care, Pup Supplies
K9 Confections - Locally Made Dog Treats
Hot Paws - Glass Dog Print Making Instruction
City by the Sea Veterinary - Asbury Park Vet and Daytime Urgent Care
Garden State Veterinary Specialists - Nearest 24/7 Urgent Care in Tinton Falls, NJ
Image Courtesy of NY Post
At Roverlund, we pride ourselves on our keen sense of style and flair for fun, which is why Asbury Park is our favorite northeastern beach destination for pup adventures. We know you will have an unforgettable time together at the Jersey Shore's most iconic seaside escape. So pack up your Out-of-Office Carry-All and zip your pooch in their matching Out-of-Office Pet Carrier, and hop over to Asbury Park for summer vibes by the sea! P.S. Asbury is super-grammable… so remember to tag us in all of your photos!