5 fabulous dog-friendly spots in Monmouth County

By:  | April 18, 2024 |  Features |  Monmouth County

By Ryan Loughlin

As all dog owners know, one of the main reasons you get a dog in the first place is for companionship. But all to often, when you attempt to bring your canine companion with you, you end up running into a bunch of “no dogs allowed” policies, which can quickly put a damper on the fun day you had planned with your best friend.

Luckily, Monmouth County has quite a few spots where dogs are as welcome as everyone else, and now that the weather is warming up, many of these spots are becoming more and more inviting to visitors – on both two legs and four.

Here are five of the best dog-friendly places in Monmouth County:

1. The Asbury Park Boardwalk, Asbury Park – While most boardwalks frown upon doggie visitors, Asbury Park’s welcomes leashed dogs from Sept. 15- May 14, each year. Not only are the boards themselves accessible, but many of the restaurants on the boardwalk (and even some downtown) allow you to dine outdoors with your pooch. Most will even offer fresh bowls of water for your dog, and the occasional dog menu is not unheard of either. Once you are done cruising the boardwalk, head down to the 8^th Avenue Dog Beach, where dogs are allowed to run free off-leash (from May 15 to Sept. 14 dogs are only allowed on this beach before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.)

2. Bell Works, Holmdel – Indoor options for dogs are notoriously limited, but Bell Works in Holmdel is the exception to that rule. A unique destination offering dining, shopping, artwork, games and a variety of exhibitions and activities, Bell Works serves as a great place to take your dog on a day when the weather is refusing to cooperate. Wander the massive space and explore the various farmers and makers markets that happen throughout the year. BellWorksFresh.com.

3. Red Rock Tap + Grill, Red Bank – The indoor space is human-only, but anyone who has been to the sprawling outdoor patio at Red Rock Tap + Grill in Red Bank knows that is where the party is at anyway. And the best part is, your doggo is invited! Guests can dine and drink with leashed dogs as they sit at picnic tables and enjoy the lovely atmosphere of this fun nightlife spot. Fido can even rock out to the live bands that appear each weekend (weather permitting). RedRockRB.com

4. Wolf Hill Dog Park, Oceanport – Many dog parks consist of relatively small, confined spaces that can quickly get overcrowded. But Wolf Hill Dog Park in Oceanport offers canines a massive, sprawling four-acre space to run off-leash with their four-legged friends. The larger, circular space is for dogs 35 pounds and up, but there is also a smaller fenced area should you need a place for your petite breeds to run free. Parking is plentiful and both water and pet waste stations are available. MonmouthCountyParks.com

5. Tommy’s Tavern + Tap, Freehold/Sea Bright – Finding a space to hang with your dog when the weather isn’t cooperating can be a challenge, but Tommy’s Tavern + Tap in Freehold has you covered (literally). Their outdoor space is fully protected from the elements and includes a full bar and flatscreen  TVs to watch the game with your furry friend. Add to that a menu of some of the most mouthwatering bar food in the area, and you have your whole day planned and ready to go! TommysTavernAndTap.com