Furry friends are invited to come aboard the 110-foot Cape May Whale Watcher for an unforgettable Jersey Shore experience. Departing from the Miss Chris Marina in Cape May, the company offers three tours daily from May through October. The morning and evening tours both circle the island in two hours, providing a unique view of Cape May’s picturesque Victorian homes and lighthouse. The afternoon cruise is all about whales! On this three-hour ‘Cetacean Spectacular’ tour, Captain Jeff Stewart takes you deep into the Delaware Bay Estuary and guarantees you’ll see whales, dolphins, or porpoises (or your next trip is free). After your cruise, Fido can walk off his sea legs with a stroll through the 150-acre vineyard at Cape May Winery.

Built in 1850, the Highland House is an ultra pet-friendly B&B in Cape May. The innkeepers are dog lovers, and all of the rooms are decorated with canine-themed knickknacks. The result is charmingly homey, so you may feel like you’re sleeping over at grandma’s house. Spend an afternoon lounging on the front porch, walk four blocks to the beach, or let Fido play with the other pet guests in the fenced yard.

If your hound was born to run, plan an off-leash romp at the 8th Avenue Dog Beach in Asbury Park. After a game of fetch or Frisbee, jump in the water with your pooch for a refreshing swim. Dogs are always allowed on the beach between mid-September and mid-May. If you are visiting in summer, schedule an early morning or late evening visit, as dogs are not permitted between 8:30 am and 6:00 pm. After Fido’s beach time, get him cleaned up with a grooming appointment at The Dawg Joint, before an evening out together at the Wonder Bar. The rock ‘n’ roll beach bar has hosted some of the biggest legends of the music world over the years, but none more prominent than New Jersey local Bruce Springsteen, who has been spotted at its famous Yappy Hour. The bar’s outdoor space - Tillie’s Landing - is fenced and equipped with a dog agility area.

If you’re looking for a rock-n-roll stay in comfort, The Asbury is the place for your furry VIP. Located just a short walk from the dog beach and Wonder Bar, the hotel features a rooftop lounge and a swimming pool area, which is the perfect spot for hanging out with your pooch during the summer months. When the temperature drops outside, head inside and enjoy live music in the lobby together.

Wildwood Dog Park and Beach stands out not just for its 30-foot tall fire hydrant, but also because it includes one of the largest dog beaches in the world. Begin your visit by allowing Fido to make friends in the fenced, off-leash park complete with agility and climbing equipment, fresh drinking water and separate areas for large and small dogs. If your pooch is hankering for more time in the sand, take him down to the water, where leashed pups are allowed to frolic in the surf. When hunger strikes, take a walk to nearby Dogtooth Bar & Grill, where you can relax on the patio together.

Located within walking distance of the fire hydrant, beach bums on two legs and four can rest up at the Island Breeze Motel.

Ready for a Road Trip?

If this Ruff Guide to New Jersey preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our new book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use discount code GARDEN to save 50% on your copy. Happy Travels!