Our guests love that we're dog friendly and often ask what to do with the furriest member of their family so we put together some ideas of great walks, beautiful beaches, and places to catch a bite and a beverage with your pup.
MORNING WALK: Make a cup of coffee at the Beach Lodge and walk north about 1 mile down our street to the park at the end. At the entrance there's a dog park for Fido to frolick in and right nearby is Popamora Point Beach which is dog friendly year round. Unleash your beast for a run on this rocky beach and you'll be treated to amazing views of the bay and NYC. That 1 mile+ walk should've worked up an appetite so walk back the way you came and hit up Et Al Fine Food for breakfast you can enjoy in their peaceaful, dog friendly outdoor patio. If you're feeling really indulgent treat yourself to a cider donut for dessert and another coffee at Dock Donuts just a couple blocks away (seasonal). They have a man made beach, picnic tables, shade and fantastic views of Captains Cove Marina.
BEACH WALK: Our favorite walk is right up Miller Hill and over the Highlands - Sea Bright Bridge straight to the locals beach where dogs are free to run ocean side and it's only 15 min door to sand.
HIGHLANDS WALK - We love heading east on Miller Street all the way to Miller Beach around sun down. We stop for an awesome picture of the sun's reflection on NYC ....if it's empty, we'll let the dogs run for a hot second. Then we'll stroll on Shrewsbury Ave to Veterans Memorial Park and admire the grand houses and views before we stop for a cocktail at Proving Ground (see more in Happyt Hour section).
DOG FRIENDLY BEACHES: There's nothing better than watching a dog run with pure joy on the beach nipping at ocean waves. These are the beaches you can play at with your pup.
Popamora Point Beach - Highlands
Sandbox at Seastreak -Highlands -Leashed pups are allowed on this bay beach the entire summer season. It's a great place to bring your 2 & 4 legged kids!
Sandy Hook Gateway National Park: Right over the bridge, this beautiful park is 7 miles of gorgeous bay and ocean beaches, biking trails, camping, old military barracks and home to the oldest working Lighthouse in the US. The bay beach across from Lot C is dog friendly all year and in general, dogs are allowed all along the bay. Dogs are allowed on the ocean beaches Sept 15 - March 15.
HAPPY HOUR: We love hanging at the Proving Ground's huge outdoor seating area where dogs are most welcome. In the cooler months sit at one of the tables with a fire while you snuggle your furbaby and relish the magnificient fall sunsets (they even have blankets). If you want to take a beautiful drive through the area, there are tons of dog friendly breweries within 15-30 min from us. We particularly love the beers and vibes at Ross Brewing's new homebase in Port Monmouth about 20 min drive. Or bring your 4 legged bud to check out the White Chapel Project space in nearby Long Branch which is a cultural center with a brewery, live music and other fun events. Finally, take the beautiful ocean side drive 30 min to Asbury Park for the legendary Yappy Hour at Wunderbar in Asbury Park to watch your mutt strut their stuff in the fun bar/doggie playground (seasonal).
RESTAURANTS: Outdoors dogs are allowed at most restaurants in Highlands at places like: Proving Ground, Franny's, Chubby Pickle, Bahr's Landing, Girls, Seasonal: Moby's, Seafarer, Sandbox, Dock Donuts
DAY TRIP: NYC - Fur babies are allowed on the seastreak ferry so grab a dog bag and comfy shoes and sail into NYC!
For more recommendations, check out our go-to 'gram for dog friendly spots around NJ @monmouthdognj
