Cape May County is a wonderful place to bring your best friend along with you! We've gathered some helpful information about places you can bring your dog with you around town. Please make sure to confirm with individual businesses and municipality websites prior to visiting as policys are always subject to change.
Dogs are permitted on Cape May City Beaches during the months of November, December, January, February and March. Dogs shall be kept on a leash at all times and be accompanied by their owner or caretaker. The owner or caretaker shall carry a dog waste disposal device. Any owner or caretaker of a dog who permits such dog to leave animal waste on the Boardwalk, Promenade, beach without disposing of same shall be subject to penalties.
Area Allows dogs from September 1 to April 30. Higbee is owned by the State of New Jersey and is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Although you may see dogs year-round, it is not technically permitted. We would recommend reading NJ Department of Fish & Wildlife WMA Regulations for more information.
Dogs are permitted from November 1 through March 14. Dogs must be leashed at all times on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs must be accompanied by an owner over 12 years of age.
Allows dogs September 15 to April 15th
Leashed animals are permitted anytime of the day during the off-season. Animals are prohibited at the beach between the hours of 11:00 am and 4:00 pm in-season (Memorial Day - Labor Day). Dogs are to be leashed at all times when they are off of the premises of the possessor and it is mandatory that people clean up after their animals. Lower's beaches run along the Bay coast and are quite narrow compared to Cape May's. Follow directions to the Ferry terminal, then make a right rather than turn into the Ferry complex. The beach will be on your left as you drive north. Park where you can find a space and enjoy!
Dogs are prohibited at Cape May Point State Park and the Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge in an effort to protect vulnerable chicks of the federally threatened Piping Plovers and Least Terns.
5 West Pub - You’ll enjoy fabulous food and cool cocktails in a casual pub atmosphere! Happy Hour Daily 3-6pm (All Day Sunday) Big Screen TV’s too!
Beach Plum Farm - Discover the old and open spaces of Beach Plum Farm, our 62-acre working farm tucked away in West Cape May.
Bella Vida Garden Café - A charming family friendly neighborhood cafe with lots of home cooking. Soups, salads, fresh seafood & more.
The Blue Pig Tavern at Congress Hall - Signature American fare – nostalgic, simple and fresh – featuring local seafood and produce in a warm, relaxing atmosphere.
Elaine’s - Get excited to dine in our restaurant, on the Porch, or in the newly expanded Phinney’s Pub, where our culinary staff works hard to deliver the freshest ingredients and finest cocktail options Cape May has to offer.
Fins Bar & Grille - Fins Bar and Grille on the Washington Street Mall serves lunch, dinner and cocktails daily.
Harbor View - The place to be if you like beautiful sunsets, great food and fun times. Arrive by car or arrive by boat and enjoy Cape May’s best view of the Harbor.
Harpoons on the Bay - “Paradise Found!” Situated directly on the Delaware Bay with sunsets to die for, at Harpoon Henry’s, you’ll have to agree you’ve found paradise!
Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille - Classic American fare with a nod to Cape May’s great seafood, more than 30 draft & bottled beers. All new for 2016 – a completely redesigned open-air dining room and oceanfront patio bar, with unparalleled panoramic views.
Oceanview Diner & Family Restaurant - A family owned and operated diner/family restaurant in beautiful Cape May. Oceanside setting, warm hospitality, and oversized portions. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Mario’s of Cape May - Mario’s Pizza and Italian Eatery is a family-run business and more than just a pizza place.
Saltwater Café - A unique twist on all the great standards you’d expect from a cafe, plus some delicious, exclusive recipes found only here …and a marina view which can’t be beat.
Tisha’s - Fine Italian, New-American and Seafood in a tradition of love and passion for food and people.
Uncle Bills’ Pancake House - Breakfast is served all day with over 15 different types of pancakes, waffles, french toast, fabulous omelets, farm fresh eggs and meats. Uncle Bill’s has pet friendly outside dining and an extensive lunch menu too!
7 Mile Brewery - We make great beer as interesting as the people who drink it.
Cape May Cycle Cruises - “Cape May Cycle Cruises is the first and only pontoon pedal boat in South Jersey! An active way to experience the beautiful Cape May Harbor from the water with family and friends.”
Cape May Point State Park - An ideal location for birding, picnics, and nature walks
Cape May Promenade - Cape May’s promenade runs parallel to Beach Avenue and stretches for nearly two miles, taking you on a scenic walk or run past Cape May’s beaches.
Cape May Whale Watcher - The 110 foot Cape May Whale Watcher has been dolphin and whale watching in the Cape May, Wildwood, Stone Harbor, Atlantic City and the rest of the New Jersey Shore area since 1993.
Cape May Winery - Quality wines, exceptional service, and a relaxing atmosphere that makes everyone feel a part of our family after the first sip!
Cold Spring & Middle Township Bike Paths - Combined, Cold Spring Bike Path (2.7 miles) and Middle Township Bike Path (8.9 miles) will take you from Historic Cold Spring Village all the way to the Cape May County Park and Zoo.
Cold Spring Brewery - Good beers for a great cause! New Jersey’s first non-profit brewery. Supports Historic Cold Spring Village an open-air living history museum.
Jessie Creek Winery - A boutique winery tucked away by the bay in Cape May Court House. Here you can experience the intimate side of wine production and get a feel for hands-on vineyard cultivation.
Nauti Spirits Distillery - Artisan spirits, handcrafted from ingredients harvested from area farms. The facility features a tour, Tasting Room and Bottle Shop. Innovative cocktails, using fresh ingredients, created onsite, daily.
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum - Naval Air Station Wildwood (NASW) Aviation Museum is a non-profit museum located at the Cape May Airport inside historic Hangar #1.
Slack Tide Brewing Company - Slack Tide Brewing Company has a simple philosophy: create diverse and high-quality beer made with all-natural ingredients sourced locally whenever possible.
Sunset Beach & the SS Atlantus - Miniature golf, shopping, a grille (open in season), and the wrecked SS Atlantus—an experimental concrete ship (yes, concrete!) that ran aground during a storm in 1926.
Willow Creek Winery - The only Napa-style winery located on Cape May Island. Pet-friendly patio.
• First, keep your dog on a leash that is no more than 6’ long.
• Your dog may not ride in the back of a pick-up truck, as this violates state laws governing cruelty to animals.
• You must clean up after your dog! Droppings must be disposed of in a sanitary manner (scooper, paper towel and plastic baggie are the tools for this task). Failure to do so could result in a $100 fine for each violation.
• Dogs are permitted on Cape May City beaches and promenade only during the months of November, December, January, February and March. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times and be accompanied by their owner or caretaker.
• By city ordinance, dogs are not permitted on the Washington Street Mall under any circumstances, whether or not controlled by a leash. There are signs to this effect posted at mall entrances. Although people break this rule, we would urge you to follow it so that you aren't subject to any penalties.
• Some stores in Cape May are pet-friendly, but not all, so please ask the shopkeeper before entering.
Cape Veterinary Hospital - Hours: Monday – Friday 8AM-8PM – Saturday 8AM-2PM Cape Veterinary Hospital - Hours: Monday – Friday 8AM-8PM – Saturday 8AM-2PM Located: 305 Swainton-Goshen Road Cape May, NJ 08210 Telephone: 609-465-9326
Ocean View Veterinary Hospital - 24-hour emergency veterinary services and extended care hours during the evening and on weekends. Located: 2033 Route 9 North Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 Telephone: 609-486-5025
Red Bank Veterinary Hospital - A 24-hour emergency animal hospital in Linwood, New Jersey, about 45 minutes from Cape May. No appointment needed. Located: 535 Maple Ave Linwood, NJ 08221 Telephone: 609-926-5300
Parkway Veterinary Hospital – Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30AM – 7PM Friday 8:30AM – 5:30PM Saturday 8:30AM – 3PM Sunday: CLOSED Located: 1173 Route 9 South Cape May Courthouse, NJ 08210 Telephone: 609-465-5590