Best Time To Visit

New Jersey sees most of its visitors at the height of summer when families plan their trips "down the shore." It's certainly busier and pricier, but the hot weather helps to warm up the chilly water. For your pet friendly trip to New Jersey, fall is a nicer time to visit. More beaches welcome pets after Labor Day, and the weather is perfect for exploring the fantastic state parks. From late September until the end of October, the daytime highs hover in the 60s and 70s, and the skies are usually clear and sunny. The crowds return when the trees begin to turn and finding hotel deals becomes more difficult. For the best rates on lodging, plan your trip for the quiet months between November and April.

Things Not To Miss

Look for the gigantic fire hydrant marking Wildwood Dog Beach, where dogs on leashes are welcome all day, every day.

Pack a picnic and enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island from the two-mile promenade at Liberty State Park.

Stroll the seaside resort of Cape May, a National Historic District known for its 600 grand Victorian buildings. Then hop aboard the Lewes-Cape May Ferry for a fun day in Delaware's rapidly growing Cape Region. 

Explore dozens of intact buildings and several nature trails in the beautifully preserved ghost town of Batsto Village, located in New Jersey’s Pine Barrens.

Pets in carriers or wearing muzzles can go for a ride on the free Staton Island Ferry for amazing views of lower Manhattan, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty.