Looking for somewhere with beautiful beaches and classic historic charm to visit with your dog? Look no further than Cape May, New Jersey.
Cape May is America’s oldest seaside resort, and was recently voted the prettiest beach town in New Jersey by Southern Living Magazine.
Enjoy the beaches and some of the best dining in all of New Jersey with your pup by your side. There are plenty of restaurants with patio seating where your dog is welcome, as well as great places to walk.
Here are 7 of the best pet-friendly hotels in Cape May, New Jersey for an unforgettable trip with your four-legged fam.
Related read: What You Need to Know About the Holiday Inn Express Pet Policy
1. Boarding House
Boarding House is a cool surf-inspired hotel within walking distance of all kinds of great places to go with your dog, including restaurants, shops, and scenic locations. Boarding House has a limited number of dog-friendly rooms available, so make sure to mention that you’ll be bringing your dog when you book a room.
You can stay with up to two dogs, each under 80 pounds. “The Boarding House is in the perfect location,” said guest Stacy P. “Walkable to plenty of places and a dog park across the street…they even had welcome cookies for our dogs!”
2. Beach Shack
Beach Shack is a beautiful historic hotel located right on the beach featuring Cape May’s longest bar. You can even bring your dog to the bar, as long as they’re on a leash. You can have one dog under 50 pounds in your room.
Dogs can be left unattended in the room as long as they are crated. Be sure to hang a “Dog in Room” door hanger so that housekeeping will know a dog is present.
Booking a room along with your dog entitles you to the PAWS UP! dog package, which includes the use of a Beach Shack dog bed, food and water bowls, a Frisbee, and more.
“LOVE this place,” said one Tripadvisor reviewer. “I was able to have a few drinks at the bar and have my dog right alongside me. Great place to hang out.”
3. The Blue Fish Inn
This gorgeous 1950s-style motel is located in the heart of town. You are welcome to bring one or two dogs to stay with you, regardless of their size or weight.
There are four dog-friendly designated rooms to choose from; you can leave your dog in the room and it’s not necessary that they be crated.
Just let housekeeping know when you would like them to come by hanging the “Housekeeping Please” sign on the knob.
4. Rhythm of the Sea
Rhythm of the Sea is across from the beach and a brief stroll from the Washington Street Walking Mall. It’s a striking bed and breakfast inn with lovely Victorian architecture.
It features only one room that is pet friendly: the Carriage House, which is a detached unit that offers superb privacy and gorgeous ocean views.
“We stayed in the Carriage with our dogs,” Erin G. said. “It was spacious and had everything we needed, including a view of the ocean and the sound of waves at night. Breakfasts were delicious and even brought to us (the dogs also approved).”
5. The Ashley Rose
This gorgeous, newly renovated historic property offers a main house and separate cottages within walking distance to town, and only two blocks from the beach. All five of the cottages are pet friendly for dogs up to 30 pounds.
Bed and breakfast services are available, and you and your pet can have a whole cottage to yourself with a private entrance and a full kitchen.
6. Red Fox Suites
Red Fox Suites is as dog-friendly as you’re going to find, with private access to your own deck or screened-in patio with every suite. This beautiful home is blocks from the beach and within walking distance of shopping and restaurants.
You can get a bike on a first-come, first-serve basis and enjoy complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas. A big pet-friendly outdoor shower is the perfect place to wash the sand off yourself and your pup after the beach.
“Very welcoming, comfortable and clean,” said guest Darlene L., “in a delightful neighborhood well within walking distance of beaches, shopping. My dogs and I highly recommend!”
7. Madison Avenue Beach Club
Madison Avenue Beach Club is a comfortable and reasonably priced place for you and your pet to stay. Cats and dogs are welcome without size restrictions. Rooms are set aside specifically for pets, so let the Club know that you’re bringing your pet when you make a reservation.
Madison Avenue Beach Club supports rescue as well as making accommodations for your pet dog. A portion of their revenue is donated to the Beacon Animal Rescue.
“Our pet-friendly suite was tiled and clean,” one Tripadvisor guest said. “Spacious for 2 adults and dog. Roomy enough for dog’s dishes and bed. Absolutely no complaints.”
Pet-Friendly Places in Cape May, New Jersey
- The beaches. The beaches of Cape May are dog-friendly from November through March but are not open to dogs during the summer. Therefore, if you’d like to enjoy the beach with your dog, it’s a good idea to plan your vacation during the offseason.
- The Cape May Dog Park. The dog park has a gazebo, plenty of toys, and a dog water fountain. It’s open every day all year from dawn to dusk. However, passes are required to visit the park, so make sure you pick one up from City Hall.
- Beach Plum Farm. Most of the restaurants with patio space in Cape May are dog friendly, but Beach Plum Farm may be the best place to go with your dog. This 62-acre working farm with farm-to-table meals is the perfect place to stroll and dine with your pup.
Looking for more unique accommodations? Check out pet-friendly vacation rentals in Cape May, cabin rentals in New Jersey or some of the most unique Airbnbs in New Jersey.
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