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Sunset Beach

Paw prints can be found in the sand from leashed dogs at the pet-friendly Sunset Beach in Cape May, NJ from mid-September through March. This beach is a popular attraction due to its proximity to the concrete ship SS Atlantus, which has been "grounded" at Cape May Point since 1926. You'll also find gift shops and restaurants nearby. Visit Website

Or call (609) 463-6415 or email dwieland@co.cape-may.nj.us for more information.

Reviews

BringFido Guest Rating

Sunset Beach has received a rating of 3.2 out of 5 bones by 13 canine critics on BringFido.

  • Sue
    Aug 12, 2022
    Dog friendly beach

    Dogs are allowed on the beach before 11 and after 4. We got there at 10:00. we didn’t stay long because it was already hotter than blazes in the early August heat wave! The beach itself is ok. There were lots of stones, which I like to collect but not walk on.

  • Angela
    Sep 12, 2021
    Dogs not allowed in gift shops.

    very disappointed to drive all the way down here to find out that dogs are NOT allowed in gift shops at all. I get it about the beach - but the gift shop has a BiG Sign saying Service Dogs Specially Trained - WHAT?

  • Christopher
    Aug 18, 2018
    Great for peace and privacy

    I have a small dachshund so this is my favorite dog beach in NJ. Compared to longport its much , much less dogs running around and for small dogs ita nicer so they dont keep getting hit by big dogs. I go every other weekend, there is a sign that says no dogs till after labor day but I just head left of the sign and there is no one around in any direction every time I go. I let her run free, but I also bring a weighted leash in case. Never seen a trooper or anything, I clean up my dogs mess, and the sunset is amazing each time too!

  • Carol
    More than a year ago
    Bay side

    Dogs can be on the beach on the bay side before 11 am and after 4pm only on certain blocks. The sign says it's a private public beach whatever that means. My dog and I were the only beings on the beach well except the seagulls. Won't be back. .. Poplar Ave beach in Wildwood is the place for dogs

  • Susan
    More than a year ago
    Fair

    Go to Higbee's Beach instead. Might even see a few nude bathers (for a treat) . Be careful though of Lyme's as it's a little of a hike through the woods to get there. Look for signs of the old hotel that used to be there. Some say the beach is haunted.

  • Coconut
    More than a year ago
    awesome

    my puppy loves the beach

  • Kara
    More than a year ago
    2 signs

    We just went yesterday saw one sign wen we pulled up that said keep does on lease n then another as we were leaving saying no dogs allowed April through sept. ops we had our 2 dogs there they loved it, beach had tons of pebbles, not a large beach area, but it was very nice. We kept them on leases n they were well behaved. Would love 2 go back but don't want 2 get in trouble. I'm bummed that it's saying now does aren't permitted April through sept :(

  • Janaina
    More than a year ago
    Discouraging

    I was so happy to have found a decent dog beach only to read at the end that it is now only after Labor day that I can take my dog there, any more bad news?

  • Amanda
    More than a year ago
    No longer year round for dogs

    I just called and they said that they are enforcing that dogs are not allowed on the beach from May thru Sept :(

  • Bryan
    More than a year ago
    Swim and Sun

    Of the NJ dog beaches this is the best. My guys are often just hanging with me under the umbrella off leash. Many folks walk by and enjoy saying hi. If your bud is a swimmer SOLD! My guys love going out in the water with me for a few laps.

  • Denise
    More than a year ago
    Peace and Grace

    If your Dog and you want quiet beach time this is the place to go at the end of the day. The Sun sets over the water as the US flag is lowered each day. Great way to close a day and relax by the waters edge with your pup by your side or splashing in the small waves.

  • CM
    More than a year ago
    Secluded

    When I stopped at the Visitor Center for a map to get better directions the guide stated this was not a dog beach. She was wrong. Sunset Beach does allow dogs. It is a bit off the beaten track and not many dogs were there actually. But, my pup (black lab) loved it. It is a pebble beach and not many shells and very small. But it does allow dogs. So, don't let them tell you otherwise because dogs aren't allowed many more places in Cape May. Too bad but beach was great for my dog.

  • Crystal
    More than a year ago
    Beautiful and Quiet

    This beach is a lovely, quiet place to spend the day. All of the dog owners that I've encountered are considerate and keep thier dogs close to them. The dogs have a ball in the water and the occassionaly boater will pull up to the beach to spend the day as well.
    I haven't been to the restaurant or gift shop, as I make a right at the end of the entrance path and head off to the quietest part of the beach.
    Don't load yourself down with too much stuff if you go to this beach, as the walk through the dune to arrive at the beach is a bit longer than you would expect. Parking areas fill up quickly, so begin your day as early as you can.

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