Dog Friendly Beaches in New Jersey

Dog friendly beaches are heaven on earth for Fido. And since sandy paws equal happy dogs, we’ve sniffed out the best beaches in New Jersey where dogs can run, swim, and frolic in the sand. Use the links/map below to find a dog-friendly beach in New Jersey.

Pet Friendly Gateway National Recreation Area
Gateway National Recreation Area The Gateway National Recreation Area in Highlands, NJ is pet friendly between certain dates. Dogs are not permitted on ocean-side beaches at Sandy Hook Unit from March 15 through September 15 due to piping plover season. Pets are permitted on bay-side beaches at Plum Island and Horseshoe Cove throughout the year, but must always be on a leash. Dog owners must carry out all trash, and make preparations for carrying out dog waste. Parking is $20 in the summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day. See Details
Pet Friendly Asbury Park Dog Beach
Asbury Park Dog Beach Pet-friendly Asbury Park Dog Beach in Asbury Park, NJ welcomes Fido all day long between mid-September and mid-May. In summertime, you and Fido should plan an early morning or evening visit as dogs are prohibited between 8:30 am and 6:00 pm. If your hound was born to run, plan an off-leash romp at this popular beach. After a game of fetch or Frisbee, jump in the water with your pooch for a refreshing swim. See Details
Island Beach State Park Island Beach State Park is a pet-friendly island barrier on the coast of Seaside Park, NJ. Stretching 10 miles in total, the sand dunes offer a varied and interesting area for plants and animals to thrive. From Memorial Day weekend through the first of October, pets are not permitted on the ocean swimming beaches. Leashed pets are permitted south of these areas during this time period. Pets are not permitted on the Spizzle Creek Bird Blind Trail at any time. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that their pooches leave behind. See Details
Wildwood Dog Park & Beach The Wildwood Dog Park & Beach is located between Glenwood and Maple Avenues in Wldwood, NJ. The dog park is open daily, and the dog beach is open from dawn to dusk. All rules for the Wildwood Dog Park & Beach are posted at entry and must be followed. Fresh water and clean up bags are available on site. Dogs on the beach must remain leashed, and leashes in the park are optional. See Details
Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area in Manasquan, NJ is the last undeveloped tract on the Manasquan Inlet. The 55-acre site is a great place to fish, walk on the beach, or go sunbathing. Dogs are welcome at Eastern section of the beach, but they must be leashed at all times to preserve the delicate coastal habitat. Be mindful that the Western section of the beach does not allow pets. See Details
Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area Check out the dog-friendly Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area in Cape May, NJ. This half-mile stretch of beach allows leashed and under-control pups from September through April. Parking areas near the beach may be closed during the summer. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that their pooches leave behind. See Details
Longport Dog Beach Longport Dog Beach, also known as Somers Point Dog Beach or Malibu Beach, is an off-leash area in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, welcoming dogs of all sizes to enjoy the sand and water. The beach is situated at the base of the Ocean Drive Bridge on the Longport side, across from the fishing pier. Owners must bring their own water and waste disposal items. There are no trash receptacles, so be prepared to dispose of all trash off site. Please note there's very limited parking on site. Parking on the shoulders of the roadway and the nearby bridge is strictly prohibited. Improperly parked vehicles will be ticketed and towed at the owner's expense. See Details
Barnegat Light Beaches Bring Fido to splash in the water at the pet-friendly Barnegat Light Beaches in Barnegat Light, NJ. Dogs are only allowed on the beaches from October 1st through April 15th. All pups visiting must be on a leash at all times, and owners must clean up after them. See Details
John C. Bartlett, Jr. County Park at Berkeley Island John C. Bartlett, Jr. County Park is a dog-friendly beachfront park at Berkeley Island in Bayville, NJ. The area spans 25 acres and offers scenic views of Barnegat Bay. The park features paved walkways, a family-oriented spray park, picnicking spots, crabbing/fishing pier, and various recreational amenities. You can even bring Fido to the southern shoreline where he can cool off in the water and meet other dogs who frequent this popular spot. Just be sure to keep your pup leashed and cleaned up after. See Details
Brigantine Beach North End Leashed dogs are allowed on the city-owned Brigantine Beach North End in Brigantine, NJ year-round, and in the Natural Area from October 1st to May 29th. Please be sure to check Brigantine Beach's website for any updates on temporary closures. See Details
Stone Harbor Beach The Stone Harbor Beach is a dog-friendly area in Stone Harbor, NJ. Bring Fido along for a beach day with stroll along the shore and maybe even a picnic! Dog hours are between 7:00 PM and sunset May-October. Pups must remain leashed. See Details
Bay Head Beach Bring Fido for a stroll or picnic on Bay Head Beach in Bay Head, NJ. After Labor Day, leashed dogs are welcome to join you as you enjoy this beautiful beach. Dogs are not permitted in the summer. See Details
Beach Haven Doggy Bay Visit the pet-friendly Beach Haven Doggy Bay in Beach Haven, NJ. During the off-season, from September 16th until May 14th, leashed pups are welcome to join their owners for a fun day in the sun. However, from May 15 until September 15, dogs are not permitted on the beach anywhere within the Borough of Beach Haven. Make sure you clean up any mess that your pup leaves behind. See Details
North Wildwood Dog Beach The North Wildwood Dog Beach is a pet-friendly area for pups in Wildwood, NJ. The area is sandy, fenced, and features agility obstacles. There is also a shelter on site. Remember to bring a water bowl and waste bags. See Details
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. See Details
Sandy Hook Sandy Hook in Middletown, NJ is a great pet-friendly place for a day trip to the beach with Fido. Leashed dogs are allowed on the bay side all year round but are only permitted on the beach during the off-season between September 15th and March 15th. See Details
Malibu Beach Malibu Beach in Longport, NJ is dog friendly all year long. This small but lovely beach is protected as a nesting habitat for lots of endangered birds. You can check out the beach with your pup if they are on a leash and all mess is cleaned up after them. See Details
Spring Lake Beach Spring Lake Beach in Spring Lake, NJ is dog friendly, but seasonal restrictions apply to beach-goers who bring Fido. Dogs are permitted on the beach at the intersection of Pitney Avenue and Ocean Avenue from September 30th to May 15th during the off season. In the peak summer months, dogs are not allowed on the beach except for a fenced area near Pitney Avenue which is accessible from sunrise to 9am. Dogs are not permitted on the boardwalk at any time. See Details
North Cape May Beach Take Fido for a beach day at North Cape May Beach, a dog-friendly beach located in West Cape May, NJ. The sandy shores allow leashed dogs to catch some rays and enjoy the waves. The beach borders Delaware Bay and can experience drastic changes with the tides. Please note that dogs are not permitted on the beach during peak hours in season. See Details
Ventnor City Beach Ventnor City Beach is dog friendly on a seasonal basis with the purchase of a Beach Badge. Your leashed companion can join you on the beach from May 15th to September 30th between 7pm and 9pm, but only on areas washed by the tide line. From October 1st until May 15th, Fido has all-day access in areas washed by the tide line, but must also remain leashed. The City of Ventnor requires Beach Badges from Memorial Day through Labor Day for visitors over the age of 12. Badges can be purchased at Ventnor City Hall or on the beach by any Beach Badge Inspector. See Details
New Jersey