A trip to the Jersey Shore doesn’t mean you have to leave your dog at home. If you’re looking for a place for your dog to run free, go for a swim, or dig holes in the sand, here are some of the most dog friendly beaches in New Jersey.
Know Before You Go
Know the Rules: Read up on the rules before getting in the car. Many beaches have restrictions depending on the time of day and year, so make sure you know them before getting in the car.
Arrive Prepared: Some beaches have water and waste disposal stations while others are carry in, carry out. Make sure to bring poop bags and drinking water for your dog.
Consider the Conditions: Even if a beach is open to dogs in the middle of the day in August, it might not be the best time to go. Sand can get extremely hot and outside temperatures can soar. Consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon during warmer months, and always bring enough drinking water for your dog.
Be Respectful of Others: Always clean up after your dog, and abide by leash rules in leash-only areas. Dogs should always be supervised and under control, even in off-leash areas.
New Jersey Off-Leash Dog Beaches
Need an area for your dog to run off-leash? Look no further than these New Jersey off-leash dog beaches. Just remember to clean up after your dog and supervise them at all times.
Wildwood Dog Park and Beach (Exit 6)
Location: Located between Glenwood and Maple Avenues in Wildwood.
Hours: The dog park is open daily. The dog beach is open from dawn to dusk.
Rules: Dogs on the beach must be leashed at all times. Dogs within the dog park may be unleashed. Rules are posted at the entrance.
Asbury Park Dog Beach (Exit 102)
Location: The beach area located around 8th Ave. Use the Deal Lake Drive entrance onto the beach or the entrance at the north end of the Fisherman’s Parking Lot.
Hours: May 16 – September 14: Dogs are allowed 6:00pm to 8:30am (they WILL kick you off promptly at 8:30am). Dogs are also not allowed on the boardwalk at any time. September 15 – May 15: Dogs are allowed at all times on the dog beach and boardwalk.
Rules: Dogs must be licensed and supervised at all times. Uncontrolled or aggressive dogs must be immediately leashed and removed from the area.
Longport Dog Beach (Exit 30)
Location: Malibu Beach Management area in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Located at the base of the Ocean Drive Bridge on the Longport side across from the fishing pier.
Hours: Dogs are allowed at all times.
Rules: 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.
New Jersey Dog Friendly Beaches (On-Leash)
Want your dog to be able to enjoy the beach without off-leash dogs running up to them? Visit one of these dog-friendly beaches where dogs are required to be on-leash.
Gateway National Recreation Area-Sandy Hook (Exit 117)
Location: 128 South Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, New Jersey
Hours: Dogs are allowed on bay-side beaches all year round. Dogs are allowed on ocean-side beaches from September 15 – March 15.
Rules: Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.
Fisherman’s Cove (Manasquan) (Exit 98)
Location: 391 Third Ave., Manasquan, New Jersey
Hours: Dogs are allowed on the east portion of the beach during the day year-round. Closing time is 6 p.m. through February 11, 6:30p.m. February 12-March 9, and 8 p.m. March 10-31.
Rules: Dogs must be on-leash at all times.
Island Beach State Park (Exit 82)
Location: Seaside Park, between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay
Hours: Dogs are allowed on non-swimming beaches year-round and other beaches from Memorial Day Weekend to the first week of October.
Rules: Dogs must be on a minimum 6 foot leash at all times, even when they go into the water. There is a $5 – $20 entrance fee, depending on the time of week and year, and whether you are an NJ resident. Pet waste must be carried out.
Brigantine Dog Beach (Exit 38)
Location: Follow East Brigantine Ave. to the end and you will see the entrance to the beach at the end of the seawall.
Hours: Dogs are allowed in the Natural Area from October 1st to May 29th. Dogs are allowed on the North-End Beach any time.
Rules: Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times.
What’s Your Favorite Beach?
What’s your favorite place to bring your dog? Let us know in the comments!