Dog Friendly Beaches in New Jersey

Is there anything better than going down the shore? Being able to with your pups in tow, of course! While New Jersey is home to dozens of beaches along its 141-mile coastline, pet policies vary greatly between them. To save you from the stress of accidentally planning a weekend getaway to one of the less accommodating towns, we researched the most dog-friendly beaches in New Jersey. In total, we came up with nine coastal gems worthy of you and your pup’s time. Check them out, below.

Our best dog-friendly beach picks in New Jersey

• Asbury Park Dog Beach in Asbury Park

• Longport Dog Beach in Egg Harbor Township

• Gateway National Recreation Area in Highlands

• Island Beach State Park in Seaside Park

• Wildwood Dog Park and Beach in Wildwood

• Barnegat Light Beach in Barnegat Light

• Beach Haven Doggy Bay in Beach Haven

• Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area in Cape May

• Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area in Manasquan

Asbury Park Dog Beach — Asbury Park, NJ

Asbury Park is not only one of New Jersey’s premier beaches, but the nation’s. The small beach town, situated 90 minutes from both New York City and Philly, is home to a spacious, mile-long stretch of beach that welcomes sunbathers, swimmers, surfers, shell collectors, and their dogs. While dogs are only allowed on the boardwalk off-season, they can romp on or off-leash at the Asbury Park Dog Beach year-round, with specified hours during peak season. After a morning beach sesh, head over to Cardinal Provisions for breakfast on the patio with your pup. 

Know before you go:

• Leash rules: Off-leash allowed, but dogs must be responsive to voice control 

• Hours: 24/7

• Anything else: Dogs are granted all-day, on- and off-leash during the off-season, September 15 to May 15; dogs are permitted 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. and after 6 p.m. during peak season; dogs must be leashed while on the boardwalk

For more information about Asbury Park Dog Beach, click here. 

Longport Dog Beach — Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Longport Beach has specific seasonal leash laws along the oceanfront, but Longport Dog Beach is a year-round, leash-optional area at the base of Ocean Drive Bridge, where pups are permitted to roam free, so long as their license is up to date and they remain within voice control. Pet parents are especially fond of Longport Dog Beach because, being on the bay side, tumultuous waves are less of a concern. Plus, Ozzies, a popular pet-friendly lunch spot, isn’t too far away.

Know before you go:

• Leash rules: Must be leashed at all times

• Hours: Guarded beaches open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Anything else: Dogs are allowed on the beach at all hours during the off-season, from October 1 to April 30; from May 1 to September 30, dogs are only allowed on the beach from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

For more information about Longport Dog Beach, click here. 

Gateway National Recreation Area — Highlands, NJ

Gateway National Recreation Area is a 27,000-acre preserve situated across the New Jersey-New York border. With a focus on protecting natural coastal habitats, you might think that the Recreation Area wouldn’t allow dogs, but the National Park Service, which oversees the area, understands the need to maintain spaces for pups to explore, too. As such, dogs are permitted to roam the bayside beaches of Plum Island and Horseshoe Cove (Sandy Hook) year-round. That said, they must always be on leash. For off-leash fun nearby, check out Wolf Hill Off-Leash Dog Park, located 20 minutes south of Gateway. 

Know before you go:

• Leash rules: Must be leashed at all times

• Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Anything else: Dogs only permitted on Bay-side beaches at Plum Island and Horseshoe Cove (Sandy Hook) throughout the year

For more information about Gateway National Recreation Area, click here. 

Island Beach State Park — Seaside Park, NJ

Island Beach State Park is a top pick for pet parents looking to stroll, jog, and run with their pupper. With close to 10 miles of wide, flat, sandy beach (albeit dotted with marshes), there’s ample shoreline to explore with your dog in tow. Just keep in mind that Island Beach State Park is a major destination for birding, so if your pup gets fixated on birds, it might not be the best beach for you. 

Know before you go:

• Leash rules: Must be leashed at all times 

• Hours: Dawn to dusk 

• Anything else: Dogs are banned from swimming beaches Memorial Day through October 1

For more information about Island Beach State Park, click here. 

Wildwood Dog Park and Beach — Wildwood, NJ

Wildwood Beach is renowned for being home to the nation’s best boardwalk. The 38-block planked path features endless entertainment, with waterparks, shops, and free beach access. Unfortunately, though, it’s not dog-friendly. Thankfully, the nearby Wildwood Dog Park and Beach is. A short walk from the boardwalk, the Wildwood Dog Park and Beach allows pups of all sizes to run and play, off-leash in the park and on leash at the beach. Once your pups tire themselves out, head over to Stella’s Cafe or Uncle Bill’s Pancake House for breakfast or lunch. 

Know before you G=go:

• Leash rules: Leashes are optional in the park; required on the beach

• Hours: Daily from dawn to dusk

• Anything else: Dogs are allowed year-round

For more information about Wildwood Dog Park and Beach, click here. 

Barnegat Light Beach — Barnegat Light, NJ

For a peaceful, scenic, seaside outing with your pup, meander over to Barnegat Light Beach. There, you’ll find "Old Barney," the historic lighthouse, and a dog-friendly policy that calls for leashes. After your beach stroll, take a quick 20 minute drive into town to grab brunch, lunch, or dinner at The Old Causeway or a more casual meal at The Boatyard. 

Know before you go:

• Leash rules: Must be leashed at all times 

• Hours: 24/7

• Anything else: Dogs are only allowed on the beach during the off-season, from October 1 to April 15

For more information about Barnegat Light Beach, click here. 

Beach Haven Doggy Bay — Beach Haven, NJ

Beach Haven Doggy Bay is a blast for pups who don’t mind staying on leash. Because there aren’t specific leash lengths listed online, visitors may be able to get away with long leads, offering pups more room to romp and play. Beyond the beach, pooches are permitted at Cool Beans Coffee Shop, Nardi’s Tavern, and Beach Haven Fishery.

Know before you go:

• Leash rules: Must be leashed at all times 

• Hours: 24/7

• Anything else: Dogs are only allowed on the beach during the off-season, from September 16 to May 14

For more information about Beach Haven Doggy Bay, click here. 

Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area — Cape May, NJ

Cape May isn’t only known for its natural diamonds, it’s also home to one of New Jersey’s dog-friendly beaches, albeit only during the off-season. Pups must remain leashed and well-behaved so as to not disturb the wildlife, but in doing so, they get to stroll one of the state’s most scenic beaches. In town, drop in for a meal at the dog-friendly Harpoons on the Bay, Vintage BYOB, or Barefoot Bar & Restaurant. 

Know before you go:

• Leash rules: Must be leashed at all times

• Hours: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Anything else: Dogs are only allowed on the beach during the off-season, from September through April

For more information about Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, click here. 

Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area — Manasquan, NJ

Fisherman’s Cove is another coastal conservation area that allows dogs on leash. For off-leash fun, pups and pet parents can head over to Thompson Park in Lincroft, where there’s a designated 1 1⁄4-acre area for dogs over 35 lbs and a separate, smaller yard for dogs weighing less than 35 pounds.

Know before you go:

• Leash rules: Must be leashed at all times

• Hours: 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

• Anything else: The Western section of the beach doesn’t allow dogs

For more information about Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, click here.