New Jersey, known for its picturesque coastline, offers a myriad of stunning beaches for you and your furry friend to explore.
If you’re looking for the perfect place to let your four-legged companion frolic in the sand and surf, we’ve got you covered! Dive into this guide to discover the top dog-friendly beaches in New Jersey, complete with details on hours and locations.
Get ready to unleash your pup’s inner beach bum and create unforgettable memories together!
1. Longport Dog Beach (Somers Point)
Located at the base of the Ocean Drive Bridge in Somers Point, Longport Dog Beach is an off-leash haven for dogs and their owners. This spacious, sandy beach provides a safe environment for your furry friend to socialize, swim, and play to their heart’s content. The beach is open year-round, 24 hours a day, and there’s even a designated doggy swimming area.
Location: Ocean Drive Bridge, Route 152, Somers Point, NJ 08244
Hours: Open 24/7
2. Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area (Manasquan)
Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area, fondly referred to as the “Dog Beach” by locals, is a beautiful, tucked-away gem in Manasquan. With a picturesque view of the Manasquan Inlet, this beach provides ample space for your dog to romp around off-leash during designated hours. In the off-season (October 1st to April 30th), dogs are allowed on the beach all day. From May 1st to September 30th, dogs are only permitted after 6:00 PM and before 8:00 AM.
Location: 391 Third Ave, Manasquan, NJ 08736
Hours: Off-season – All day; Peak season – 6:00 PM – 8:00 AM
3. Island Beach State Park (Seaside Park)
Although dogs are not allowed on the swimming beaches of Island Beach State Park, they are welcome on the non-recreational beach areas, provided they are leashed. This pristine park offers miles of picturesque shoreline for you and your pup to explore together. Be sure to check the park’s website for seasonal hours and entrance fees.
Location: Central Ave, Seaside Park, NJ 08752
Hours: Varies seasonally; check the park’s website for details
4. Wildwood Dog Beach (Wildwood)
Situated between Glenwood and Maple Avenues, Wildwood Dog Beach is a dedicated off-leash area for your pooch to play in the sand and surf. This spacious beach features a 25-foot-tall fire hydrant sculpture, doggy waste stations, and fresh water for your furry friend. Wildwood Dog Beach is open year-round, but dogs are only allowed on the adjacent public beach during off-season (October 1st to May 14th).
Location: Glenwood Ave & the Beach, Wildwood, NJ 08260
Hours: Open 24/7
5. Asbury Park Dog Beach (Asbury Park)
Asbury Park Dog Beach, located on the northern end of the Asbury Park Boardwalk, is a popular destination for dog lovers. During the off-season (September 16th to May 15th), dogs are allowed to roam off-leash on the beach. In the peak season (May 16th to September 15th), dogs are welcome on the beach only between 6:00 PM and 8:30 AM.
Location: 7th Ave & the Beach, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
Hours: Off-season – All day; Peak season – 6:00 PM – 8:30 AM
6. Stone Harbor Dog Beach (Stone Harbor)
Stone Harbor Dog Beach is situated at the end of S. 122nd Street, near the Stone Harbor Point. This beach allows leashed dogs to explore the sandy shores and splash in the waves. With a picturesque backdrop and plenty of open space, it’s an ideal spot for you and your pup to unwind.
Location: S. 122nd St & the Beach, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
Hours: Open 24/7; dogs must be leashed
7. Bayshore Waterfront Park (Port Monmouth)
Bayshore Waterfront Park offers scenic views of Sandy Hook Bay and the New York City skyline. While dogs are not allowed on the swimming beach, they are welcome to explore the park’s other beach areas and walking trails as long as they are leashed. The park also features picnic areas, fishing spots, and a playground.
Location: 719 Port Monmouth Rd, Port Monmouth, NJ 07758
Hours: 8:00 AM – Dusk; dogs must be leashed
8. Sandy Hook (Gateway National Recreation Area)
Sandy Hook, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, is a dog-friendly beach destination that boasts beautiful views, historic sites, and nature trails. While dogs are not allowed on the guarded swimming beaches, they are permitted on unguarded beaches and multi-use pathways year-round, provided they are leashed.
Location: 58 Magruder Rd, Highlands, NJ 07732
Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; dogs must be leashed
Welp, that’s all she wrote
New Jersey’s beautiful coastline offers a variety of dog-friendly beaches to delight both you and your canine companion. From off-leash paradises to picturesque state parks, there’s a perfect beach destination for every pup.
So grab your dog, pack your beach essentials, and make your way to one of these amazing dog-friendly beaches in New Jersey!
Dennis and Becca, have always shared a passion for manโs best friend. As dog enthusiasts, they put together articles that inform, engage, and captivate fellow dog lovers.