Is your favorite dog full of energy and ready for some sand, surf, and sun? Don’t worry because we’ve found the best dog-friendly beaches in New Jersey for you and your pup to run, splash, and swim.
Click on the beaches in the map below for more info on the beaches, and scroll down for Instagram photos of each beach.
Top Dog 10 Dog Beaches in New Jersey
- 8th Ave. Dog Beach at Asbury Park Beach
- Longport Dog Beach
- Gateway National Recreation Area
- Fisherman’s Cove
- Sunset Beach
- North Wildwood Dog Beach
- Island Beach State Park
- Brigantine North-End Beach
- Barnegat Light Beach
- Stone Harbor Beach
1. 8th Ave. Dog Beach at Asbury Park Beach
1740 Ocean Ave, Asbury Park, NJ 07712
- Fun sandy beach at popular Asbury Park
- Dogs allowed off-leash all day Oct. 1-May 15
- Off-leash pups allowed before 8:30 a.m. and after 6 p.m. May 16-Sept. 30
- People watch on the boardwalk with your on-leash pup Oct. 1-May 15
2. Longport Dog Beach
Route 152 and Ocean Drive Bridge, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08244
- Wide sandy beach for off-leash running and swimming
- Lots of friendly dogs and owners
- Bring your own water, scoop bags, and carry out your trash
3. Gateway National Recreation Area
128 S Hartshorn Dr, Highlands, NJ 07732
- Beautiful ocean-side beaches at Sandy Hook
- Calm, shallow waters at the bay-side beaches of Plum Island and Horseshoe Cove
- Great views of NYC ferries from Horseshoe Cove
- On-leash dogs allowed on Sandy Hook beach Sept. 16-March 15
- On-leash dogs allowed on Plum Island and Horseshoe Cove beaches year-round
- As these are natural preserves, check your pup for ticks when you leave
4. Fisherman’s Cove
383 3rd Ave, Manasquan, NJ 08736
- Visit the eastern side of the beach for some splashy fun with your leashed pup
- Clean up at the dog washing station
- Explore the wooded trails on-leash after the beach
5. Sunset Beach
502 Sunset Blvd, Cape May, NJ 08212
- Enjoy this popular sandy beach with your on-leash pup from Sept. 16 – March 30
- Visit the dog friendly shops and grill nearby
- Your doggy friend is not allowed on the beach from April 1 – Sept. 15
6. North Wildwood Dog Beach
2401-2499 Boardwalk, North Wildwood, NJ 08260
- Wide, sandy, clean, dog-friendly beach marked by a 25-foot hydrant sculpture
- Dogs welcome all day, year round on the beach and the boardwalk at this summer resort destination
- Fresh water and scoop bags available
- Keep dogs on-leash on the beach, but enjoy separate off-leash dog runs for large and small dogs
7. Island Beach State Park
Route 35 S, Seaside Park, NJ 08752
- Lovely beach with sand, tidal marshes, and trails on a barrier island
- Keep your pup on a leash, and avoid the swimming beach between Memorial Day and the first weekend of October
- Let your leashed pup play south of swimming beach year round
- Check for ticks after exploring the natural trails on the island
- Admission $10/vehicle weekends; $6/vehicle weekdays
8. Brigantine North-End Beach
1500 E Brigantine Ave, Brigantine, NJ 08203
- Pristine, quieter sandy beach
- Leashed pups allowed on the north end of the beach year round
- Leashed pups allowed on the rest of the beach Oct. 1 – May 29
9. Barnegat Light Beach
29 E 11th St, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006
- Visit the spacious beach with your leashed pup Sept. 16 – April 15
- Gaze at the historic lighthouse or visit the nearby woods
- Daily admission $5
10. Stone Harbor Beach
2 94th St, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247
- Wide, clean beach with a long stretch of shallow water
- Bring your leashed pup to the beach between 80th and 84th streets
- Dogs allowed before 9 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to sunset year round
- Free parking and beach fees don’t apply during dog hours
Need to leave your dog in New Jersey while you travel? Rest easy knowing that you can easily hire a local dog boarder who will be happy to take care of your pup.