Pet Friendly Beaches at the Jersey Shore
Dogs are honorary family members, and they deserve to get out and explore the Jersey Shore and our amazing beaches just as much as we do. We’ve compiled a list of pet-friendly beaches from Monmouth County to Cape May for you to bring your dogs this summer, as well as during the off-season.
Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area – 391 3rd Ave, Manasquan
Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area is the last undeveloped tract on the Manasquan Inlet. Dogs are welcomed on the Eastern section of the beach all year round but must be leashed.
North Wildwood Dog Beach and Park – 3000 Boardwalk, Wildwood
Located between Glenwood and Maple Avenues in Wildwood, the dog beach is open from dusk – dawn and the dog park is open daily. Pets must be leashed. Take the underpass to get to the beach as dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk.
Gateway National Recreation Area – 26 Hudson Rd, Highlands
Pets are permitted on bay-side beaches at Plum Island and Horseshoe Cove throughout the year, but must always be on a leash. During peak season – September, dogs are not permitted on any of the oceanside beaches.
Asbury Park Dog Beach – 1738 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park
From mid May to mid September, Dogs are not permitted on the Boardwalk. Dogs in Asbury Park can enjoy the Asbury Park Dog Beach during specified hours before 8:30am and after 6pm. Dogs that are licensed, supervised, and leashed are welcome on the Boardwalk at all times from September 15, 2024 to May 15, 2025.
John C. Bartlett, Jr. County Park at Berkeley Island – 399 Brennan Concourse, Bayville
This 25-acre Bayfront park located in Bayville is pet friendly and offers scenic views of the Barnegat Bay. You can bring your pup to the shoreline to cool off in the bay as long as your pet remains leashed.
Longport Dog Beach – Ocean Dr, Egg Harbor Township
Longport Dog Beach, also referred to as Somers Point Dog Beach or Malibu Beach, is a designated off-leash zone in Egg Harbor Township for dogs of all sizes. Longport Dog Beach is located at the foot of the Ocean Drive Bridge on the Longport side, directly opposite the fishing pier.
Brigantine North End Beach – 1500 E Brigantine Ave, Brigantine
Leashed dogs are permitted on the city-owned Brigantine Beach North End in Brigantine year-round, and in the Natural Area from October to May.
Stone Harbor Beach – 202 122nd St, Stone Harbor
Stone Harbor Beach is dog friendly May – October after 7pm. Watch the sunset with your pup and take a stroll as long as your pup remains leashed.
Sunset Beach – 502 Sunset Blvd, Cape May
This beach remains popular to tourists each year due to its close proximity to the SS Atlantus, which has been “grounded” at Cape May Point since 1926. The beach becomes pet friendly mid-September – March and pups must remain leashed.
Bayshore Waterfront Park – 719 Port Monmouth Rd, Middletown
Bayshore Waterfront Park, located in Middletown, NJ, is a lovely beachfront recreation area that is dog-friendly. You can bring your leashed pet to enjoy a scenic walk in the park or along the beach all year round.
Island Beach State Park – 2401 Central Ave, Seaside Park
Memorial Day weekend through the first of October, pets are welcome at Island Beach State Park, a pet-friendly barrier island off the coast of Seaside Park. However, they are not allowed on the ocean swimming beaches during this time. Pets must be kept on a leash south of these areas and are not allowed on the Spizzle Creek Bird Blind Trail at any time.
Beach Haven Doggy Bay – Taylor Ave, Beach Haven
Leashed pups are welcome to join their owners at the pet-friendly Beach Haven Doggy Bay in Beach Haven, NJ during the off-season, from September – May. During peak season, dogs are not permitted on the beach anywhere within the Borough of Beach Haven.
Ocean City Beach – Ocean City
Between October – April, leashed dogs are allowed to walk on the beach and boardwalk. From May – September, Dogs are not permitted in those areas.