15 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in New Jersey

New Jersey, often called the “Garden State,” is a wonderful state in the United States. It features bustling cities, beautiful suburbs, hills, and pristine beaches.

There is much to take in and experience in this state, making it a great tourism hub, especially due to its closeness to the Atlantic Ocean.

In addition to its natural beauty, New Jersey is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for humans and pets. This is especially evident in the state’s many dog-friendly beaches, where your pets can enjoy the soothing beach weather.

Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, there’s no better way to spend a summer day than having fun with your furry friend at one of the dog-friendly beaches in New Jersey.

These beautiful dog-friendly beaches are creatively designed and managed to ensure that your fur babies remain happy, safe, and feel welcome at all times.

Here is a list of the top dog-friendly beaches in New Jersey.

Dog-friendly Beaches in New Jersey

1. Asbury Park – 8th Avenue Dog Beach

Asbury Park – 8th Avenue Dog Beach is one of the top dog-friendly beaches in New Jersey. It is an excellent place for your furry friend to let loose and have fun in the sun while enjoying the beach’s many adventures.

With its soft sand, sparkling waters, and ample space to run and play, 8th Avenue Dog Beach is a paradise for pups of all sizes and breeds. Dogs can roam off-leash during designated hours, chase waves, dig holes, and socialize with other dogs to their heart’s content.

Dog owners from all walks of life come together at this beach to create a community where their furry friends can feel loved and accepted without prejudice against a breed, big or small.

So, if you’re looking for a dog-friendly beach where your furry friends can truly be themselves, 8th Avenue Dog Beach is the place to go.

Address: 740 Ocean Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ 07712, United States

2. Barnegat Light Beach

Barnegat Light Beach, located on the northern tip of Long Beach Island, New Jersey, is a special place for beachgoers seeking a more peaceful and serene experience in the company of their pets.

Barnegat Light Beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere and welcoming community. Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round, with no leash restrictions; this gives your furry friend the freedom to roam and explore at their own pace.

The beach is also well-maintained and clean, with regular trash pickup and grooming. There are also several lifeguard stands throughout the beach, ensuring the safety of both swimmers and their dogs.

No visit to Barnegat Light Beach would be complete without a visit to Barnegat Lighthouse. This historic lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks on Long Beach Island, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

If you are looking for a place with enough sights to see and beautiful experiences waiting for you and your pet to explore, Barnegat Light Beach is the place to be.

Address: 29 E. 11th Street, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006, United States

3. Belmar Beaches

Belmar, New Jersey, is a vibrant coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, lively boardwalk, and welcoming atmosphere. When it comes to beaches, Belmar is very popular.

Belmar Beaches is one of the dog-friendly beaches in New Jersey. They are open to dogs year-round, but there are designated off-leash hours during summer.

There are changing rooms, restrooms, showers, and snack bars available at all beaches. And many of the beaches also have lifeguards on duty during the summer months.

With its stunning scenery, relaxed atmosphere, and ample amenities, Belmar Beaches is the perfect place to enjoy a fun and relaxing day at the beach with your furry friend.

Address: Belmar, NJ 07715, United States

4. Brigantine North End Beach

Among the many dog-friendly beaches in New Jersey, Brigantine’s North End Beach stands out as one of the most beautiful sanctuaries for dog lovers.

This off-leash beach area allows dogs to run free under the close supervision of their owners while they have fun and live happily.

Seeing your dog’s face light up as they run and play freely on the beach is nothing like that. North End Beach is the perfect place to let your dog be a dog and create lasting memories together.

The best thing about North End Beach is its stunning natural beauty. Lush green hills surround the beach and offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

On a clear day, you can even see the Atlantic City skyline glistening under the sun’s rays to give you and your pet a view worth your time.

North End Beach is a great place to bond with your pet; you would agree with just a visit to this doggy beach with your paw pals in tow.

Address: 1500 E. Brigantine Avenue, Brigantine, NJ 08203, United States

5. Beach Haven Doggy Bay

Beach Haven Doggy Bay is a bay area that welcomes dogs of all sizes and breeds to explore the shoreline, enjoy the waters’ thrills, and have an amazing time with their owners.

As soon as you and your dog arrive at Beach Haven Doggy Bay, you’ll be greeted by wagging tails and happy faces.

Dogs can roam off-leash on the beach, chase seagulls, splash in the water, and socialize with other dogs to their heart’s content while being watched by their owners and capable lifeguards.

The calm waters of Beach Haven Doggy Bay are perfect for a leisurely swim or paddle with your four-legged friend. And with its shallow depth and gentle waves, even the most timid or smallest dogs will feel confident splashing around.

Address: Taylor Avenue, Beach Haven, NJ 08008, United States

6. Gateway National Recreation Area – Sandy Hook

Sandy Hook, found at the northern tip of the New Jersey coast, is a bundle of joy for dog lovers. This pristine peninsula offers a variety of dog-friendly activities, including swimming, sunbathing, hiking, and exploring the Park’s many historic sites.

Dogs are allowed in certain areas of Sandy Hook, including North Beach, South Beach, and Horseshoe Cove. These beaches offer plenty of space for dogs to run and play, and the calm waters are perfect for a refreshing swim.

Sandy Hook has several historic sites, including Fort Hancock, Sandy Hook Lighthouse, and the Nike Missile Site. Dogs are allowed at these sites, so you and your furry friend can learn about the Park’s rich history together.

This beautiful Park offers something for everyone; your dog will love it as much as you will.

Address: 128 S Hartshorn Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732, United States

7. Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area

Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area is a paradise for nature lovers and their adventurous furry friends.

This unique and untamed beach destination offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and simply relaxing in the stunning natural beauty of the pleasant coastal environment.

Dogs are welcome at Higbee Beach but must always be kept on a leash. This is to protect the area’s diverse wildlife, including birds, shorebirds, and other animals, as dogs are known to be animals who sometimes take to hunting for fun.

Higbee Beach is a popular spot for birdwatchers, home to over 300 species of birds. Visitors can spot birds, including ospreys, hawks, falcons, and songbirds. The beach is also a great place to see shorebirds, such as sandpipers, plovers, and turnstones.

Higbee Beach also offers a variety of other activities for visitors to enjoy. Visitors can hike along the beach or through the nearby dunes. There are also several fishing spots along the beach. 

For a more relaxing experience, pets and owners can relax and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Higbee Beach on one of the many beachfront spaces available. It is surely worth a visit.

Address: New England Road, Cape May, NJ 08204, United States

8. Bradley Beach

Bradley Beach is known for its long stretches of golden sand, sparkling blue waters, and welcoming atmosphere. But what sets Bradley Beach apart is its pet-friendly policies.

This beach will be like a second home for your furry friends if they like to play in the water, splash around, and enjoy the company of other dogs.

Bradley Beach offers a variety of amenities that make it a great place to spend a day with your family and friends.

There are changing rooms for pets, a nearby pet clinic, playgrounds, and picnic areas making it a great place to enjoy a leisurely meal or play a game of frisbee.

So, if you’re looking for a dog-friendly beach where you and your pet can relax and enjoy the beauty of the New Jersey coastline, Bradley Beach is the perfect place to visit.

Address: Bradley Beach, NJ 07720, United States

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9. Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area

Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area is a 55-acre doggy haven that offers a unique blend of beach and nature exploration, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Fisherman’s Cove is also a popular spot for fishing, so it is normal to see fishermen there who will happily give your pet a treat of fish if you approve.

If you have adventurous pets, they can fish from the shoreline or when you launch a boat from the ramp to sail on the beach for a more serene experience.

Several picnic areas make it a great place to enjoy meals with family and friends. There is also a playground and a nature trail, making it a great place to take dogs who like adventures.

So, whether you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors with your dog or a place to fish and explore nature, Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area is the perfect place to go.

Address: 391 Third Avenue, Manasquan, NJ 08736, United States

10. Island Beach State Park

Island Beach State Park is a beach lover’s paradise. This stunning Park offers miles of pristine shoreline, untouched dunes, and various visitor activities.

The Park has one of the best dog-friendly beaches in New Jersey. During the off-season, it welcomes dogs on a leash, making it the perfect place to enjoy a day at the beach with your furry friend.

Dogs are allowed on all of Island Beach State Park’s beaches from October 1st to April 30th. During the summer, dogs are not allowed on the beach but are welcome in other areas of the Park, such as the parking lots and picnic areas.

In addition to its stunning beaches, Island Beach State Park is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, raccoons, and foxes.

If you want to enjoy a day outdoors with your furry friend, Island Beach State Park is a great place to visit.

Address: 2400 Central Avenue, Seaside Park, NJ 08752, United States

11. Sea Isle City Beach

Sea Isle City is known for its wide, sandy beaches, tranquil waves, family-friendly atmosphere, and beautiful locals. Its features made it one of the most visited beaches in all of New Jersey.

As you and your dog stroll along the beach, you will find several breeds of dogs there with their owners, all enjoying a wonderful time out on the beach.

In addition to its dog-friendly nature, Sea Isle City offers various other amenities for visitors and their canine companions. Several pet-friendly restaurants and shops are nearby where pet food is served nicely and toys are sold at a good price.

So, if you’re looking for a dog-friendly beach to spend a day, Sea Isle City is the perfect destination.

Address: Sea Isle City, NJ 08243, United States

12. Harvey Cedars

Harvey Cedars is a charming coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and dog-friendly ambiance that makes pets and families love the place.

Harvey Cedars offers a designated off-leash dog beach open from September 1st to May 30th. This beach is perfect for dogs to let loose and have fun in the sun. They can run and play in the sand, swim in the ocean, and socialize with other dogs.

The dog beach at Harvey Cedars is well-maintained and offers several amenities for dog owners, including restrooms and showers. There are also several trash cans and doggy bag dispensers throughout the beach to help eliminate waste.

Harvey Cedars also offers several other activities and attractions perfect for dog lovers. Visitors can walk along the boardwalk, visit the shops and restaurants in town, or explore the nearby Barnegat Lighthouse State Park.

Whatever you choose to do, this town, its beaches, and its many facilities are always on hand to ensure you and your pets have a blast.

Address: Harvey Cedars, NJ 08008, United States

13. Stone Harbor Beach

One of the shining gems along New Jersey’s shore is Stone Harbor Beach, a coastal haven that warmly embraces dogs and their owners.

One of the most appealing aspects of Stone Harbor Beach is its year-round dog-friendliness. From October 1st to May 31st, leashed dogs are tolerated and heartily embraced on this sandy stretch of shoreline.

Stone Harbor Beach takes its commitment to pet-friendliness a step further by providing a range of convenient amenities.

Beach entrances have changing rooms, restrooms, and showers, ensuring you and your dog can stay comfortable and clean throughout your visit.

Stone Harbor Beach is a top pick for dog-friendly beaches in New Jersey. Its idyllic blend of sun, sea, and wagging tails will leave you and your pup smiling.

Address: 2 94th Street, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247, United States

14. Ocean City Beach

Ocean City Beach is a famous destination for families year-round, but it’s especially welcoming to canine companions during the off-season (October 1st to April 30th).

Ocean City Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand over eight miles. The beach is known for its wide shoreline, calm waters, and picturesque views of the Atlantic Ocean. It is also a great place to spot marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and shorebirds.

Ocean City Beach also offers a variety of amenities for both humans and hounds. Changing rooms, restrooms, and showers are available at all beach entrances. There are also several snack bars and restaurants located nearby.

Ocean City is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a fun and dog-friendly place to spend a day at the beach.

Address: Ocean City, NJ 08226, United States

15. Ventnor City Beaches

In Atlantic County, Ventnor City is a charming beach town known for its scenic beauty and warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Ventnor City Beaches are excellent for those who cherish beach time with their canine companions.

Imagine walking along the shoreline with the salty breeze in your hair and waves lapping at your feet, all while your furry friend happily explores the beach beside you. At Ventnor City Beaches, that is the daily scene.

For those who may crave a bite, Ventnor City, just a short distance from the beach, offers an array of pet-friendly dining options and shops.

After a day of fun in the sun, you can enjoy a meal at one of the local eateries that welcome dogs on their outdoor patios.

Some establishments may even have special treats or a water bowl ready for your furry companion, so rest assured that you and your fur babies are in good hands at Ventnor City Beaches and its surrounding businesses.

Address: Ventnor City, NJ 08401, United States

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Plan Your Trip to New Jersey

New Jersey is a great place to visit with your furry friend, with many dog-friendly beaches. Whether you are looking for a place to relax and soak up the sun or let your dog run and play, you will find the perfect beach in New Jersey.

Being a responsible pet owner is important when visiting dog-friendly beaches in New Jersey. Be sure to bring plenty of fresh water for your dog and to clean up after them. It is also important to be aware of the beach rules and to follow them.