Dog Beaches in NJ, 10 Amazing Spots For Dog Lovers

When it comes to taking your pooch out for some much-needed fresh air and sunshine, there’s no better way to enjoy the great outdoors than at a beach designed specifically with man’s best friend in mind.

Dog beaches are popping up all over the country, and offer an opportunity for you and your pup to have a fun and safe day at the beach. Here’s how to find the best dog beaches in NJ for your family!

Things To Consider Before Visiting Dog Beaches in NJ

The first thing you should do when considering which of the dog beaches in NJ to visit, is find out if there are any local ordinances or restrictions on the beach. Many parks, beaches, and nature preserves have specific regulations regarding off-leash activity so it’s important to be aware of these beforehand. You definitely need to make sure your pup can frolic freely without running into any legal trouble,

Understand what amenities are available. Is there a designated area for swimming, off-leash areas for running and playing, clean-up bags for pet waste disposal, water fountains or showers for bathing pets after their swim, agility equipment such as hula hoops or hurdles for more active pups. perhaps most important of all, plenty of places to sit back and relax while keeping an eye on Fido.

You may also want to look into whether the dog beaches in NJ on our list require vaccination records or yearly membership fees before you visit with your pup. Some do require this information so make sure you check ahead of time before showing up with your pet in tow.

Finally, don’t forget about safety when taking your furry friend out public places. It is always wise to keep him on a leash unless otherwise directed by the facility guidelines – even if the beach allows off-leash activity – just in case he gets too excited around other canines or humans on the beach.

Dog Beaches in NJ

Brigantine Beach – The first in our list of dog beaches in NJ, from October 1st to May 29th, dogs are allowed on the beach provided they are on a leash, not longer than 6 ft. Dog feces must be removed. Dogs are allowed on the North-End Beach any time – same rules apply.

Sandy Hook Dog Beach – Located about 30 minutes north of Asbury Park, this dog beach is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. Dogs are allowed all year long on the bay-side beaches at Plum Island and Horseshoe Cove (Sandy Hook).

They are also allowed Ocean-side beaches at Jacob Riis Park, Fort Tilden, and Breezy Point Tip and at the bayside of Breezy Point Tip (all in the Jamaica Bay unit) between September 15  through March 15. Dogs mush always be leashed all times of the year at all locations

Asbury Park Dog Beach – Located at 1738 Ocean Ave N, Asbury Park all dogs must wear collars with valid dog licenses.

• May 16 to September 14 in the evenings and early mornings from 6 p.m. to 8:30 a.m only. Dogs MUST be off the beach by 8:30 a.m.
• September 15 to May 15 dogs are allowed at all times.
• To help protect our beaches, please keep dogs off dunes.
• Dogs may be off leash on the Asbury Park Dog Beach if properly supervised. Dogs that become aggressive or uncontrollable MUST be immediately leashed and removed from the area.

Manasquan Beach – Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area located at 391 Third Avenue in Manasquan. This area is the last undeveloped tract on the Manasquan Inlet and dogs are allowed, as long as they are leashed at all times. Closing time is 8 p.m. through April 2; 8:30 p.m. April 3-30; and 9 p.m. May 1-June 4.

Island Beach State Park – Located in Seaside Park, this state park is a barrier island that allows dogs. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet. They are not allowed on the swimming beach (the lifeguard area) during the summer season or on the Spizzle Creek Bird Blind Trail at any time.

Long Beach Island (LBI) Beaches – Some of the beaches on Long Beach Island allow dogs on a leash during the offseason (September 16 through May 15). These beaches include: Beach Haven, Harvey Cedars, and Surf City.

Longport Dog Beach – Located at Somers Point near Little Egg Harbor, this this dog beach is open from sunrise to sunset. Dogs are allowed to roam off-leash, there are no trash cans in the area so be prepared to take you dog waste with you!

Wildwood Dog Beach – Located between Glenwood and Maple Avenues and open daily, year round from dawn to dusk. Fresh water and clean up bags are available on site. Dogs on the beach must remain leashed, and leashes in the park are optional. . It’s a clean and well-maintained beach, and dogs are allowed to roam off-leash.

North Wildwood Dog Beach – A fenced-in dog park is located on the east side of the beach at 24th Avenue in North Wildwood. A permit is required for your dog, which can be obtained at the North Wildwood Clerk’s Office (901 Atlantic Ave.) .Hours for the dog park are 8 a.m. until dusk. Limit 2 dogs per person.

Ventnor Dog Beach – The last of the dog beaches in NJ on our list, it is located in the town of Ventnor, New Jersey allows dogs on the beach at all times from October 1st to May 15. During the summer dogs are only allowed on the beach from the hours of 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Regardless of when, dogs must always be leashed are are only allowed on the areas of the beach washed by the high tide line.

Dog Parks Near The Beach

If none of these dog beaches in NJ meet your needs, there are also a few options to visit a dog park that is near the beach (but not on it).

Bayview Park Dog Park – This dog park is located at 6805 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach, across from the municipal building. . It features a fenced-in area where dogs can roam off-leash and play.

Thompson Park – Located in Lincroft NJ is a 1.5 acre off-leash area for pooches to roam. There is a 1¼-acre area for dogs over 35 lbs and a  ¼-acre “small dog area” for dogs that weigh 35 lbs or less.  

The park is open 7 days a week from 8AM to dusk.

Wolf Hill Recreation Area – Located in Oceanport NJ, is an off-leash dog area for dogs of all sizes, with a special section for dogs 35 pounds or smaller. There are two concrete patios with sheltered picnic tables while the small dog area includes one concrete patio with sheltered picnic area.

In order to use the facility, puppies must be at least 4 months old, and dogs 6 months or older must be spayed or neutered. All dogs must be up to date with vaccinations and wear a collar with license. 

There is no doubt, dog beaches in NJ offer a wonderful opportunity for dogs and their owners to enjoy some fun in the sun together. With several beaches located throughout the state, there are plenty of options to choose from, each offering their own unique experience. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax with your furry friend or a lively atmosphere with plenty of other dogs to play with, you’re sure to find a beach that suits your needs.

However, it’s important to remember to follow all rules and regulations put in place by each individual beach to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

It’s important to note that rules and regulations for dog beaches can change frequently, so it’s always a good idea to check with local authorities for the most up-to-date information before visiting.

Overall, dog beaches in NJ are a great way to bond with your pet and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.