If you live in New Jersey, New York City, or the Philadelphia area, chances are you’ve spent time down the Shore. But have you ever taken your dog? It’s not always easy to figure out which New Jersey beaches welcome pups and which enforce strict “no dogs on the beach” rules.
For our family—two parents, a long-haired dachshund named Django, and three young kids under seven—the Shore is one of our favorite places to visit without going far. And we always try to bring Django along for the adventure.
Django has always been happiest near the water, and our kids are the same. Nothing is better than digging in the sand, running along the beach, and splashing in tide pools. Throughout the year, we spend countless weekends exploring different shore points—from walking the Ocean City boardwalk and visiting Cape May’s beaches and historic downtown, to heading north to Spring Lake and Asbury Park.
Now that it’s fall, we’ve been enjoying even more beach days with the kids and Django. The crowds have thinned, the air is crisp, and most towns have relaxed their dog restrictions.
Whether you’re planning a cozy off-season getaway or looking ahead to next summer, here’s everything you need to know about dog-friendly New Jersey beaches and their pet policies throughout the year.
Are Dogs Allowed on New Jersey Beaches?
During the busy summer months, most beaches along the Jersey Shore prohibit dogs. But once the off-season arrives—usually from mid-September through mid-May—many towns open their sands to four-legged visitors.
Below, we’ve outlined dog-friendly policies for major Shore points from north to south, so you can plan your next seaside adventure with confidence.
Northern NJ Shore Points
Asbury Park Dog Beach & Boardwalk
-
In season (mid-May–mid-September):
- Dogs are not permitted on the Boardwalk.
- Dogs are permitted on the Asbury Park Dog Beach at 8th Avenue only, and only from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Dogs must be off the beach by 8:30 a.m.
- Off season: Leashed dogs can enjoy the Boardwalk and the Asbury Park Dog Beach.
Asbury Park’s 8th Avenue Dog Beach is a local favorite year-round and has one of the friendliest beach dog communities in the state.
Fisherman’s Cove (Manasquan)
- All year: Dogs are welcome year-round. Leashes required.
- This small, scenic stretch along the inlet is ideal for peaceful walks and easy parking.
From the official site: “This 55-acre site, the last undeveloped tract on the Manasquan Inlet, is a great place to fish, walk on the beach, or go sunbathing. Dogs must be on leash at all times while at this park.”
Spring Lake Borough
- In season (May 15–Sept 30): Dogs are prohibited on the beach except in the fenced area on Pitney Avenue (“Dog Beach”), where dogs are permitted from sunrise to 9:00 a.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to sunset and may be unleashed.
- Off season (Oct 1–May 14): Leashed dogs are permitted on Spring Lake Borough beaches.
- Dogs are not allowed on the Spring Lake boardwalk at any time.
Central NJ Shore Points
Island Beach State Park (Berkeley Township)
- All year: Dogs are allowed on non-swimming beaches only and must be leashed (max 6 feet).
- Dogs are not allowed on the swimming beach (lifeguarded area) during the summer season or on the Spizzle Creek Bird Blind Trail at any time.
This undeveloped barrier island offers miles of quiet coastline and bayside trails—great for leashed walks and nature time.
Atlantic City
- In season (Memorial Day–Sept 15): No dogs allowed on the beach, Boardwalk, or in the ocean—whether leashed or off-leash.
- Off season (Sept 16–Memorial Day): Leashed dogs are allowed on beaches.
For a quiet stroll, head toward the northern end of the Boardwalk near the inlet once summer crowds are gone.
Brigantine
Brigantine North-End Beach
- Leashed dogs permitted year-round.
- Northernmost, less-developed area stretching toward the wildlife refuge.
- Often considered the most dog-friendly section—locals call it the “North End.”
- Leashes required at all times (not an off-leash zone).
Public Beaches (15th Street North to the southwestern tip)
- Sept 16–May 14: Leashed dogs allowed.
- May 15–Sept 15: Dogs not permitted.
- Main recreational, lifeguarded beaches—off-limits in peak season but open in the off-season.
Cooperative Zone (Sandy Lane to Bramble Drive)
- March 15–Sept 15: Dogs not permitted.
- Protected habitat area for endangered shorebirds and wildlife; best avoided with dogs even off-season.
Promenade (9th Street North to 15th Street North)
- Dogs not permitted at any time, leashed or off-leash.
- Pedestrian walkway; always dog-restricted for safety and cleanliness.
Longport Dog Beach (Egg Harbor Township)
- All year: One of the few off-leash beaches in the state. Dogs may run under reliable voice control.
- No amenities—bring water, towels, and waste bags.
Southern NJ Shore Points
Ocean City
- Boardwalk: Leashed dogs allowed Oct 1–Apr 30.
- Beach: No dogs May 1–Sept 30. Additionally, no dogs at any time from March 15–Sept 30 on the stretch between the Ocean City–Longport Bridge and the terminal groin (rock jetty near Seaview Road). Leashed dogs are allowed outside these dates and areas.
- Dog Park: 45th Street & Haven Avenue; open year-round with separate areas for small and large dogs.
Ocean City is one of the most family- and pet-friendly NJ beach towns—always double-check the city’s pet policies before your trip.
Wildwood
Wildwood Dog Park & Beach
- Leashed dogs welcome on the beach; the adjacent enclosed park offers off-leash play with agility equipment and shaded seating.
- Located between Glenwood and Maple Avenues.
- Open daily from dawn to dusk.
Wildwood & Wildwood Crest Beaches
- Dogs allowed from October through May.
- Leashes required at all times; owners must clean up after dogs.
North Wildwood Beach (2nd Ave to 26th Ave)
- Dogs permitted year-round, except when lifeguards are on duty (9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.).
- Dogs not allowed on the Inlet portion of the North Wildwood beach.
Wildwood Boardwalk
- Dogs are not allowed at any time.
Driving to the Wildwood dog beach? Look for the 25-foot red fire hydrant sculpture at the entrance—you can’t miss it.
Cape May
Cape May City
- Dogs are permitted on the promenade and beach from Sept 15–May 15 (winter months).
- Dogs must be leashed at all times and accompanied by their owner.
Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area
- Allows dogs from Sept 1–Apr 30.
- Owned by the State of New Jersey; open 5:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
- Dogs are not permitted outside the listed dates.
Cape May Point (Borough)
- Dogs permitted Nov 1–Mar 14.
- Dogs prohibited Mar 15–Oct 31 (per borough code).
- Leash required at all times; maximum leash length 6 feet; handler must be over age 12.
Lower Township (Delaware Bay side)
- Leashed animals permitted any time of day during the off-season.
- In season (Memorial Day–Labor Day): Animals prohibited between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Leash required off your own property; clean-up is mandatory.
Cape May Point State Park & Cape May Migratory Bird Refuge
- Dogs are prohibited to protect vulnerable chicks of federally threatened species (Piping Plovers and Least Terns).
Travel tip: Visiting Cape May with your dog in peak summer? Consider the Cape May Dog Park (705 Lafayette Street), which is open daily and offers shaded seating and water stations.
Tips for a Safe & Happy Beach Day
- Always bring fresh water and a collapsible bowl—saltwater isn’t safe for dogs to drink.
- Protect paws from hot sand in summer or icy conditions in winter.
- Keep your dog leashed unless you’re in a designated off-leash area.
- Avoid dunes and protected bird nesting zones—fines can be steep.
- Rinse off after beach play to prevent skin irritation from sand and salt.
Gear Up for Adventure with DJANGO
Before you hit the coast, make sure your dog’s gear can handle sand, salt, and splash.
The Tahoe No Pull Dog Harness is crafted from quick-dry neoprene—perfect for seaside walks and wet adventures—while the Adventure Dog Harness is a small-dog favorite designed for all-day comfort and beach adventures.
Pair either with our Tahoe Waterproof Dog Leash for a stylish, sand-proof setup that can handle every wave, sniff, and splash.
Final Thoughts
From the dog-loving sands of Asbury Park to the peaceful shores of Cape May, the New Jersey Shore has endless places for pups to explore—especially once the summer crowds thin out.
Pack your beach bag, leash up your best friend, and set out for a day of coastal adventure.
