New Jersey Beaches That Let Dogs on the Shore

New Jersey features several dog-friendly beaches along its shore at state and county parks. Several townships have seasonal policies that allow dogs on the beach during the off-season months. Dog owners are required to follow a few basic rules of etiquette: obey all leash laws; make sure a dog doesn't approach others unless welcome and always clean up any dog mess. In off-leash areas, your dog must be well behaved and obey verbal commands.

  1. Cape May Point State Park

    • Cape May Point State Park has a few dog-friendly areas on their beaches. The Lower Township beaches along the Delaware Bay allow dogs on the beaches year-round. From September 1 to April 30, dogs are permitted on leash on a two-mile stretch along the Higbee Beach Wildlife Management Area, a migratory bird refuge accessible at the end of Country Road 641. Dogs are also allowed on Sunset Beach, near the Cape May Bridge, during the same off-season time period. Dogs are not permitted on any Cape May City beaches.

      Cape May Point State Park
      Lighthouse Ave.
      Cape May Point, NJ 08212
      609-884-2159
      state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/capemay.html

    Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Beaches

    • Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Beaches, near Tom's River, allow dogs near the lighthouse and on the beaches during the off season from October 1 through April 14. During the summer months, they are allowed in the park's picnic areas on leash. There is a designated dog beach at Brant Beach on the bay side of Barnegat Park, beside the Long Beach Township Municipal Building. Dogs are allowed to run off leash in the water and on the beach. Look for the dune fencing and signs. Owners are required to pick up after their dogs at all times.

      Barnegat Lighthouse State Park Beaches
      Broadway &Bay Barnegat Light
      Haven, NJ 08006
      609-494-2016
      stateparks.com/barnegat_lighthouse.html

    Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area

    • The Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area, located in Monmouth County's Manasquan, has a dog-friendly beach on the Manasquan Inlet, near the beginning of the Intercoastal waterway. Dogs are permitted year-round, but they must be kept on leash at all times. Views of the ocean are somewhat obscured along this undeveloped tract, but it is a popular fishing spot and features several trails and scenic walks.

      Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area
      391 Third Ave.
      Manasquan, NJ 08736
      732-922-4080
      monmouthcountyparks.com