Jersey Shore Pet-Friendly Beach Towns

Jun 30, 2021 10:10AM ● By Tina Woods

Sevral dogs sitting on a beach towel with hats, floaties and buckets

Vacation home sales rose by an average of 16.4 percent last year across the United States, far outpacing total existing home sales, which rose 5.6 percent. New Jersey was well positioned to benefit from that trend. The National Association of Realtors ranked it in the top 1 percent of vacation home states in 2020.

North Jersey residents have access to endless waterfront towns to visit on the eastern coast of the state. And at the following Jersey Shore beaches, they also have the ability to bring the entire family, including their four-legged members, to breathe in the fresh ocean air.

Bradley Cove Dog Beach

Asbury Park, NJ

This pet-friendly beach can be found at the northern edge of Asbury Park, north of the Surfers Only signs. All summer until Labor Day, dogs are permitted before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. After Labor Day there are no restrictions.

Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area

Manasquan, NJ

Dogs must be leashed on this 52-acre tract on the Manasquan Inlet, which is used for sunbathing, walking on the beach and fishing.

Brigantine Beach

Atlantic County, NJ

The North End Beach allows dogs any time. South of this area, dogs are allowed on the beach from October 1 to May 29. In both areas, dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet, and owners must clean up after their dogs.

Longport Dog Beach

Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Dogs are free to roam this beach throughout the year.

Mantoloking

Brick Township, NJ

From May 15 to October 1, leashed dogs are permitted on most beaches between sunrise and 8 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to sunset; dogs are not permitted on the Lyman Street beach and accessway or in or upon the North Lagoon area. From October 2 to May 14, unleashed dogs are allowed on all beaches and accessways, but they must be under the control of a responsible owner.

Malibu Beach Wildlife
Management Center

Longport, NJ

Malibu Beach is an undeveloped beach that provides nesting habitats for several threatened and endangered birds. Leashed dogs are permitted on the beach from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. year-round.

Poplar Avenue Beach

Wildwood, NJ

Wildwood’s dog beach offers everything a dog could need. From 6 a.m. to dusk, leashed dogs are welcome on this 1,500-foot stretch. There is also a fenced-in area for dogs to run, and fresh water and clean-up bags are available.

Gateway National Park

Highlands, NJ

Gateway National Park at Sandy Hook offers a dog-friendly beach on the inlet side of the hook for leashed pets. Leashed dogs are also allowed at Plum Island and Horseshoe Cove year-round from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Source: National Association of Realtors®and New Jersey Leisure Guide