With the Atlantic Ocean running along its eastern coastline, and the Delaware Bay nestled off its southwest coast, the state of New Jersey offers a variety of beaches that welcome dogs with their owners. A few beaches also provide dedicated areas for dogs. Some New Jersey beaches permit dogs only during certain months of the year depending on local regulations.
State Requirements
Though some dog beaches in New Jersey unofficially allow dogs off leash, the state requires all dogs to be leashed on state beaches. Most private beaches also maintain leash requirements. Other rules of etiquette are enforced, including cleaning up after animals and curbing unruly canine behavior. Owners must be able to control their animals with verbal commands. In addition, all New Jersey dog residents must be licensed by Jan. 30 of the current year.
Cape May Point
Situated at the southeastern tip of New Jersey, with Delaware Bay on one side and the Atlantic on the other, Cape May Point provides beach access for dogs during off-season so long as they are on 6-foot leashes. Owners must clean up after their dogs promptly. No pets are allowed from April 15 to Sept. 15.
Long Beach Island
The Long Beach Island system offers several beaches that allow licensed, well-behaved dogs from Oct. 1 to May 1. Beach Haven in particular provides a dedicated dog beach that welcomes dogs on leash year-round.
Also on Long Beach Island, the Brant Beach dog beach lies across from the Long Beach Township municipal building. This beach, which is surrounded by fencing, permits dogs to frolic off-leash in the sand and swim in the water. As with other beaches, owners are expected to clean up after their pets.
Manasquan
Located at the Manasquan Inlet, which marks the beginning of the eastern seaboard's Intracoastal Waterway, Fisherman's Cove Conservation Area offers an area known as the local dog beach. Considered by some to be one of the top 10 dog-friendly beaches in the world, Fisherman's Cove requires dogs to be leashed. Bonus for owners: beach views provide a panoramic look out on the Atlantic Ocean.
Port Monmouth
Bayshore Waterfront Park in Port Monmouth, which is located near the Monmouth Cove Marina, welcomes dogs on leash. Beach rules require immediate cleanup of dog waste. With its vantage point in northeastern New Jersey, Bayshore offers views of the New York skyline across the Sandy Hook and Lower Bays.
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