A List of Dog-Friendly Beaches + Day Trips in New Jersey

Summertime and the livin’ is easy…especially if you’re a dog owner! If you live in New Jersey, you know that good weather means a great time for you and your pet. You can finally go hike, swim, and enjoy the sunshine. There are many local places you can visit, so here are a few to check off your bucket list, along with tips to make sure your trip is fun and safe. Below, places to go for a dog-friendly day trip — including beaches and other parks that allow dogs in New Jersey:

Photo Credit: @kono_in_orlando

How to Pack Your Bags

1. Bring water for you and your dog — and lots of it.

Tip: Do not give your dog ice water if it’s very hot. It can send your pup into shock.

2. Get sunblock for you and your dog.

Yes, dogs get sunburnt too.

3. Pack the poop bags.

Because cleaning up after your pet is a must wherever you go {ah-hem, Hoboken}.

4. Grab an extra leash.

One could break by getting caught on something while walking or from being damaged by the water your dog’s swimming in, other pets, etc.

5. Buy a tick key or tick twister.

Removing ticks is tricky because you want to make sure you get all of its legs. A tick key or the tick twister are great, easy-to-use tools to safely and completely remove ticks off you and your pet.

6. Include towels and wipes.

These aren’t just for cleaning—if your dog overheats, put cool water on a towel and wrap it loosely around its neck

See More: These 6 Hoboken Bars Allow Dogs

How to Make Sure Your Pet is Safe + Sound While Traveling/Outdoors

There are several things to watch out for while you’re traveling or playing with your pet outdoors.

Overheating and dehydration

• Some warning signs include: Fast breathing, excessive panting, vomiting, diarrhea, collapsing

If you see any of these signs, put a cool, wet towel around your dog’s neck and contact your vet ASAP.

Ticks

• Although many dogs receive flea/tick treatment, ticks can and will still latch onto your pets.
• Examine your dog all over frequently. If you see a tick, do not pull it off with your bare hands. Instead, use a tick key or a tick twister to safely and effectively remove the tick. If you fear your dog has been bitten or that the tick is one of the species that carry Lyme Disease, contact your vet immediately.

Now that you’re packed and prepared, where should you go? Here’s a list of parks and beaches you need to check out.

Beaches That Allow Dogs

• Asbury Park, NJ

  • The 8th Avenue Dog Beach
    • This dog-friendly beach is open from September 16 through May 15 all day in the off-season. It’s open from 6 PM to 8:30 AM in the summer season. Only licensed, non-aggressive dogs with adult supervision are permitted on the dog beach, and make sure *not* to bring your dog if she is in heat. Dogs may be off-leash but need to be controlled. Watch your pet carefully!
  • Wonder Bar Yappy Hour
    • Wonder Bar hosts a fun happy hour for dogs {+ humans, alike!}. Open 7 days a week from noon-7PM.

• Manasquan, NJ

  • Fisherman’s Cove
    • Fisherman’s Cove Park opens at 7:00 AM daily, year-round. Dogs must be leashed, and dogs and their owners can be on the front, east portion of the beach but not the back, west portion.

• Ocean County, NJ

  • Island Beach Park
    • Island Beach Park’s main gate is typically open from 8 AM until 8:00PM. During summer weekends and holidays the park opens at 7:00AM. Dogs must be kept on 6-foot-or-less length leash and cannot go on the swimming beach during the summer season. Dogs also cannot go on the Spizzle Creek Bird Blind Trail.

• Sandy Hook, NJ

  • Gateway National Park at Sandy Hook

The Gateway is located on the Inlet side of the Hook. Dogs must be leashed and cannot go on the eastern or Atlantic shore.

Places to Take a Hike with Your Dog

Jersey City, NJ

1. Liberty State Park is open from 6 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Your dog must be leashed!
2. Jersey City Reservoir is open Saturdays from 10 AM to 3:00 PM, weather-permitting, except for holidays. Dogs must be leashed.

Essex County, NJ

1. South Mountain Reservation
   • Dogs must be leashed except in the dog park. Visit the Essex County Parks website for dog park rules and regulations.
2. Long Valley, NJ
   • Hacklebarney State Park is open dawn until dusk. Dogs must be leashed.

Now, go out and enjoy the dog days of summer. Let us know where you’re headed in the comments below!

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Written by: Kristina

Kristina made Hoboken home four years ago after falling in love with its charm, liveliness, and great restaurants and bars. She decided to turn her passion for this city into her full-time career by becoming a real estate partner at Prime Real Estate Group. In her free time, Kristina is involved in the rescue dog community, volunteering for our local animal shelter, Liberty Humane Society, as well as being the Adoption/Foster Coordinator for Wise Animal Rescue. Her mission is to find properties for people and pets because every dog should have a home and every home should have a dog! If you see Kristina out walking her dogs around the Mile Square, stop her to chat about her two favorite things: real estate and rescues!