Best Dog Friendly Beaches in New Jersey

Nestled in Monmouth County between the beachside communities of Avon by the Sea and Ocean Grove, Bradley Beach is a stunning and expansive beach on the Atlantic Coast. Quaint and picturesque, it’s the perfect spot for a restful day at the beach.

With glistening golden sand, vibrant baby blue water, lush trees and greenery, and scenic beachside walkways, Bradley Beach is the epitome of paradise. Easily accessible with abundant street parking, when you arrive you’ll find activities for the entire family. The beach’s waves are temperate during low tide and exhilarating during high tide, which makes it ideal for both beginner and advanced surfers that want to catch waves. Bradley Beach is also perfect for swimmers and snorkelers, as it offers lifeguard stations, restrooms, showers, and changing rooms. And for beachgoers looking to fish, game fishing is permitted on the beach jetties at Brinley, Lake Terrace, Park Place, and Second Avenues.

For beachgoers seeking a change of pace, Bradley Beach has a number of excellent local restaurants and bars that have satisfied guests for decades. Want a quick bite and some killer chicken parmigiana? Head to Vic's Italian - American Restaurant, a casual and affordable hotspot that’s a favorite among locals. Prefer a more upscale fine dining experience? The Elbow Room serves inventive yet classic takes on American specialties in an upscale pub space. And when you’re ready to call it a night, check into the Super 8 by Wyndham Asbury Park or the Red Roof Inn Neptune, two nearby hotels that offer spacious rooms and great service.

Located in the beachfront city of Asbury Park in New Jersey, Asbury Park Beach is a popular beach with light brown sand.  The northernmost portion of this beach is sometimes called Asbury Park Dog Beach.  This beach was listed as one of the 25 best beaches in the United States by Travel + Leisure magazine.  In addition, it has also been listed as the second-best beach in the United States by the financial magazine Money.com, and is also a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach.  The portion of this beach that is located between the eastern ends of 4th Avenue and 5th Avenue is popular with the LGBTQ community. 

Covering six miles of Monmouth County’s stunning coastline, Sandy Hook Beach is one of New Jersey’s most underrated beach destinations. As part of the Gateway National Recreational Area, Sandy Hook has diverse amenities that make it a popular destination for all types of beachgoers.

In terms of sheer beauty, Sandy Hook competes with New Jersey’s best beaches. With its glistening beige sand, baby blue waters, clear skies, and lush greenery, the shores of Sandy Hook are stunning. But what makes Sandy Hook’s beauty unique is its scenic backdrop. Set against America’s oldest lighthouse, Sandy Hook’s shores are dramatically lit and architecturally stunning. And on a clear day, Sandy Hook has phenomenal views of the Empire State Building, making its setting truly unique.

As a nudist beach, Sandy Hook is mostly popular among beachgoers looking for a relaxing and peaceful beach day. With abundant beachside parking, the commute to Sandy Hook is stress-free. While you’re there, rent a beach chair or umbrella and enjoy incredible views. Kayak and paddleboard on its crystal clear water. Or stroll leisurely on the beach’s tree-lined wooden walkways. For beachgoers looking to swim, lifeguards are on duty from 10 am to 6 pm, from Memorial Day weekend through to Labor Day.

While Sandy Hook doesn’t have many nearby restaurants or hotels to choose from, there are a number of local food trucks that are frequented by visitors. Looking for authentic Argentinian food? Visit Empanada Guy, and feast on freshly prepared Argentinian Empanadas made with love. Prefer Mexican Food? Carlito’s Taco Wagon and Naked Tamales serve their locally loved tacos and tamales.

Named one of America’s Cleanest Beaches, Stone Harbor Beach is a destination for travelers and locals yearning for a beach day they’ll never forget. Although it can get crowded in the summer, Stone Harbor’s beachside parking lots make it easy and convenient to access.

If you’re looking for an undeveloped and natural beach, Stone Harbor is a great choice. With clear baby-blue water, pristine sand, a backdrop of exotic plants, vibrant sunsets, and long white-sand walkways opening up to the water, it’s a sight to behold. Although it can get crowded in the summer, Stone Harbor is still accessible and has paid and street parking to make your visit stress free. The beach requires beach tag access for all people from 12 years or older, from Memorial weekend to Labor Day weekend, and allows leashed dogs at night.

At Stone Harbor, experience a restorative day of beachside TLC. Lounge on the sand and take in panoramic views of the Jersey Shore. Rent umbrellas and beach chairs with your friends and laze in style. For an adrenaline rush, catch some of the beach’s intense waves during high tide, which make it one of New Jersey’s best surf spots. Or swim, kayak, paddle, and snorkel in the beach’s clear water and designed lifeguard areas.

To fully experience Stone Harbor’s small-town beach charm, pay a visit to its exceptional local restaurants. Craving some good-old-fashioned American bar food? Head to Fred’s Tavern, a local dive bar known for its top-notch burgers, potato skins, and beers. Prefer a more upscale culinary adventure? Dine at Jay’s on Third, a globally inspired, chef-driven hotspot serving avant-garde takes on Asian-American street food. When you’re ready to call it a night, check-in at the ultra-luxe Reeds at Shelter Haven or the casual Sun N Sand Motel for spacious rooms and wonderful service.

Fun Fact: Stone Harbor was one of singer Taylor Swift’s favorite childhood beaches.

Located in the Borough of Belmar in New Jersey, Belmar Beach is a beach with light brown sand and a rocky jetty.  This beach was listed as one of the best beaches of the Northeastern United States by USA Today in 2023 and it was also listed as one of the 14 Best New Jersey Beaches by U.S. News & World Report.  It is also a favorite of Randall Kaplan, the world’s foremost beach expert who is known as Mr. Beach.

Located in Ocean County’s Berkeley Township, Island Beach State Park Beach feels remote and untouched despite its central location. On its southern tip, which borders one side of the Barnegat Inlet, there are sweeping views of the Barnegat Lighthouse and beautiful sunsets during the evening.

Quiet and quaint, Island Beach State Park is a refuge for beachgoers that want a beach without the hustle and bustle. With over a mile of beachfront designated for swimming, it’s the perfect place for swimmers looking to swim without the congestion and hazards that water sports bring. However, there’s plenty to do for all types of beachgoers. Water sports enthusiasts and fishermen also flock to Island Beach, as its beachfront has numerous beach areas with conditions that are perfect for boating, jet skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing. And for beachgoers simply looking to lounge, it’s a great spot to tan on the sand, as it offers outdoor showers to rinse off, restrooms, changing rooms, convenient parking, and nearby snack bars that provide a beach day of comfort.

For beachgoers seeking a change of pace, Island Beach State Park has a number of nearby local restaurants that satisfy locals and travelers. Craving fresh, locally-caught crab cakes? Head to Bum Rogers Crab House & Tavern, a local hotspot with great beers and a lively atmosphere. Prefer some old-school, white-tablecloth Italian fine dining? Visit Ebby's Ristorante and Lounge and order their excellent Lobster Ravioli. When you’re done with your night on the town, check-in at the Island Beach Motor Lodge or the Windjammer Motor Inn, two local inns that offer frill-free experiences with spacious rooms and great locations.

Situated on New Jersey’s Long Beach Island, Harvey Cedars beach is a popular escape for urbanites seeking refuge from the hustle and bustle of life in the big city. With its pristine golden sand, baby blue waters, and backdrop of vibrant greenery, Harvey Cedars is the ideal place for a calming day of beachside TLC.

Quiet and quaint, Harvey Cedars has a reputation amongst locals as a top-notch beach for families. The Harvey Cedars Beach Patrol and lifeguard stations make sure beachgoers are safe at all times. The beach is sectioned off by flags to ensure that swimmers swim in safe areas, and has a children’s beach area to protect children from dangerous rip currents. And with convenient showers and restrooms, Harvey Cedars keeps beachgoers of all ages safe and clean.

When you’re done with your beach day and want a change of pace, Harvey Cedars’ local restaurants are full of the small-town charm you’d expect from a Jersey beach. For a great Philly Cheese Steak or Fried Chicken Sandwich, head to local favorite Neptune Market. If you’re looking for something lighter, visit Black-Eyed Susans for fresh, globally-inspired seafood. For something sweet, head to the locally renowned Harvey Cedars Ice Cream Parlour and try their Peanut Butter Ripple flavor. And when you’re ready to call it a night, Drifting Sands Oceanfront Hotel and Sand Castle Bed and Breakfast are nearby hotels with spacious rooms, central locations, and excellent hospitality.

On the stunning Barnegat Peninsula in the unincorporated area of Toms River, you’ll find the quiet and quaint Ortley Beach. Just under a mile long, Ortley has little traffic, sparse crowds, and plentiful parking, and offers beachgoers an accessible and stress-free beach day.

With vibrant baby blue water, glistening golden sand, picturesque wooden walkways, clear skies, and unobstructed views, Ortley Beach is a stunning sight. But Ortley’s more than just a sight for sore eyes; it’s also a dynamic destination with amenities for every beachgoer. The beach’s convenient street parking is ideal for visitors looking for a stress-free beach to get to. Families looking to lounge on the beach find that Ortley’s pristinely maintained sand, clean restrooms, changing facilities, and showers make it a comfortable place to relax. And for beachgoers looking for a more active beach day, Ortley’s top-notch surfing, kayaking, fishing, and readily available bicycle rentals also make it a thrillseeker’s paradise.

Looking for a change of pace after a day of fun in the sun? Ortley Beach has top-notch local restaurants to satisfy hungry beachgoers. Craving authentic Italian grub? Head to Lavallette Ristorante & Pizzeria, a local hotspot serving locally loved Italian specialties in a charming atmosphere. Prefer a quick bite? Visit Boathouse Cafe, a popular cafe known for its fresh globally-inspired paninis and excellent quesadillas. For beachgoers planning on spending the night in Ortley Beach, the Starlight Motel is a charming frill-free place to stay with spacious rooms and a central location.