New Jersey, nicknamed, "The Garden State," has many dog-friendly parks and beaches. Take your dog to play in an off-leash park or enjoy a run with your dog on a pet-friendly beach. As long as you abide by rules and regulations for pets, you and your dog will be welcome in the dog-friendly parks and beaches found throughout New Jersey, many of which are open daily all year round.
The Hunterdon County Off-Leash Dog Area is located on Route 12 and permits you to bring two dogs at a time per person with a limited use of the area for 30 minutes. The 1.75-acre area features several shade trees throughout the area. The off-leash dog area does not have a separate area for smaller dogs and drinking water is not available. Puppies under 6 months are not allowed in the off-leash area. The Hunterdon County Off-Leash Dog Area is open daily from dawn to dusk. Admission is free.
Department of Parks and Recreation
1020 State Route 31
Lebanon, NJ 08833
908-782-1158
co.hunterdon.nj.us
Bayshore Waterfront Park is a 227-acre park located next to Monmouth Cove Marina. Take your leashed dog for a walk on the beach or take your leashed dog fishing off the 300-foot fishing pier or from the shore. Other activities include boating and picnicking while enjoying the views of New York City's skyline. Dogs must be leashed at all times, and don't forget to pick up after your pet's waste.
Bayshore Waterfront Park is open 8 a.m. to dusk daily all year. Admission is free.
Bayshore Waterfront Park
719 Port Monmouth Road
Port Monmouth, NJ 07757
732-787-3033
monmouthcountyparks.com
Take your dogs to Island Beach State Park in Ocean County, New Jersey, where leashed dogs are allowed. Maximum leash length is 6 feet. Although dogs are allowed almost anywhere in the park, dogs are not permitted in the Spizzle Creek Bird Blind Trail. Dogs are allowed in the park's other six trails. Island Beach State Park's website encourages pet owners to check dogs for ticks after you take them on the trails. Do not leave pets unattended in a vehicle while you're in the park. Island Beach State Park is open every day from 8 a.m. until dusk with special times on certain days from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. An admission fee is charged.
Island Beach State Park
Seaside Park
Ocean County, NJ 08752
732-793-0506
islandbeachnj.org
