Are There Any Boardwalks In New Jersey Where You Can Walk With Your Dog?

New Jersey is a pretty big dog-loving state. Estimates show there are about 647,000 households here that own dogs, adding up to around 1 million dogs across the Garden State.

Get our free mobile app

When you think about it, that’s a whole lot of walks around the neighborhood, games of fetch, and dogs living their best Jersey life.

Can You Walk Your Dogs On New Jersey Boardwalks?

According to Visit New Jersey, "Yes, you can walk your dog on several New Jersey boardwalks, though most have strict seasonal rules and leash laws. Because boardwalk composite boards can easily burn paw pads in the summer, towns restrict access to protect pets. The best options depend on the season."

So here is what I found when it comes to walking your dogs on Jersey boardwalks.

According to Asbury Park, "Dogs are not permitted on the Boardwalk during in-season dates." In-season is from May 16th to September 14th. Licensed, supervised, and leashed dogs are welcome on the Boardwalk at all times during off-season dates. Dogs must be leashed at all times while on the Boardwalk."

In Asbury Park, "Dogs are allowed on the Dog Beach during in-season dates during the following hours only: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. Dogs must be off the beach by 8:30 a.m." The Asbury Park "dog beach" (officially known as the 8th Avenue Dog Beach) is located at the northern end of the city's coastline, right where Ocean Avenue meets Deal Lake Drive.

In Ocean City, according to reports, "Dogs are allowed on the boardwalk and beach between October 1 and April 30. They are prohibited during the summer season."

In Atlantic City, "You and your leashed dog are permitted on the boardwalk from mid-September through Memorial Day. Dogs are not allowed during the busy summer months."

In Seaside Heights, "Typically, dogs are not permitted, but the town hosts specific 'Dog Royalty Days' in the spring and fall where leashed dogs are invited specifically to stroll the boards."