Island Beach State Park - Seaside Park, NJ
Island Beach State Park: Dog-Friendly Beach in Seaside Park, New Jersey
Island Beach State Park is a beloved destination along the Jersey Shore, offering one of the most natural, peaceful beach experiences in New Jersey for both visitors and their dogs. This pet-friendly park features expansive sandy beaches, scenic dunes, and miles of nature trails perfect for leashed walks with your furry friend. The park provides a serene, uncrowded alternative to busier shore points, and is ideal for relaxing, swimming, or exploring the native wildlife.
Dog owners appreciate the park’s welcoming attitude towards pets, with many using long leashes and ropes to let their dogs play and swim in the ocean (leashes are mandatory). Amenities include clean restrooms, outdoor showers, a snack bar and Red Fox Café, nature trails, and accessible boardwalks leading toward the sand. Island Beach State Park truly stands out as a top spot for dog-friendly hiking, strolls, and fun by the water in Seaside Park, NJ.
FAQ
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times while at Island Beach State Park. Many use long leashes or ropes for swimming and play.
- Is there a swimming area for dogs? Yes, dogs on leash are allowed to swim in the ocean.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park features nature trails and boardwalks for scenic, pet-friendly walks.
- Is there a fee to enter? Yes, there is a vehicle fee (about $6 per car).
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, there are clean restrooms and shower/changing rooms available.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, reviews note the park is clean, pristine, and well-maintained.
- Is shade or shelter available? Natural dunes provide some shaded areas and there are covered bath houses.
- Where is the best place to park? There is on-site parking for park visitors.
Reviews
Island Beach State Park is one of my favorite spots in NJ. The beach is beautiful, not too expensive at NULL a car, and it feels way more peaceful than a lot of other shore towns. I love how natural it is, with the dunes, trails, and wildlife still intact. Perfect place to relax, go for a walk, or just enjoy the ocean without all the noise and chaos.
Island Beach State Park is one of my favorite spots in NJ. The beach is beautiful, not too expensive at NULL a car, and it feels way more peaceful than a lot of other shore towns. I love how natural it is, with the dunes, trails, and wildlife still intact. Perfect place to relax, go for a walk, or just enjoy the ocean without all the noise and chaos.
I’ve been coming to this place for years and years. It has actual bath houses where you can shower inside or out after swimming, natural dunes, nature trails, plenty of room to walk around and run in the surf, lifeguards, fishing, biking, and best of all, no beach tags.
I’ve been coming to this place for years and years. It has actual bath houses where you can shower inside or out after swimming, natural dunes, nature trails, plenty of room to walk around and run in the surf, lifeguards, fishing, biking, and best of all, no beach tags.
Never caught a fish here. Many rip tides. Lots of sand fleas in shallow water. Aggressive waves. Pictures show low tide. No dogs or raking allowed.
Never caught a fish here. Many rip tides. Lots of sand fleas in shallow water. Aggressive waves. Pictures show low tide. No dogs or raking allowed.
My favorite beach in NJ. Clean and Pristine
Great Snack Bar plus the Red Fox 🦊Cafe. Clean restrooms and shower / changing rooms.
My favorite beach in NJ. Clean and Pristine
Great Snack Bar plus the Red Fox 🦊Cafe. Clean restrooms and shower / changing rooms.
My favorite beach to go to, no crowds but I go to the end just before the fisherman drive on. It’s dog friendly but they must be on a leash so many use a long rope so their dogs can swim. It’s clean and has beautiful water and sand. I just love it here, it’s my favorite place to spend any time I have off from work. If you want to have a bon fire watch the tide so you don’t go when it’s high , go before the gate closes at 6 and everyone must have a fishing pole in the car or they won’t let you thru late in the afternoon. I’d also be careful not to take the jungle walk lol I got eaten by bugs before I realized certain beaches have a boardwalk to the sand.
My favorite beach to go to, no crowds but I go to the end just before the fisherman drive on. It’s dog friendly but they must be on a leash so many use a long rope so their dogs can swim. It’s clean and has beautiful water and sand. I just love it here, it’s my favorite place to spend any time I have off from work. If you want to have a bon fire watch the tide so you don’t go when it’s high , go before the gate closes at 6 and everyone must have a fishing pole in the car or they won’t let you thru late in the afternoon. I’d also be careful not to take the jungle walk lol I got eaten by bugs before I realized certain beaches have a boardwalk to the sand.