Dog-Friendly Activities Near Sandy Hook Lighthouse, Highlands, NJ, US

The Gateway National Recreation Area in Highlands, NJ is pet friendly between certain dates. Dogs are not permitted on ocean-side beaches at Sandy Hook Unit from March 15 through September 15 due to piping plover season. Pets are permitted on bay-side beaches at Plum Island and Horseshoe Cove throughout the year, but must always be on a leash. Dog owners must carry out all trash, and make preparations for carrying out dog waste. Parking is $20 in the summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Twin Lights State Historic Site in Highlands, NJ, welcomes dogs to explore the grounds of one of The Garden State's most historic lighthouses. Leashed dogs are allowed in outdoor spaces during hours of operation. Pets are not permitted in the lighthouse. Please remember to clean up after Fido.

Atlantic Highlands, NJ's first microbrewery, Carton Brewing, is dog friendly! Leashed and well-behaved pups are welcome to join their owners at the brewery. The beer menu includes Carton of Milk, HopPun, Boat Beer and IDIPA. Reservations are not required.

Sandy Hook in Middletown, NJ is a great pet-friendly place for a day trip to the beach with Fido. Leashed dogs are allowed on the bay side all year round but are only permitted on the beach during the off-season between September 15th and March 15th.

Leashed dogs are welcome to explore Hartshorne Woods Park in Highlands, NJ, a sprawling pet-friendly park featuring miles of wooded trails and scenic views of the Navesink River. The park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, walking, biking, and horseback riding, along with historic military bunkers, a fishing pier, a small beach, and cross-country ski trails.

The Henry Hudson Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Atlantic Highlands! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Henry Hudson Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.