Longport Beach
Longport, NJ
Longport sits at the southern tip of Absecon Island, a small, quiet town that includes a dedicated Dog Beach at the base of the Ocean Drive Bridge, separate from the main beach where dogs only get narrow morning and evening windows in summer. Winter flips that entirely, leashed dogs are welcome anywhere on the beach from October through April.
The dedicated Dog Beach is a genuine point of pride locals mention, but the main beach itself is otherwise a fairly standard, quiet stretch without much else to distinguish it.
How we score beachesUse the Dog Beach specifically if you're visiting with one in summer, rather than trying to time the narrow windows at the main beach. Just don't park on the bridge shoulders getting there, towing is strictly enforced.
A free lot serves the dedicated Dog Beach at the base of the Ocean Drive Bridge, though space is limited. The main beach relies on street parking.
Flat streets and a short walk lead to the sand at most access points, with no boardwalk involved.
Leashed dogs are allowed on the main beach only from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m. during summer. From October through April, leashed dogs are welcome anywhere on the beach at any time.
Water warms into the low to mid 70s by August, consistent with the rest of Absecon Island. Being at the southern tip, it catches a bit more open water view toward Ocean City across the inlet.
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