Cape Henlopen State Park has many year-round hiking and biking opportunities, and allows dogs on the beach in the summer season. Fido will also enjoy the three-mile-long paved trail that loops the park. Pet Rules within the Park: http://www.destateparks.com/rules/pets.asp Pet Access to the Beaches: http://www.destateparks.com/downloads/maps/pets.pdf Camping with Pets: http://www.destateparks.com/downloads/maps/pets.pdf

Higbee Beach is a one and a half mile stretch of beach at the tip of Cape Island, along the Delaware Bay. Technically, this is not dog friendly, although the rules are rarely enforced.

Paw prints can also be found in this sand from leashed dogs at Sunset Beach from September 15th through April 15th. For food, there is the Sunset Beach Grill which is pet friendly at the outside tables. Sunset Beach also offers a nice gift shop open daily featuring souvenirs, books, and collectibles. Sunset Beach is also famous for the concrete ship of Atlantus which has been ‘grounded’ at Cape May Point since 1926. Your day wouldn’t be complete without the flag ceremony held nightly from May through September.

In Dewey Beach, Delaware dogs are allowed on the beach before 9:30 am and after 5:30 pm during the summer, and at all times in the off-season. It is a dog loving beach town! However, dogs must be licensed.

The Poplar Ave. beach in Wildwood became an official Dog Beach in June 2014. You can walk your dog over the boardwalk here to get to the beach. It is a block wide with plenty of room for you and your pooch to soak up the sun and take a dip. Dogs must be leashed. Open daily, free, year round.

Wildwood has decided to dedicate a portion of the beach as a year-round dog beach. Dogs are welcome on all of Wildwood’s beaches in October through mid-May, but are restricted from most beaches during the summer months. Throughout the year, though, dogs are welcome on the beach between Poplar Avenue and Magnolia Avenue. Water stations and clean up stations are provided.

Experience a day of fun in the sun at Delaware Seashore State Park where your pup is welcome to join you on the sand and in the surf during select times of the year. From May 1 to September 30, dogs are not permitted on any swimming or sunbathing beach (areas with lifeguards), but are permitted on non-guarded beaches. From October 1 to April 30, dogs are permitted on all beaches. Dogs must always be leashed while in the park throughout the year.

Fenwick Island State Park has a nice uncrowded beach for most of the year.

Your pet is welcome to join you from September 30 to May 15 on-leash at this beautiful beach.

This hidden gem of a park has unlikely access through an industrial/business area. The entrance is gained off Log Canoe Circle. Park in the parking lot and follow the trail. The trail winds around the 270-acre nature park through woodlands, marsh, and tidal ponds. Take one of the side trails off to the left to get to the beach that runs along the shore of the Chesapeake that allows dogs on a leash. The views of the Bay are great and the surroundings tranquil. The beach isn’t huge, but Rover will love the romp.

Matapeake has a public beach with a clubhouse, and a nearby trail that winds around to the dog beach section. The trail itself is a nice short hike for the dog, yet is long enough that it’s adequately separated from the public areas. At this park a dog can run off leash, retrieve in the water and sniff out the surroundings. The views of the Bay and the bridge are quite lovely.

Off leash beach open year round. No permit or tags required. Located at the base of the Ocean Drive Bridge on the Longport side across from the fishing peir. Must bring your own water and waste disposal items. Near Ocean City located on the Longport side of the Longport – Ocean City Bridge, Ocean Drive and Route 152.

Located off the perimeter trail in Downs Memorial Park, the Downs Memorial Park Dog Beach is a fantastic place for new dogs to learn to swim or veteran canine swimmers to enjoy some time in the water. Once you and your dog are done with the water fun, leash your pup up for a walk on the more than 5 miles of trails through the park.

Dogs are allowed on the beach at the Assateague National Seashore, but not the three short nature trails.

Barnegat Light allows dogs on their beaches from Oct. 1 – thru April 15. All dogs on Barnegat Light beaches must be on a leash. Long Beach Island has a general dog rule that dogs are not allowed May 1 until October 1.

Dogs are permitted in the park but must be kept on a leash that is a maximum length of six feet. They are not allowed on the swimming beach (the lifeguard area) during the summer season or on the Spizzle Creek Bird Blind Trail at any time. It is a good idea to check your dog for ticks after you take them on any of the other trails. Also do not leave your dog, or any other pet, unattended in the car during warm weather.