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15 Dog Friendly Beaches in NYC (2024)
Are you looking for where to find the best dog friendly beaches near New York City?
I’ve visited NYC several times, but that was before I got my dog, Theo.
While planning my next trip to NYC, I realized it would be nice to make space each day to take a break from the loud noises and busy streets and give Theo a chance to run and play near the ocean!
Luckily, New York City offers many dog friendly beaches and outdoor spaces near the beach.
This list of the best pet-friendly beaches in NYC includes all the places I would want to take my pup, Theo, for a day on the beach in New York!
I’ve also included essential info, such as if the best is on/off leash, parking info, and the address to find each of the best dog friendly beaches in NYC!
🐾 Use Warren London Sunscreen Spray to protect your dog from harmful UV rays
Best Dog Friendly Beaches Near NYC
1. Brighton Dog Beach
Location: Brooklyn
Type: On-leash
Parking Info: 313 Brightwater Ct, Brooklyn, NY 11235
Distance from NYC: 11 Miles
Brighton Beach is the most popular dog friendly beach in Brooklyn, NY, and it’s a great place to take a day trip with your pup. However, you can only visit with your dog during the off-peak season, which means dogs are prohibited between Memorial Day Weekend and October 1st.
Honestly, this is pretty restricting (since summer is the best time to visit the beach), but if you’re in New York during the spring or fall, the dog rules and leash laws at Brighton Dog Beach won’t affect you!
Brighton’s dog friendly beach offers convenient amenities and facilities, including restrooms, lifeguard stations, and showers for rinsing the sand of you and your puppy.
The other perk is that the dog beach in Brighton is significantly less crowded than its neighbor, Coney Island. Therefore, it has a more relaxed atmosphere, but there will still be plenty of dogs on Brighton Beach for your pup to play with.
2. Dog Beach at Prospect Park
Location: Brooklyn
Type: On-Leash (special off-leash hours are from 6AM – 9AM and 9PM – 1AM)
Parking Info: There is no parking onsite, but several public parking areas are nearby.
Distance from NYC: 6 miles
Prospect Park Dog Beach is another great place for people looking for dog friendly beaches in New York.
Although, this dog beach is not a traditional beach because there’s no sand. It’s more of a swimming hole set aside for dogs in the heart of Brooklyn’s second-largest public park.
The fenced lake area is ideal for swimming and playing, and your dog will love jumping off the flat rocks along the shoreline. The fence limits access to the pond, ensuring that your dog stays safe.
In addition to the designated swimming area, there’s plenty of green space to explore, and benches are available for you to rest while you watch your pup play with the other dogs!
3. Rockaway Beach
Location: Queens
Type: On-leash
Parking Info: There are several free parking locations nearby.
Distance from NYC: 20 Miles
This beach is one of the most iconic dog friendly beaches in Queens. Rockaway Beach has over 5 miles (8km) of soft, golden sand lined with plenty of amenities, including restrooms, showers, concession stands, lifeguards, and picnic areas.
The calm waters and friendly atmosphere make Rockaway Beach the perfect destination for a chill day on the beach!
However, like many other dog friendly beaches in NYC, dogs are not allowed on the sand or the boardwalk in the summer (May 1 to October 1).
During the off-season, dogs are allowed anywhere on Rockaway Beach, as long as they are on a leash six feet or shorter (1.8m).
The calm waters and friendly atmosphere make Rockaway Beach the perfect destination for a chill day on the beach.
If you’re here around dinner, Rockaway Beach Surf Club is dog friendly and serves delicious tacos!
4. Manhattan Beach
Location: Brooklyn
Type: Off-leash
Parking: Here are the best parking locations.
Distance from NYC: 15 Miles
When it comes to NYC beaches that allow dogs, Manhattan Beach is one to add to the top of your list. This Brooklyn beach doubles as a historic landmark with a rich history dating back to the late 1800s.
Today, the beach is relatively secluded, making it an excellent place for quality time with your pup. Manhattan Beach is also quite accommodating, with a designated dog area for letting your dog off their leash.
Dogs are allowed on the sand and boardwalk of Manhattan Beach from October 1 to May 1, provided they are on a leash.
However, check the regulations regarding leash laws and off-leash hours before you go.
5. Plumb Beach
Location: Brooklyn
Type: On-leash
Parking: Free parking lot near the beach
Distance from NYC: 16 Miles
Plumb Beach is a beautiful beach near Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn. It’s small but offers a lovely atmosphere perfect for spending the day with your four-legged pal.
The best part about this beach is that it allows leashed dogs all year from sunrise to sunset, so your dog can enjoy the sand and ocean, even during the peak season!
Aside from the beach itself, Plumb Beach is a popular place for kayaking and kiteboarding. Plus, there are a bunch of cafes and restaurants nearby serving local seafood and New York-style pizza.
The only downside is that it’s common for trash to wash up on the beach, so keep an eye on your dog to make sure they don’t eat something potentially harmful.
6. Coney Island Beach and Boardwalk
Location: Brooklyn
Type: On-leash
Parking: There are several parking locations in the area.
Distance from NYC: 13.6 Miles
Coney Island is one of the most iconic destinations in New York, so it’s great that you can bring your dog with you to enjoy the beach and famous boardwalk!
Like most beaches in NY, you can only bring your dog to Coney Island Beach at certain times of the year. You can’t take your dog onto the beach between May 1st and October 1st, but once peak season is over, you can enjoy the entire shoreline with your pup!
However, they can roam around the Coney Island Boardwalk year-round.
The boardwalk has various attractions, including the famous cyclone roller coaster, Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, Williams Candy, and the New York Aquarium.
Also, double-check that your leash is under 6 feet long to abide by New York regulations.
7. Cedar Grove Beach
Location: Staten Island
Type: On-leash
Parking: There is a free parking lot for beach access.
Distance from NYC: 16.6 Miles
Cedar Grove Beach is one of several beaches on Staten Island but is one of the newest and best-kept secrets in the New York area. The beach’s fine sand quality and quiet atmosphere set it apart from other NYC beaches, making it ideal for taking your pup somewhere peaceful.
The beach at Cedar Grove is dog friendly and welcomes leashed dogs all year round, except for the summer (Memorial Day Weekend to October 1st).
Despite these restrictions, there are endless alternatives to enjoy with your dog, including hiking trails and nearby parks.
8. Midland Beach and South Beach
Location: Staten Island
Type: On-leash
Parking: Both beaches have free parking lots.
Distance from NYC: 14 Miles
Midland Beach and South Beach on Staten Island are perfect dog friendly destinations for you and your furry friend to enjoy a day out.
Both beaches have a long stretch of sand for your pet to play on, and along the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, you will find a variety of attractions, entertainment, and food vendors.
Dogs are allowed on the boardwalk all year round, but the beach has different restrictions.
Your pup is not allowed on the beach during the summer (from Labor Day to Memorial Day), but they are allowed on the beach from October 1 to May 1 as long as they are on a leash no longer than six feet.
During the off-season, South Beach Park actually has a designated off-leash area for dogs to run and play.
9. Wolfe’s Pond Beach
Location: Staten Island
Type: On-leash
Parking: There is a free parking lot, but it gets busy, so it’s best to get parked early.
Distance from NYC: 21.1 Miles
Wolfe’s Pond Beach is a secluded public park on the southwest corner of Staten Island. It has playgrounds, sports courts, walking trails, and picnic areas near the beach, and there is even a dog run nearby, where your pup can play and socialize off-leash.
The dog run is split into two sections. One is for all dogs, which my dog Theo would love, and the other is for dogs and puppies that weigh under 25lbs.
During the summer, dogs must be on a leash and are only allowed on the sand before 9AM and after 6PM.
10. Orchard Beach
Location: Bronx
Type: On-leash
Parking: Parking is $9.00 USD from Monday to Friday and $11.00 USD on weekends/holidays.
Distance from NYC: 19.5 Miles
Orchard Beach is the Bronx’s only public beach in the area and is a little over 1 mile (1.6 km) long.
Your pup won’t be allowed on the beach from May 20 to October 1, and their pet policy states that dogs must always be on a leash when on the boardwalk, promenade, or beach.
The beach has excellent views of City Island, and the promenade has a range of shops and places to eat so you can sit and get a bite to eat with your dog.
11. Larchmont Dog Beach
Location: Westchester
Type: On-leash
Parking: Limited on-street parking nearby
Distance from NYC: 28 miles
This hidden gem is located in the charming village of Westchester, just a short 45-minute drive from New York City.
Larchmont Dog Beach, NY, has a unique rocky terrain and low tide, making it very safe, even for smaller puppies! Also, the Larchmont Manor Park Society does a great job maintaining the beach so you won’t see trash or hazardous objects near the shore.
Unfortunately, Larchmont Dog Beach’s leash laws require that your dog is always on a leash.
The ideal time to visit this dog beach in Westchester, NY, is during low tide. Your pup has much more beach area to run around at low tide. I also recommend getting there early in the morning or later in the evening since parking is limited.
Dog-Friendly Beaches on Long Island
12. Montauk Beaches
Location: Long Island
Type: Off-leash
Parking: Free parking at Amsterdam Beach and small lots scattered along the coast.
Distance from NYC: 110 Miles
Montauk is a small town in the Hamptons toward the east end of Long Island.
There are several dog friendly beaches on Long Island’s Montauk area where you can take your pup, including:
- Gin Beach
- Ditch Plains Beach
- Amsterdam Beach
- Kirk Park Beach
- South Edison Beach
These are some of the least regulated beaches near NYC, but some restrictions exist.
Dogs are allowed to run freely and leash-free (with supervision). The only exception is during summer. From May 15 to September 15, dogs are not allowed on the best between 10AM and 6PM.
13. Shadmoor State Park
Location: Long Island
Type: Off-leash
Parking: There is a free parking lot with plenty of spaces, so parking won’t be a problem.
Distance from NYC: 120 Miles
Although Shadmoor State Park in Montauk may be a trek from NYC (3-4 hours), it’s worth the journey so your dog can experience a beautiful, uncrowded, off-leash dog beach.
It’s renowned for being one of the top off-leash dog friendly beaches near NYC. Your dog can run and play on the sand and swim in the ocean as long as they are under your supervision.
Shadmoor State Park also has hiking trails so your dog can get extra exercise, and you can enjoy gorgeous views of the coast!
Note: You can take a maximum of two dogs to the park.
Dog-Friendly Beaches in New Jersey
14. Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area
Location: New Jersey
Type: On-leash
Parking: You can park at 391 Third Avenue, Manasquan, NJ 08736.
Distance from NYC: 65 Miles
The Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area in Manasquan, New Jersey, is an hour and a half drive south, but it can be a nice day trip from NYC for you and your dog.
Located right on the coast, Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area has a dedicated dog beach area on the east section of the beach. Here, you and your pup can explore the beach and even take a dip in the ocean.
The west section of the Fishermans’s Cove Conservation Area is reserved for other beach activities, so dogs are not allowed.
15. Wildwood Dog Park & Beach
Location: New Jersey
Type: Off-leash
Parking: There is free street parking, plus parking meters on Pacific Ave & Ocean Ave.
Distance from NYC: 158 Miles
Dog friendly beaches in NJ don’t get better than the Wildwood Dog Park and Beach.
What sets this dog park and beach apart from the other dog friendly beaches is that it has two fenced areas – one for large dogs and another for the smaller dogs.
Another great thing is that your dog can be off-leash as long as they stay within the designated areas. So, your furry friend can run free and play to their heart’s content while you relax and soak up the sun.
My service dog, Theo, would love it here as there’s no shortage of activities for a pup at Wildwood Dog Park and Beach.
FAQs
Can dogs go on NYC Ferry?
Yes, dogs are allowed to go on the NYC Ferry, but they must be in a carrier and muzzled at all times. Service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, are also allowed in the terminals and onboard the ferries.
Are dogs allowed on beaches in Jersey?
Dogs are allowed on many beaches in Jersey from October 1 to April 30 at any time, but from May 1 to September 30, dogs are only allowed on beaches from 10:30AM to 6PM, and they must be on a leash at all times.
Wrap-Up
As you can see, there’s no shortage of dog friendly beaches and parks in NYC for your pup to enjoy, and now you know where all of the best ones are!
I highly recommend visiting Brighton Beach, Prospect Park, or Rockaway Beach if you want something close to Manhattan. These are all fan favorites among locals and have excellent dog friendly spaces.
But, if you have the flexibility in your itinerary to take a day trip to Shadmoor State Park or Wildwood Dog Park, that’s where your pup will have the most freedom. But both are quite a drive from NYC.
I hope you enjoy your trip to NYC, and if you’re on a road trip up the East Coast, here are some more dog friendly beaches in Maine!
🐾 Use Warren London Sunscreen Spray to protect your dog from harmful UV rays
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Dog Travel Planning Guide
🐶 How do you travel with a dog?
You can road trip, go camping, fly (depending on your dog’s size), go for day trips, and even live in an RV or motorhome with your dog! I’ve done all of the above with my dog, Theo.
✈️ How to travel with a dog by plane?
Check the airline requirements, if you’re flying with a large dog you’ll need to book far ahead, get a travel crate or carrier, and make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccinations. And don’t forget to bring along a leash, collapsible dish, and plenty of treats! (Read more)
🚗 How to travel with a dog in a car?
Get a seatbelt or car-friendly crate, a seat protector, and a few toys to keep your pet safe and comfortable. Bring along items like a leash, pee pads, treats, collapsible bowl, and some calming treats for anxious dogs. Take frequent potty breaks (I recommend every 2 hours minimum).
🧳 What should I pack in my dog travel bag?
I always pack a collapsible bowl, back up leash, 50ft long leash, Toppl food toy, plenty of dog food, and a few toys for my pup when we go on our travels. It’s important to have all the essentials packed before you leave home since it can be difficult to find pet-friendly stores in some locations. (Read more)
📝 What paperwork do I need to travel with a dog?
The paperwork you need will depend on where you’re going. You will always need your dog’s veterinary records and their vaccine status. You may also need an international health certificate, titre test, and even a spay/neuter certificate.
🐾 What is the best travel dog crate?
This collapsible crate is great for local travel and road trips. For plane travel, I recommend this hard crate for large breeds and this carrier for small breeds.
📍What is the best way to travel with a dog?
It depends! The best way to travel will depend on you and your dog. Small dogs will have an easier time with plane travel. Large breeds are better for long term trips to minimize plane time, or road trips.
🛌 Best dog travel mat?
This non-slip, water-proof, easy to wash travel mat is my go to!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?
To find cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🏨 What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?
To find cheap hotels, I recommend Booking.com.
Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!
🚗 What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?
To find cheap rental cars, I recommend Discover Cars.
🚗 What’s the best site to find tours?
To find epic tours, I recommend Viator.
