Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 Sunny Dog-Friendly Beaches in Long Island (2026 Update)

West Highland Terrier running on the beach

If you’re heading to Long Island, NY, it’s only natural to check out the beach. If you have your pup with you, why not give them time to enjoy the sandy beach and the cool Atlantic water? While you can’t take your dog to every beach in Long Island, there’s no shortage of options.

From larger beaches you can take them to during the off-season to dedicated dog beaches, there are many ways to enjoy a beach day with your pup in Long Island!

The 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Long Island

1. Playland Beach

️ Address: 1 Playland Parkway, Rye, NY
Open Times: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, from October to April
  • Dogs are only allowed from October 1 to April 28
  • Maximum of three dogs per owner
  • Gated entrance
  • Bring your own water and waste bags
  • Dogs are typically not on a leash

2. Rockaway Beach

️ Address: Beach 3 Street to Beach 1544 Street, New York, NY
Open Times: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • You can only bring dogs during the off-season
  • It’s the only surfing beach in New York City
  • Bring a dog license and proof of rabies vaccination
  • Plenty of space for dogs
  • Dogs must remain on a leash

3. Smith Point County Park

️ Address: 1 William Floyd Parkway, Shirley, NY
Open Times: 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Maximum of two dogs per owner
  • Dogs must remain on a leash at all times
  • 5 miles of beach
  • Bring your own waste bags and water
  • Dogs are only allowed on certain portions of the beach

4. Larchmont Dog Beach

️ Address: 118 Park Avenue, Larchmont, NY
Open Times: 9 AM to 12:30 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Dedicated dog beach
  • Limited hours
  • Bring your own water and waste bags
  • Smaller dog beach

5. Atlantic Beach

️ Address: Village of Atlantic Beach, 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach, NY
Open Times: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Dogs can visit from October to March
  • Bring your own waste bags and water
  • Dogs must stay on a leash at all times
  • Bring your dog license
  • Dogs cannot go on the boardwalk

6. Plumb Beach

️ Address: Belt Parkway, Brooklyn, NY
Open Times: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Dogs can come all year long on bayside beaches
  • Bring your own waste bags and water
  • Dogs must remain on a leash at all times
  • Plenty of space for dogs to roam

7. Port Jefferson Public Beach

️ Address: Motts Hollow Road, Port Jefferson, NY
Open Times: 7 AM to 6 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Very large beach for dogs to roam
  • Bring your own waste bags and water
  • The beach is close to the parking lot
  • It is not a fenced-in beach
  • There’s a lot more beach at low tide

8. Mercadante Beach

️ Address: 28 Garvies Point Road, Glen Cove, NY
Open Times: Dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • 20 acres for dogs to roam and play
  • It is not a fenced-in beach
  • Very calm area
  • Tons of hiking trails
  • Plenty of parking on site

9. Nickerson Beach Park

️ Address: 880 Lido Blvd, Lido Beach, NY
Open Times: 9 AM to 6 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: At select areas
  • Dogs are only allowed at the dog runs
  • Plenty of parking on-site, but you must pay to park
  • Dogs must stay on leash until you get to the dog runs
  • Bring your own water

10. Mud Creek Dog Park

️ Address:  341 Roe Ave, East Patchogue, NY 11772
Open Times: 6 AM to 9 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Smaller dog park
  • Bring your own waste bags and water
  • Rocky beach
  • Plenty of parking available

Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-03

Final Thoughts

With so many dog-friendly beaches in Long Island, there’s no reason you and your pup can’t enjoy a day soaking in the sun and enjoying the waves from the ocean. You can’t go to just any beach, but there are more than enough options here to help you plan your next beach day with your pup!


Featured Image by: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

One Response

  1. Larchmonth amd Rye are in Westchester county, not Long Island by any stretch. Sad that most of these beaches are out east or in Brooklyn, which might be geographically part of LI, but takes hours to get to from here!

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Why Do Dogs Follow You to the Bathroom? 10 Reasons

Living under the same roof as a dog is like having a second shadow that follows you everywhere. Dogs love to walk their...

5 Small Herding Dog Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

Although you may need a herding dog to help around the farm, you’re not limited to medium or large dogs. Small herding dogs...

What Were Border Collies Bred For? Origin & History

When you think of Border Collies, odds are you think of herding dogs, right? That’s because they are among the best herding dogs...

Why Are My Dog’s Eyes Red? 13 Likely Reasons (Vet Answer)

As pet owners, we all become concerned if we notice something wrong with our beloved canine. If you have noticed a red eye...

More related

11 Most Common Food Allergens for Dogs & How to Avoid Them (Vet-Reviewed)

Excessive scratching, recurring ear infections, and GI upset are all signs that your dog could have an allergy. While eliminating certain foods is...

Are Monsteras Toxic to Dogs? Vet-Verified Facts, Info & Poison Help

Having house plants and dogs together in the same space can be quite a challenge. You want to keep both alive and healthy,...

American Bulldog Lab Mix Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care Guide & Traits

The American Bulldog Lab is a mixed breed. For this reason, you never really know what you’re going to get. Purebred dogs tend...

The Helicopter Tail, Vibrate & Growl, and Smack: How My Dogs Get My Attention

Hi, I’m Allison. Read my introduction to learn more about me and my three mixed-breed dogs from Thailand, Jelly, Lorraina, and Manic. If...

Keep reading

American Journey Dog Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons & Recalls

Review Summary Introduction American Journey dog food has quickly become a favorite of dog parents everywhere. However, if you’re searching for it in your local pet store or even online, you are not likely to find it. This brand of...

Dogster_American Journey Dog Food Review

Crave Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Crave dog food is a newer brand that offers dry and wet food formulas. The brand promotes grain-free diets and features meat-based lean proteins. Like all AAFCO-approved brands, Crave offers complete and balanced nutrition for dogs. As with...

Dogster_Crave Dog Food Review

5 Best Cranberry Supplements for Dogs in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Have you been hunting for the ideal cranberry supplement for your furry companion? You have several options, but we have reviews of the five best cranberry supplements for your dog. Before selecting a product, it’s best to contact a veterinarian...

woman giving old dog a treat

Can Dogs Eat Cheez-Its? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Ever been mid-munch on a Cheez-It and suddenly felt the weight of those soulful puppy eyes? You are definitely not the first! It’s almost impossible not to melt under the adoring gaze of our four-legged friends, especially when we’re relishing...

Can Dogs Eat Cheez-Its

How to Cook Chicken & Rice for Dogs: Vet-Approved Bland Diet

For dogs recovering from illness, veterinarians often recommend bland food like homemade chicken and rice 1. It’s an easy-to-digest, low-fat, single-protein diet that is great for gastrointestinal problems. When a dog is sick, this protein and carbohydrate mix can also...

Woman Coocking In A Kitchen Beside a Dog

What Are By-Products in Dog Food? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Info

I spend more time and consideration making sure the pet food I choose is good quality than I do my food. I check protein, fiber, and other nutrient ratios while trying to decipher the ingredients. As with processed human food,...

Dalmatian dog eating dry food from a bowl

8 Best Human-Grade Dog Foods in 2026: Reviews & Top Picks

“Human-grade” dog food is a loose term that can be a bit confusing. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), this means that all the ingredients are edible for humans.1 Essentially, this label on a dog food...

cream dog eating from the bowl

Member’s Mark vs. Purina Pro Plan Dog Food – 2026 Comparison, Pros & Cons

There are a lot of decisions you’ll face as a dog owner, but one of the most important choices you need to make is what food you’ll be feeding your pet. You want the best for your dog, but with...

Dogster_Dog Food Member_s Mark vs Purina Pro Plan