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)

Share

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

Dogster’s Weekly Photo Contest Winners: My Best Trick (April 16, 2026)

Every week our team gets the privilege of sorting through our readers photos to choose what dogs will win this weeks contest! See...

From Grief to Gratitude: How One “Potato” and a Road Trip Changed Everything

The “COVID Puppy” phenomenon is a well-known chapter of the pandemic, but for Alexis Walling, the arrival of a tiny, wrinkled English Bulldog...

Why Dogs Play Too Rough — And the Simple Fixes That Prevent It From Becoming a Problem

A dog that plays too rough with others is a problem that builds fast. One minute, the dogs are running and chasing, the...

Ricky Gervais Says: It’s Time to Release The Dogs

As activists prepare to carry out the biggest Open Rescue in the history of animal welfare, Ricky Gervais says, “it’s time to release...

More related

10 Best Paw Balms for Dogs in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Just like with people, some dogs need a little bit of skin moisture support. Paw balms are a great way to maintain the...

Do Newfoundland Dogs Like Water & How Well Can They Swim? Facts & FAQ

The Canadian Kennel Club registry has a total of 187 dog breeds. All of them were initially bred in different parts of the...

Blue Buffalo vs Purina Pro Plan Dog Food: 2026 Comparison

Both Blue Buffalo and Purina Pro Plan are well-known brands that sell a wide variety of dog food. At a quick glance, both...

Do Dogs Know When You’re Sick? The Interesting Answer!

Dogs are considered man’s best friend for various reasons. They are incredibly loyal and entertaining, and they’re good at keeping their human companions...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Soybeans? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

The answer to whether dogs can eat soybeans is complicated. While soybeans are not technically toxic to your dog, there are plenty of concerning risks associated with soybeans that make them inadvisable as a regular treat. At the same time,...

Can Dogs Eat_Soybeans

8 Best Foods for Yorkie Puppies In 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Yorkies are known as some of the world’s smallest dogs. While they aren’t technically the smallest dogs out there (that award goes to the Chihuahua), they’re small enough that finding food for them can be a real challenge, especially when...

Yorkshire terrier puppy sitting on green summer grass with empty metal bowl

Can Dogs Eat Warm Food? Vet-Verified Benefits, Risks & Facts

Though most dog food formulas are designed for straight-into-the-bowl convenience, some people opt to warm them up before their pooch tucks in. Feeding your dog warm food is perfectly fine as long as it’s suitable for heating up (freeze-dried raw...

Can Dogs Eat Warm Food

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

Solid Gold Puppy Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary The Solid Gold dog food brand came to be in 1974 and during the early years, most of their foods contain more natural ingredients that were based on a holistic diet. The company was founded by Sissy Harrington...

Dogster_Solid Gold Puppy Food Review

Can Dogs Drink Human Breast Milk? Nutrition & Health Facts

Many pet owners consider their dog to be their baby, and there’s nothing wrong with that. However, there are some things that we shouldn’t be sharing with our pets, and breast milk is one of them. In addition to being...

Can Dogs Drink Human Breast Milk

Can Dogs Drink Tea? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Sometimes, it’s nice giving your canine companion a treat you know they’ll love, and occasionally, those treats are something you would eat or drink too. Take tea, for example. Plenty of people enjoy tea because of its various flavors and...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Drink-Tea

Can Dogs Eat Mayo? Vet-Verified Nutritional Facts & FAQ

Mayo, or mayonnaise, is not something that you should be offering to your dog. If they sneak a lick of your mayo spoon, they will probably be just fine. But you shouldn’t make it a habit, as mayo has no...

Can Dogs Eat_Mayo

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter