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

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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

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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!

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