Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in New York: On- & Off-Leash Spots
From Broadway to boardwalks, New York has it all, and your pup is invited to participate in the fun! However, their access to the beach may be limited during the peak summer months, since the Big Apple is such a bustling tourist destination. Don't let that stop you from taking your pet on vacation, though! New York City hosts dog runs that are near the water and open at all times of the year, and there are even more opportunities for adventure if you're willing to travel outside the city limits.
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches in New York
1. Manhattan Beach Dog Run
| ️Address: | Park Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235 |
| Open Times: | 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Fully fenced dog park right beside Manhattan Beach
- Features two separate play areas for large and small dogs
- Water fountain available
- Multi-terrain playground with grass, artificial turf, and gravel
- On-leash only walking around Manhattan Beach Park
2. Rye Playland Beach
| ️Address: | 1 Playland Pkwy, Rye, NY 10580 |
| Open Times: | October through April |
| Cost: | $4 per adult, $3 per child |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- The site of an Art Deco-era arcade that's open during the warmer months
- Open to dogs only during off-season months from October to April
- A local favorite
3. East Hampton Main Beach
| ️Address: | 101 Ocean Ave, East Hampton, NY 11937 |
| Open Times: | Dog-friendly from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. from May to September; available 24 hours from September to May |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | September to May |
- Allow your dog to frolic off-leash from September to May
- Visit with your canine friend from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. during peak summer months
- Snack shop on site with restrooms
4. Coney Island & Brighton Beach
| ️Address: | 601 Riegelmann Boardwalk, Brooklyn, NY 11235 |
| Open Times: | October 1 until May 1 |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Walk your dog on the historical grounds of Coney Island Amusement Park
- Open to dogs during the slower months
- Leash law strictly enforced
5. Calvert Vaux Park
| ️Address: | Bay 44th St. &, Hunter Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11214 |
| Open Times: | 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Cozy park in Brooklyn where you can walk your dog on a leash
- Grassy fields available for playing fetch
- Hosts views of Gravesend Bay
6. Rockaway Beach
| ️Address: | 1-12, 1-98 Cross Bay Pkwy, Far Rockaway, 11693 |
| Open Times: | 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No, except in dog run areas |
- 5-mile stretch of boardwalks
- Water access
- Off-leash dog run areas
- Beach open 24 hours, dog run open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
7. Larchmont Dog Beach
| ️Address: | 118 Park Ave, Larchmont, NY 10538 |
| Open Times: | 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Small beach with fantastic views of Long Island Sound
- Limited parking
- Water access available
8. Little Stony Point Beach
| ️Address: | 3007 Bear Mountain-Beacon Hwy, Cold Spring, NY 10516 |
| Open Times: | Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; closed on weekends |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Only an hour's drive from NYC
- Dog-friendly walking trails alongside the Hudson River
- Great place for pups to swim
9. Lake George Dog Beach
| ️Address: | Lake George, NY 12845 |
| Open Times: | 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Located north of Albany and Saratoga Springs
- Year-round beach access for pups
- Off-leash allowed, but take caution because the area isn't fenced
- Usually crowded with furry friends and their humans
10. Gypsy Bay Park
| ️Address: | 14 Ledyard Ave, Cazenovia, NY 13035 |
| Open Times: | Sunrise to sunset |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | No |
- Located near Syracuse in upstate New York
- Small park with access to Cazenovia Lake
- Swimming allowed
Conclusion
You'll find no shortage of beach fun near New York City and elsewhere in the state, especially during the winter off-season months. If you visit with your furry friend in the summer, make sure to call ahead or research before you go, to make sure your dog is allowed to accompany you. Most beaches are open 24/7 and will let you bring your dog after dark and before sunrise.
If you are looking for an off-leash adventure, be sure to check out the local dog runs near the water or plan a trip to a more secluded beach on the outskirts of town. As with all cities, New York City beaches and dog runs do require your dog to be vaccinated against rabies, and authorities may ask for proof, so remember to bring your papers wherever you go.
See Also:
Featured Image Credit: Julija Kumpinovica, Shutterstock
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Brooke Norris has 2+ years experience as a freelance writer. She graduated from University of North Georgia with a B.S. in Media Studies, and is intrigued by the idea of storytelling across different mediums. Currently she lives in New Orleans, Louisiana, with her husband and four pets. When she isn’t writing, you’ll probably find Brooke petting her dog, Tuggles, or one of her three cats, Satura, Rosie, and Demelza. They follow her around the house as she gardens, cooks, brews coffee, and otherwise makes their house a home.
