The Ultimate Guide to Dog-Friendly Beaches on Long Island (2025)

There’s nothing quite like watching your dog experience pure joy – ears flapping in the ocean breeze, paws digging into sun-warmed sand, tail wagging furiously as waves chase their retreat. Yet finding true dog-friendly beaches on Long Island can feel like navigating a maze of “No Dogs Allowed” signs. We’ve combed every inch of coastline to create your definitive 2025 guide to beaches where your furry companion is genuinely welcome.

Top 10 Dog-Friendly Beaches on Long Island

Consistently formatted for easy scanning – seasonal dates reflect 2025 regulations.

Playland Beach (Rye)

• Leash Policy: Off-leash permitted Oct 1 – Apr 28
• Seasonal Access: Year-round (dawn to dusk)
• Why We Love It: Gated entrance prevents escapes; wide sandy stretches perfect for fetch.
• Amenities: Free parking, waste stations (bring extra bags).
• Insider Tip: Arrive early on weekends – limited to 3 dogs per owner.

Gardiner County Park (Bay Shore)

• Leash Policy: On-leash required
• Seasonal Access: Year-round
• Why We Love It: Calm bay waters ideal for timid swimmers; shaded trails.
• Amenities: Ample parking ($8 fee), restrooms, freshwater access.
• Insider Tip: Follow Beach Road to the quietest sandy coves.

Smith Point County Park (Shirley)

• Leash Policy: On-leash always
• Seasonal Access: Year-round (8:30 AM – 6:30 PM)
• Why We Love It: 5 miles of undeveloped beach; prime seabird watching.
• Amenities: Free parking, seasonal restrooms.
• Insider Tip: Enter east of campground for direct dune access.

Larchmont Dog Beach (Larchmont)

• Leash Policy: Off-leash permitted
• Seasonal Access: Year-round (9 AM – 12:30 PM only)
• Why We Love It: Dedicated dog beach; calm waters.
• Amenities: Street parking, waste stations.
• Insider Tip: Perfect for quick morning adventures.

Fire Island National Seashore (Multiple Access Points)

• Leash Policy: On-leash required
• Seasonal Access: Ocean beaches open Sep 16 – Mar 15
• Why We Love It: Miles of pristine dunes; ferry adventures.
• Amenities: Varies by entry point ($25 vehicle fee).
• Insider Tip: Western access via Robert Moses Causeway has most dog-friendly zones.

Montauk Point State Park (Montauk)

• Leash Policy: On-leash (6-ft max)
• Seasonal Access: Year-round except nesting areas
• Why We Love It: Dramatic bluffs; fewer crowds off-season.
• Amenities: Restrooms, $8 parking.
• Insider Tip: Check closures for piping plover nesting (Apr – Jul).

Atlantic Beach (Atlantic Beach)

• Leash Policy: On-leash required
• Seasonal Access: Oct 1 – Mar 31
• Why We Love It: Wide sandy expanses; beautiful sunsets.
• Amenities: Free street parking.
• Insider Tip: Dogs prohibited on boardwalk – stick to shoreline.

Shadmoor State Park (Montauk)

• Leash Policy: On-leash (6-ft max)
• Seasonal Access: Year-round
• Why We Love It: 2,000+ ft of ocean frontage; cliff-top trails.
• Amenities: Limited free parking.
• Insider Tip: Best accessed via Ditch Plains Road.

Southampton Beaches (Southampton)

• Leash Policy: On-leash required
• Seasonal Access: Oct 1 – Apr 1
• Why We Love It: Pristine white sands; upscale vibe.
• Amenities: Paid parking ($40/day summer, free off-season).
• Insider Tip: Cooper’s Beach allows dogs before 9 AM in summer.

Plumb Beach (Brooklyn)

• Leash Policy: On-leash always
• Seasonal Access: Year-round (bayside only)
• Why We Love It: Easy NYC access; gentle waves.
• Amenities: Free parking under Belt Parkway.
• Insider Tip: Check tide charts – best at low tide.

 

Understanding Long Island Beach Rules

Universal Dog Beach Etiquette

This etiquette applies everywhere:

• 🛑 Always clean up: Carry extra waste bags (even at “supplied” stations).
• 🌡️ Paw protection: Test sand temperature with your hand; if too hot for 5 seconds, it burns paws.
• 🌊 Water safety: Not all dogs swim naturally! Introduce waves gradually. For more tips, check out the American Kennel Club’s beach safety guide.
• 🐦 Wildlife respect: Immediately leash if birds or sea life are nearby.
• 📞 Proof ready: Have rabies certification and dog license accessible.

Jurisdiction Variations

• Town Beaches: Most restrictive (often seasonal only).
• County Parks: Moderate access (typically on-leash).
• State Parks: Most dog-friendly but check nesting closures.

Always verify current rules at the official NYS Parks website before visiting.

Essential Beach Day Checklist

• 6-ft leash + backup
• Long line (15-30 ft for safe swimming)
• Collapsible water bowl + 2L water
• Dog-specific sunscreen (nose/ears)
• Quick-dry towel
• First-aid kit (tweezers for splinters!)
• Floating fetch toys
• Cooling vest for hot days
• Paw balm or booties
• Portable shade option

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed on Jones Beach or Robert Moses?
❌ No – These popular state parks prohibit dogs on beaches year-round. Nearby alternatives include Plumb Beach (Brooklyn) and Gardiner Park (Bay Shore).

What are fines for violating beach rules?
Fines range from

       75−75-75−

     

250 depending on the municipality. Suffolk County typically issues higher penalties than Nassau.

Are there off-leash options?
Yes! A few beaches offer seasonal off-leash options. This freedom is a direct result of good training and recall.

• Playland Beach (Oct-Apr)
• Larchmont Dog Beach (mornings year-round)
• Mud Creek Dog Park (Huntington) – not a beach, but has waterfront access

Can I bring dogs to beach restaurants?
Some bayside establishments with outdoor seating allow dogs. Always call ahead for current policies.

• Cowfish (Hampton Bays)
• Claudio’s Waterfront (Greenport)

Final Thoughts

Long Island’s coastline offers incredible diversity for you and your pup – from the gentle waves of Gardiner Park to the wild beauty of Montauk Point. As regulations evolve, we’ll keep this guide updated. Share your favorite beach discoveries in the comments below!

“Dogs remind us that paradise isn’t a place on a map – it’s wherever they’re wagging.”

— Local beachgoer Marissa T., quoted with her Lab Ranger at Shadmoor State Park

Have a tip or update? Email hello@puppyguyz.com to help us keep this resource accurate!