Dog-friendly Beaches in N.Y. for a Day by the Ocean with Your Best Friend

How to break away from the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle and the congested traffic? New York's beaches are a great idea. Walk barefoot on the beaches or lie on a picnic cloth with your eyes closed and feel the happiness brought by the sunshine so that life is not as dull and depressing as ever.

But who wants to leave the poor dog at home while we lie on the beach? We've found ten dog-friendly beaches around New York City where your pup can play in the sand and cool off in the water. You can pick from famous or secluded beaches where your dog can make new friends or play their game of Frisbee. Grab your beach blanket, sunscreen, plenty of water, and a life jacket, and get ready for a free outdoor trip with your pet.

As a courtesy, dogs are allowed on the sand at all NYC beaches from October 2 to the Friday before Memorial Day. 

This is one of the top 10 dog friendly beaches in NYC. Enjoy!

1. Prospect Park Dog Beach

It's an enjoyable place for people and dogs alike. There are benches where you can sit and relax while enjoying the view, let your furry companion run around and swim with other doggy buddies, or even let your kids explore the area and play with some energetic dogs there.

The small lake area is excellent for dogs who like to swim, even those just starting. The lake is fenced so the dogs can't swim too far, but the "beach" area is not fenced. In all New York City parks (except for designated areas), dogs are only allowed off-leash before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m. There is a sign on the dog beach indicating this aspect.

Location: 95 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Open: 5 AM -1 AM

2. Manhattan Beach Park

By far the best dog park in New York. There are different textures like k9 grass, natural grass, and cobblestones. I also like that there is a small dog park and a large dog park, so you can choose where you are more comfortable. They have a beach and picnic area. Barbecues are allowed, but you'll need to bring a grill.

Location: 760 Oriental Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11235

Beach Hours: During the beach season, lifeguards are on duty daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Swimming is prohibited when lifeguards are not on duty and in closed areas.

Parking: Leave the Belt Parkway at exit 8 and follow the signs to the parking lot: $7.00 Monday through Friday, $22.00 on weekends and holidays. Parking is only available during the beach season.

3. Long Beach Dog Run

This dog park is a great place to let your dog run around and socialize with other dogs. They offer poop bags, a gazebo that protects you from the weather, and a beautiful view of the waters near the park at sunrise and sunset. There are usually plenty of toys, fountains, and ample parking. The only downside is its proximity to the pipeline plant, and when it gets very hot, the smell can become horrible. There is a large dog section and a small dog section divided according to your needs.

Location: W Pine St, Long Beach, NY 11561

Open: 6 AM – 9 PM

4. Brighton Beach

The beautiful beach next to Coney Island is located in a neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY. A great place to watch the sunrise! Note the new rule that there is no dog on the beach and boardwalk from Memorial Day weekend through October 1 except for service dogs!

Great place to walk along the boardwalk in the evening. A variety of food and rides. Plenty of amenities during the day, including restrooms, lifeguard stations, and showers for rinsing off the sand.

Location: 601 Riegelmann Boardwalk, Brooklyn, NY 11235

Open: 6 AM – 1 AM

5. Larchmont Dog Beach

Great place to visit with your dog. Great puppy beach. There is a sign at the entrance clearly indicating that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Although a leash is required, no one really enforces it anyway. Be sure to go at low tide. The beach is not very big at high tide.

For those who have trouble walking, the parking lot is not nearby. The beach is also very rocky and full of shells.

Location: 118 Park Ave, Larchmont, NY 10538

Open: 9 AM – 12:30 AM

6. Dyker Beach Dog Run

It is the best dog park I've ever been to in NY. Tons of grass and sand for dogs to gather around. Different dog groups can choose where they want to play, the perfect place to give your dog a good workout.

There are grass, sand, and enclosed areas for small dogs. There is also a fountain and many shady areas and benches for people to hang out while their dogs play. Some of the grass on the outer edges can be very tall, and unfortunately, not everyone picks up dog excrement, so be careful when walking in the grass. The people are generally amiable, and so are the dogs. I highly recommend this dog park.

Location: 900-998 86th St, Brooklyn, NY 11228

Open: 6 AM – 1 AM

7. Crescent Beach Park

A small but lovely little park near the sea. Tranquil, not a lot of people. Great for dogs if your dog likes the water. Lots of wildflowers and trees. A great place to walk your dog. A little hard to find - follow the paved trail to the covered path to a big ditch in the sand, and there you are!

Location: 6549, 366 Tennyson Dr, Staten Island, NY 10312

Open: 6 AM – 1 AM

8. Rockaway Freeway Dog Run

 A great dog park, It is a great place to let your dog run around. It is divided into three sections. The first enclosed area can be accessed through the main gate and usually has small dogs. The main area has a track where owners and dogs can walk or run around. There is also an enclosed area with several pieces of puppy equipment for exercise. There is no parking, but most people park on the sidewalk outside the park.

So many residents have invested time and effort to make this place work. Obey the rules. Keep your dogs under control when aggressive towards other dogs, incredibly when small.

Location: 83-02 Beach Channel Dr, Queens, NY 11693

Open: 6 AM – 9 PM

9. Nickerson Beach Park

There is a lot to choose from at this beach. There is a skate park with ramps and rails. It is a great place to bring the kids as they have a large playground with multiple rock wall-style climbing pieces. Multiple slides can be reached by climbing up walls, ladders, or bridges. The beach is clean and beautiful. There are bathrooms. A large natural dog walking area with excellent trails is located on the side of the parking lot. There are tennis balls everywhere (if you can find one, look at the side of the fence around the dog run perimeter) and even some frisbees.

Location: 880 Lido Blvd, Lido Beach, NY 11561

Open: 9:30 AM – 3 AM

10. Gardiner County Park

A great place to visit with your dog. The dog park is a great open space to run, throw a ball and meet other dogs. They have three separate dog runs (large, small, and agility). It adds to the park's already excellent reputation for being dog friendly. One of the few parks on the coast that allows dog walking. In addition to the dog run, many trails can only be enjoyed by dogs on leashes or humans. 

Location: Montauk Hwy, Bay Shore, NY 11706

Open: 7 AM – 6 AM

Finally

• Don't leave your dog unattended.
• Do not tie your dog to benches, fences, or light poles.
• Always keep your dog on a leash on the road.
• Always keep aggressive or unsocialized dogs separate from other dogs.
• Do not place yourself between fighting dogs. Throw water, throw blankets, or make loud noises.