10 Dog-Friendly Beaches Near NYC

Located in Montauk, New York, Shadmoor State Park is an ideal getaway for you and your furry friend. About three hours outside of New York City via car, this state park features beach access, hiking trails and observation platforms. Dogs must always be supervised but can frolic on the beach and take a swim in the ocean on a leash no more than six feet long. Grab your picnic blanket and basket and the spend the day on the sand, bird watching or simply taking in the beautiful views.

An easy trip from New York City, Rockaway Beach has the city’s only legal surfing beach, a boardwalk and plenty of restaurants. Dogs aren’t allowed on the sand or boardwalk from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but head here during the off-season when it’s much less crowded and the temperatures are a bit lower. After a long day of letting your pup explore the ocean and play in the sand, head to dog-friendly Rockaway Beach Surf Club for tacos and drinks. Rockaway Beach is easily accessible via car, subway and ferry all year long.

Looking for a place where your four-legged friend can roam free and experience Mother Nature? Look no further than Prospect Park in Brooklyn. The park offers special off-leash hours for dogs, 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. with plenty of space on the grass for them to play. What makes this park so special is the Dog Beach, where dogs can cool off in the water, dig in the sand and meet new friends. The Dog Beach is located north of the Long Meadow Ballfields and is accessible via subway and car.

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It’s about time for a road trip. Hop in the car and take the two hour drive to Gardiner County Park in Bay Shore, Long Island. This public park offers trails that wind through wetlands and woodlands and is the perfect place for a secluded area to explore nature with your pet. Dogs must stay on-leash but have plenty of trails, a dog water fountain and a small beach to explore on the Great South Bay.

Ready to head down to the shore? The Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area in Manasquan, New Jersey is an ideal spot for some quiet downtime with Fido. The eastern portion of the area is considered a dog beach and lets your four-legged friend swim in the water and relax on the sand. Dogs must be on-leash to protect the beach habitat, but that won’t stop them from enjoying the sunshine. Fisherman’s Cove Conservation Area is about an hour and a half drive from New York City and is located near several restaurants, bars and other beaches.

Take in the views of the famous Cyclone and grab a hot dog at Nathan’s Famous storefront while enjoying some time on Coney Island Beach. Since dogs aren’t allowed on the beach during the summer months, you’ll need to head there between October and May to enjoy all three miles of sandy beach. All dogs need to be leashed and can’t swim in the water but can walk the boardwalk all year long. Hop on the subway from New York City for a quick hour-and-a-half ride to enjoy all Coney Island has to offer.

About a two-and-a-half-hour drive from New York City, Wildwood Dog Park and Beach is definitely worth the trip to New Jersey. Your dog can wander off-leash within the two fenced areas, one for larger dogs and one for smaller dogs. The park is about two blocks long and dogs are welcomed all year long to bathe in the water or frolic in the sand. If you want your pup to have free reign of the water and sand, this is the place to visit.

If you are looking for a break from the city, a trip to a dog-friendly beach in New England is the perfect escape. Located on the Long Island Sound in Madison, Connecticut, Hammonasset Beach State Park offers two miles of beach fun. Dogs are welcome all year long on a leash, except for on the beach where they can only visit between the months of November and April. Hop in the car for the two-hour ride with your pup to explore this quaint Connecticut beach.

Plumb Beach is a small beach located off the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn that is the perfect place to spend a relaxing and low-key day outside with your furry friend. Near Sheepshead Bay, this beach allows dogs all year long, but they must remain on a leash. Avoid the crowds at other area beaches and head here for a quick trip from the city, via car or subway and bus.

A popular New Jersey beach destination in the summertime, Asbury Park offers a small dog-friendly beach to take your pet. The 8^th Avenue Dog Beach features off-leash fun with strict supervision during the summer months from 6 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. and any time during the off-season. Dogs are also allowed on the boardwalk but must be leashed. Be sure to plan an early morning visit for your pup to roam around freely in the summertime. Visitors can take New Jersey transit from Manhattan’s Penn Station or hop in the car and drive the less than two-hour trip.

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