New York may seem like it has plenty of steel and concrete, but along the city’s edges, you’ll find beautiful beaches to enjoy with your pup. From busy hotspots like Rockaway Beach and Coney Island to hidden gems like Crescent Beach Park and Plumb Beach, there’s a beach for every bone-lover.
Remember that most New York beaches only allow dogs on the sand during the off-season, which is from Labor Day to Memorial Day. However, there are some year-round options as well. Which dog-friendly New York beach is best for you? Check out our top picks below.
The 12 Dog-Friendly Beaches in New York 1. Rockaway Beach
The largest and most popular urban beach in the US
One of the cleanest beaches in NYC
Dogs available on the sand in the off-season only
Playgrounds, BBQ areas, sports courts, skating
The boardwalk is always full of restaurants, shopping
2. Wolfe’s Pond Beach
Located in a public park with playgrounds, sports courts, and walking trails
A quiet hidden gem, this beach feels secluded and private
Leashed dogs are allowed on the sand during the off-season
A separate oceanside dog park is nearby on Hylan Boulevard
Wheelchair accessibility is available with two informal ramps
3. Coney Island Beach
🗺️ Address: 📍Coney Island Beach
🕐 Open Times: Memorial Day to Labor Day, 10 am to 6 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
One of the most iconic New York Beaches.
Dogs are allowed on the boardwalk year-round
Go for a run on the sand during the off-season
Perfect photo ops for vacationers with plenty to see
A 3-mile-long stretch of beach and boardwalk
4. Manhattan Beach
Used to be considered a private beach for the wealthy, now open to the public
Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk every morning from 7 am to 10 am
Playgrounds, sports courts, and more for the humans
Located at the southern tip of Manhattan Island
Not as busy as neighboring beaches if your pup isn’t fond of crowds
5. South Beach and Midland Beach
Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk year-round
Frolic in the sand and waves on a leash during the off-season
A large fishing pier connects the two beaches
Check out Ocean Breeze Park, with sand dunes and other natural surroundings
Great place to socialize with other people and pets, take photos, or play checkers
6. Brighton Beach
Enjoy the boardwalk with your pup on-leash year-round
Beach walks with dogs are allowed off-season
Brighton Beach is about more than the water. Check out the neighborhood!
Delicious Eastern European restaurants and street foods
Laid back by day with a vibrant nightlife
7. Cedar Grove Beach
One of the newest beaches in New York
Side-by-side with New Dorp Beach, both are still adding new amenities
Quieter and smaller than many other beaches in New York
Located in the neighborhood of Great Kills Park
Leashed dogs can enjoy the sand and water in the off-season
8. Fort Tilden
Three miles of beaches with varying landscapes
Gorgeous views from the 360-degree platform at Battery Harris East
You and your pup might love the hike needed to reach some areas
Popular with military history enthusiasts
Be aware; there’s a small section of beach that is “clothing optional”
9. Breezy Point Tip
🗺️ Address: 📍Breezy Point, NY 11697
🕐 Open Times: Hours vary by season
💲 Cost: Fees for car visitors only
🐕 Off-Leash: No
Most of Breezy Point Tip belongs to the National Park Service
Very active natural wildlife population in stark contrast to the city beyond
Great place to relax and do some fishing
Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach from March to September
Reaching the beach is a long walk, but you’ll have stunning views!
10. Jacob Riis Park
One of the most accessible beaches in New York (car, bus, subway, or ferry)
Enjoy a full mile of the beautiful beach as well as golf and other sports
Located in the Rockaway Beach neighborhood
Dogs are allowed on the beach during the off-season
Check out the restored art deco bathhouse!
11. Crescent Beach Park
Dogs allowed off-leash year-round in specified areas
Hard to find but worth the effort, a true hidden gem
Gorgeous natural surroundings, like marshes and wetlands
The crescent-shaped sand bar can only be seen at low-tide
Great place for clamming and some recreational activities
12. Plumb Beach
Another hidden gem for nature lovers
Come here to kayak, explore walking trails, or enjoy a sunset
Free parking is available, which is pretty rare in New York City
Dogs are allowed here year-round but always on a leash
Great way to escape the more crowded beaches
Conclusion There you have it—our top 12 picks for dog-friendly beaches in New York. Whether you are a local searching for a new place to explore with your pup or you’re headed there on vacation and want to include the furry family members, you’re sure to find something that matches your mood and personality . Perhaps you can make it a goal to visit all of them!
See also: 12 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Delaware You Can Visit Today!
