There is nothing quite as joyful as watching your beloved canine friends frolic on a beautiful beach, skirting the edge of sand and sea. In the NYC area these opportunities are few and limited to very special time windows when its not too hot for our pooches, nor too cold for us humans. Most beaches do not allow dogs on them, and if they do, that allowance begins at the end of the summer season (usually October) and ends as human beach goers flock to the sun, sand, and surf (usually May).

If you are person who loves to walk the waters edge with your canine companion it is helpful to know where you can go, when you can be there, and what restrictions there will be on you and your buddies good time.

Below we offer you a selection of the best dog-friendly beaches in NYC, and places that will actually give your pup a chance to get its paws wet and even take a plunge. We will also advise you on transportation options and park rules and regulations, but please be sure to check details at the MTA and individual park websites before you head out on your adventure, as these things can be subject to change. For a detailed guide to dog friendly transportation options in and around NYC we encourage you to go to https://andreaarden.com/dog-training/dog-friendly-transportation-in-new-york-city/.

Orchard Beach

Location: Park Dr, The Bronx, NY 10464

Note: dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk at Orchard Beach from May 20 to October 1st.

Dogs are not allowed on Orchard Beach during the summer months, making this a great option for an off-season adventure. This public waterfront park and beach in the Bronx is 115 acres and with a 1.1 mile long waterfront. It features a promenade, a pavilion, snack bars, food carts, two playgrounds, picnic areas, a parking lot and 26 courts for basketball, volleyball, and handball. Leashed dogs and their owners can take a great exercise stroll, or just relax while enjoying stunning views.

Unless you live nearby, or have a small dog that easily transports in a bag, your best mode of transportation will be a car. You can take the Number 6 subway to Pelham Bay Park, then transfer to a bus, or opt to ride the bus the whole way. Go to MTA.info to get details and best options for your trip. 

Rockaway Beach

Location: 8601 Shore Front Pkwy, Far Rockaway, NY 11693

Note: dogs are not allowed on the sand or the boardwalk at Rockaway Beach from Memorial Day weekend through October 1.

Rockaway Beach is not a dog-friendly destination during the summer months, but during off-season leashed dogs are free to explore to their hearts content. During your time at Rockaway Beach you will see lots of dogs running free on the sand and frolicking in the water.

This remarkable city beach is the largest urban beach in the United States, stretching from Beach 3rd to Beach 153rd Streets on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also one of the cleanest and well kept beaches in all of New York City. Enjoy walking the boardwalk, strolling the sand and surf, or even watching the surfers. Be aware that the surf here is pretty intense and at times may be too strong for your pooch to ride the waves.

Rockaway beach is accessible by car, train LIRR to Q114 bus, subway (A,S) bus (Q22, Q35, Q53, Q52 SBS), or even the NYC ferry (which is a real treat). There are a pay parking lots. Street side parking may be more available during the off-season. Check MTA and Ferry schedules for your best route options.

Coney Island Beach

Location: 3052 W 21st St, Brooklyn, NY 11224

Note: leashed dogs are always allowed on the boardwalk/promenade at Coney Island Beach despite the time of year. If you want your pooch to set paws on the sand you will want to visit between October 1st and May 1st.

Coney Island is our iconic Brooklyn beach – home to the world famous Cyclone, Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, the Mermaid Parade, as well as historic architecture reminiscent of a bygone era. Even though leashed dogs aren’t allowed on the sand during the summer, that doesn’t mean your dog has to miss out on all of the summer fun. They’re allowed on the boardwalk year round. Truth be told, unless your dog is pretty outgoing, the height of summer season crowds and activity could be a bit much for some dogs and their humans. Even off-season, there’s always plenty to do and see at Coney Island. It’s a scene!

This is a great option for city dwellers that need a fun outing that doesn’t require a car because several subway lines (R W N Q) brings you right there. Just remember when using the MTA subway, your dog needs to be in a carrier. Check out our article to learn more about NYC transit options and how to prepare your pup for travel and positive social experiences https://andreaarden.com/dog-training/dog-friendly-transportation-in-new-york-city/, https://andreaarden.com/dog-training/socialization-of-a-puppy-in-the-big-city/.

Brighton Beach

Location: 601 Riegelmann Boardwalk, Brooklyn, NY 11235

Note: leashed dogs are always allowed on the boardwalk/promanade at Brighton Beach. Leashed dogs are allowed on the sand October 1st until May 1st.

Just a few blocks from the amusement park scene of Coney Island, just past the New York Aquarium, you’ll find the historic Russian and eastern European neighborhood of Brighton Beach, complete with traditional food options and vendors along this stretch of Boardwalk and the adjacent avenue. Also known as “Little Odessa”,  the beach and boardwalk here are a bit more laid-back than nearby Coney Island, catering largely to locals enjoying the benches along the long boardwalk, swimmers, and sunbathers. It’s a great place to visit on it’s own or as a continuation of your trip to Coney Island, to wind down and eat some delicious food.

Subway to Coney Island or B, Q to Brighton Beach. Bus B1, B68

Manhattan Beach

Location: Oriental Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11235

Note: leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk at Manhattan Beach from 7am to 10am, and again at 9pm until the park closes. Your pup can join you on the sand during the off-season between October 1st and May 1st.

At the southern tip of Brooklyn, you’ll find a strip of four beaches: Coney Island Beach, Brighton Beach, Manhattan Beach, and all the way at the end, Kingsborough Beach. Manhattan Beach is not as lively as the neighboring public beaches, which for many is a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Unlike the surrounding urban beaches, it’s completely surrounded by greenery. Manhattan Beach Park covers this sliver of shoreline, complete with playgrounds,, sports fields, a parking lot, and even a dog run!

If you don’t have a car, the MTA bus B1, B49 will get you there.

Fort Tilden

Location: Center Road Breezy Point, NY 11697

Note: the park is open to leashed dogs year round but the ocean-side beaches at Fort Tilden do not allow dogs from May15th to September 15th

Fort Tilden has a long history of military use dating all the way back to the early 1800s. Today, it’s part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, and includes lifeguard-free three-mile stretch of sand, trees and grassy dunes. Most of the old military installations are abandoned and covered in graffiti, although a few have been converted for local art organizations. It is an interesting place to walk around exploring for the day, enjoying trails with the pooch. Battery Harris East, a viewing platform that has 360-degree views of the city, New York Harbor, and the Atlantic Ocean. There is even a portion of the beach that’s clothing optional for humans.

The area is calm and remote, and tough to get to – you’ll need a car to get here, but it’s worth it! You will have to park your car at Jacob Riis Riis Park 157 Rockaway Beach Blvd. and walk in.

Breezy Point Tip

Location: Breezy Point, NY 11697

Note: leashed dogs are not allowed in the ocean-side beaches at Breezy Point between March 15th to September 15th. 

At the western tip of the Rockaway barrier beach, you’ll find Breezy Point Tip, with over two hundred acres of ocean-front beach, bay shoreline, sand dunes, marshes and coastal grasslands managed by the National Park Service. As part of the Gateway National Park system, this area is open to the public. It’s a popular fishing spot, and there’s a very active bird population, so please be sure to keep your dog leashed and stay on trails, and out of any restricted areas.

Getting to Breezy Point is a bit of a trek by automobile, but the beach is nice and the views are even nicer.

Wolfe’s Pond Beach

Location: Wolfe’s Pond Park, 420 Cornelia Ave, Staten Island, NY 10312

Note: leashed dogs are allowed on the sand at Wolf’s Pond Park from October 1st until Mat 1st.

Wolfe’s Pond Beach is located in Wolfe’s Pond Park, a good sized public park in Staten Island, complete with a pond, two playgrounds, and basketball and tennis courts, as well as numerous walking and biking paths, open fields and the small beach on Raritan Bay. The park is a great place to visit with you dog year round, but to enjoy the small secluded beach go off-season. That time of year is usually calm and not overcrowded. If off-leash dog parks are a good fit for you and your dog there’s an oceanside dog park on the Atlantic Ocean off of Hylan Boulevard.

Best transportation option would be a car. If you are up for a real adventure you could consider the Ferry to a car service or bus  (S55, S56) – but that’s a lot of work!

South Beach and Midland Beach

Location: Father Capodanno Blvd and Sand Lane, Staten Island, NY 10301.

Note: leashed dogs are always allowed on the boardwalk/promenade at these beaches. Leashed dogs are allowed on the sand from October 1st until May 1st.

These two Staten Island beaches are connected by a 2.5-mile long boardwalk and the Ocean Breeze fishing pier, one of the largest in the city. This area has a lot to offer! Here you will find Ocean Breeze Park, a 110-acre park with sand dunes, wetlands, grasslands and shrub forest, as well as a small oceanside amusement park and a skate park. On the South Beach side, check out the fountain with six bronze dolphins that lights up at night, or the checkerboard tables and bocce courts. Locals love to come here to walk, fish and enjoy epic views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. After walking over to the Midland Beach side, you can see the sea turtle fountain, or the handball and shuffleboard courts. Leashed dogs are welcome on the boardwalk and other areas of the park year-round, so summer visits to these two beaches are a good bet for locals as well as New Yorkers from the other burrows.

For most New Yorkers getting there by car is your easiest option. The Bus options are S51, S52, S81

Cedar Grove Beach and New Dorp Beach

Location: Cedar Grove Beach Pl, Staten Island, NY 10306

Note: leashed dogs are allowed on the sand at Cedar Cove Beach from October 1st until May 1st.

Head further south on Staten Island, past South Beach and Midland beach, and you’ll find yourself in the Great Kills Park area. Here, you’ll find Cedar Grove Beach and New Dorp beach, two of the city’s newest beaches: private lands recently converted to public beaches, adding a staff of lifeguards and fully equipped comfort stations. Concessions stands are being added, as well as other amenities to attract travelers. These two beaches are smaller and more tranquil than their neighbors, popular with locals and families, and a lovely place to visit with you dog off-season.

Like our other Staten Island locations, transport by car is the easiest. Bus S76, S86 go here.

Alternative Options for Dogs To Swim

Dog Beach – Prospect Park

Location: 95 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215. Dog Beach id localed in the middle of the park near the lake

Note: off-leash hours are permitted 6am – 9am and 9pm – 1am at Long Meadow (except ballfields), Nethermead and Peninsula Meadow (not woodlands). Dogs must be leashed at all other times.

Prospect Park has a pond area that has been partitioned off for dogs to enjoy during the parks off-leash hours. Dog Beach is treasured community resource, as is off-leash hours for Brooklyn’s dogs and their owners.The area was renovated in 2016 to improve its features.

The advantage to this spot is that it is in the beautiful Prospect Park, a wonderful place to walk your dog on or off leash. It is a bonus feature during off-leash hours, and is available for dogs to use during the summer season when dogs most benefit from taking a dip in cool water.

Prospect Park can be accessed by public transportation using several subway lines and buses. Street parking is also available around the perimeter of the park and side streets.

Francis Lewis Park

Location: 3rd Ave between Parsons Blvd and 147 St, College Point, NY 11356 (Queens)

Note: the park is open to dogs year round, with an off-leash area.

This park lovely oasis provides a fenced in area where dogs are free to climb the rocks, run on the sand, and splash around as much as they want in the calm water. The advantage of this option is that dogs can have the freedom of being off-leash with no fear of escape, while the humans can enjoy stunning views of the Whitestone Bridge.

The closest subway or LIRR station is on Main Street in Flushing where you can then take a 15 minute bus ride in the Q76. With that said – we’d recommend getting there by car or taxi.

Louis Valentino, Jr. Park and Pier

Location: Coffey St & Ferris St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Note: leashed dogs have year round access to this park.

This charming little park in Red Hook has a kayak launch point right below Louis Valentino Junior Park’s Pier, offering a wide swimming area popular for local dogs. It features a grassy park, and a pier with great waterscape views including the Statue of Liberty. The Buttermilk Channel offers additional canine splashing opportunity. Be aware that the waves here can get sizable. Be sure to bring your own water and poop bags to keep this lovely little park tidy.

A fun way to get to the park is to take the NYC Ferry South route to Red Hook/Atlantic Basin stop. If you prefer the bus, take the B61. A car works too.

Crescent Beach Park

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

Note: this park welcomes leashed dogs year round.

Crescent Beach Park is a gem of a place located in Staten Island. This moon-shaped green space filled with marshes, woods and wetlands has an off-leash dog area where your dog can run, play, and get their paws wet. The park can be a little difficult to find – follow the paved path to the mulch path to a big furrow in the sand.

Leashed dogs are welcome to extend their walk to adjacent parks and beaches as well. Enjoy a natural setting, The Great Kills Harbor views, sailboats, and fishing vessels. It may be a bit of a trek for some, but it’s a worth while escape from city living.

Car transportation is the easiest option.

Plumb Beach (Gateway National Recreation Area)

Location: East bound side of Belt Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11228

Note: leashed dogs are welcome year round from sunrise to sunset.

Plumb Beach (also known as Plum Beach) is a NYC Parks managed stretch of beach near Sheepshead Bay, tucked away on the Belt Parkway. This Brooklyn stretch of shoreline is a picturesque hidden gem, that’s an important habitat for horseshoe crabs – you’ll spot them all over. It is also enjoyed by kayakers and windsurfers for its calm waters and strong winds.

There’s a kayak launch, hidden paths, sand dunes, marshes and streams. It’s a great place to explore, and watch a sunset. The beach is usually calm and free of crowds, since it’s not very well known.

There’s free parking, for those with a car. Mass transit is also an option.

How to Set You and Your Dog Up For the Most Enjoyable and Successful Outing

Whether you take off to a far away beach, trail, or park, or stay close to home, here are some tips for making your journey hazel free, safe, and fun for both you, your dog, and others around you:

• Bring water, poop bags, treats, and a towel (if a swim or picnic is in the plans). 

• Know how to get to your destination and the best mode of transportation. For a detailed guide to dog friendly transportation options in and around NYC go to https://andreaarden.com/dog-training/dog-friendly-transportation-in-new-york-city/
• Have some apps that will aid you in getting important information for your adventure such as:
  • MTA app for transit directions, maps, real-time service updates, and more
  • Train Time, for schedules, real-time train tracking, and buying tickets for LIRR and Metro-North Railroad.
  • NYC Parks beach information
  • National Parks service beach information
  • NYC Ferry for schedules and locations

• Prepare your pup for travel and positive social experiences: https://andreaarden.com/dog-training/socialization-of-a-puppy-in-the-big-city/

• Train you dog basic manners skills by attending group classes, doing private lessons, or getting advice from experts at https://andreaarden.com/

• Make sure your dog is a joy to walk on leash whether it is in the city https://andreaarden.com/dog-training/how-to-handle-dog-walking-in-busy-nyc-streets/ out in nature, or both https://andreaarden.com/dog-training/how-to-train-a-dog-for-leash-walking/

• Check for beach closures and water safety levels if you plan to have your pup in the water.

• If you plane to let your dog off-leash, do the training required to be confident your dog will respond to you when asked to come back.

• Do not allow your dog to chase wildlife or walk through restricted areas

• Follow leash laws. They exist for a reason.

• Clean up after your dog so they continue to be welcome in our parks and on our beaches.

• Be mindful of the environment. The beach sand can get very hot for dog paws, and oceans and streams can take over a dog, even one that loves the water and knows how to swim.

Most importantly be safe, know the limitations of you and your dog, and enjoy experiences together that enhance the quality of your lives!