During this time of stay-at-home suggestions and quarantine, I think Long Island beaches and dog friendly beaches on Long Island are more important than ever.
Sure people love to stroll on the beaches and enjoy the sea air and water, but so does man’s best friend, our dogs! But before you head out with your four-legged friend in tow, double check whether or not your pet is actually allowed to visit! Also, be sure to check the times and season that these places are open to visitors.
The following is a list of Long Island beaches that are great for those looking for the best of the Long Island dog friendly beaches.
Dog Friendly Beaches on Long Island
Fire Island Beaches
Fire Island National Seashore
Immerse yourself in an enchanting collage of coastal life and history. Rhythmic waves, high dunes, ancient maritime forests, historic landmarks and glimpses of wildlife, Fire Island has been a special place for diverse plants, animals and people for centuries. Far from the pressure of nearby big-city life, dynamic barrier island beaches offer both solitude and camaraderie, and spiritual renewal.
Pets are not permitted without a leash and they are not allowed at Robert Moses State Park, sections of Smith Point County Park, or on some of the community beaches on Fire Island. Dog fare is charged by some ferries who permit canine passengers.
Pets are restricted March 15 through Labor Day on Fire Island National Seashore’s ocean beaches, in park buildings, in picnic areas, and within the Fire Island Wilderness in order to protect threatened and endangered species. During this time, your leashed pet can join you on the ferries and water taxis. They are also allowed on park boardwalks, many bayside beaches, on your boat in the park’s concession-operated marinas, and in the Watch Hill Campground.
Please call 631-687-4750 or visit https://www.nps.gov/fiis/index.htm
Montauk Beaches
Montauk is a nature-lovers paradise. From amazing open spaces to massive parks to beautiful beaches, it’s not surprising that this amazing place tops the charts for Long Island dog friendly beaches!!
Hither Hills State Park
Hither Hills State Park offers visitors scenic picnic areas and fireplaces, sport fishing, a sandy ocean beach, playing fields, a playground and a somewhat well-known 189-site campground on the ocean.
Anglers can fish year-round and obtain permits to fish at night. The unique “walking dunes” of Napeague Harbor are located on the eastern boundary of the park, which also has woodlands filled with Russian olive, oak, shad and pine trees. Bridle paths and hiking, nature, biking and cross-country ski trails are available.
Dogs are permitted in certain areas of Hither Hills State Park. Those areas are East of Napeague Harbor, north of Montauk Parkway and and west of overlook parking. Dogs must be on a leash no more than 6 feet long and they are not allowed in buildings, walkways, picnic or bathing areas.
For more information, please call 631-668-2554 or visit https://parks.ny.gov/parks/122/details.aspx for more.
Camp Hero State Park
Camp Hero State Park encompasses 415 acres of diverse landscape including heavily wooded areas, a long expanse of beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean, and an historic military installation.
The park boasts some of the best surf fishing locations in the world, open 24 hours a day to fishermen with permits, and areas for picnicking. An undisturbed environment shelters bountiful wildlife and an abundance of birds. The former military base that is in the park is registered as a National Historic Site. Swimming not permitted.
A maximum of two pets are allowed in day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).
For more information, call 631-668-3781 or visit https://parks.ny.gov/parks/97/details.aspx
Montauk Point State Park
On the eastern tip of the South Shore of Long Island, Montauk Point State, offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean where it meets the Block Island Sound. Visitors can also use the nature trails to hike or cross-country ski, or spend time watching the seals sun on the rocks offshore. Block Island can be seen off in the distance.
Parking is available for walks along the rocky shoreline, viewing of the Ocean from the restaurant and gift shop, or a visit to the neighboring Montauk Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in New York State, commissioned by President George Washington in 1792.
Surf fishing at the Point is a popular activity, especially when striped bass are running in the area. Surfing is allowed from December 15th through March 31st. Other state parks nearby include: Camp Hero, Montauk Downs, Hither Hills, Shadmoor, and Napeague.
A maximum of two pets are allowed in day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).
Please call 631-668-3781 or visit https://parks.ny.gov/parks/61/details.aspx
Shadmoor State Park
Ninety-nine acre Shadmoor State Park, located one quarter-mile east of Montauk Village, features more than 2,400 feet of ocean beach accessed by two stairways. The park, named for its open, rolling geography and the shadbush that grows there, also has bluffs, freshwater wetlands that are part of the preserve, hiking trails and elevated platforms for birdwatching and enjoying the shoreline views. Visitors may picnic and saltwater fish.
A maximum of two pets are allowed in day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).
Please call 631-668-3781 or visit https://parks.ny.gov/parks/16/details.aspx
Southampton Beaches
The Hamptons aren’t just known for beautiful beaches, they also have a some of the most dog friendly beaches on Long Island! Dogs are permitted on Southampton parks, beaches and trails but only between October 1st & April 1st. Dogs must always be leashed and under supervision. Dogs must be cleaned up after and are not allowed within 50 feet of any protected animal areas.
Town of Southampton Beaches
- Flying Point Beach, Water Mill
- Foster Memorial Beach (Long Beach), Noyac
- Mecox Beach, Job’s Lane, Bridgehampton
- Old Ponquogue Bridge Marine Park, Hampton Bays
- Peter’s Pond Beach, Sagaponack
- Pikes Beach, Westhampton Dunes
- Ponquogue Beach, Hampton Bays
- Tiana Beach, East Quogue
- Sagg Main Beach, Sagg Main Street, Sagaponack
Please call 631-728-8585 or visit https://www.southamptontownny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/653/Rules-for-Dogs-on-Town-Beaches-and-Parks-PDF
Village of Southampton Beaches
- Cryder Lane Beach
- Dune Beach
- Fowlers Lane Beach
- Gin Lane Beach
- Halsey Neck Lane Beach
- Little Plains Beach
- Road D Beach
- Road G Beach
- Wyandanch Lane Beach
Village of Quogue Beach
Village Beach
From the Friday before Memorial Day to September 15, pets are not permitted. Otherwise, leashed pet are permitted.
Village of Westhampton Beach
Lashley Beach and Rogers Beach
From the weekend before Memorial Day until two weeks after Labor Day, leashed dogs are permitted from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For the rest of the year, there are no time restrictions.
East Hampton Beaches
The rules regarding pets on the beach are different for bay beaches and ocean beaches. Just like it’s neighbor to the west, East Hampton has some of the most dog friendly beaches on Long Island!
Town of East Hampton Beaches
For bay beaches, you are permitted to have your pet off leash on the beach so long as you are a minimum of 300 yards away from a paved road end.
Bay/Harbor Beaches
- Alewive Brook Landing, East Hampton
- Barns Hole, Barns Hole Road, Amagansett
- Big Albert’s Landing Beach, Albert’s Landing Road, Amagansett
- Culloden Point, Montauk
- East Lake Beach (Gin Beach), East Lake Drive, Montauk
- Fort Pond Bay Park, Montauk
- Fresh Pond, Fresh Pond Road, Amagansett
- Gerard Drive Park, Gerard Drive, Springs
- Lazy Point, Lazy Point Road, Amagansett
- Little Albert’s Landing Beach, Albert’s Landing Road, Amagansett
- Louse Point Beach, Louse Point Road, East Hampton
- Maidstone Park Beach, Flaggy Hole Road, East Hampton
- Mile Hill, Mile Hill Road, East Hampton
- Old House Landing Road, East Hampton
- Sammy’s Beach, Sammy’s Beach Road, East Hampton
For ocean beaches, you are permitted to have your pet off leash on the beach from May 15 through September 15, but only before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. The rest of the year, there are no time restrictions.
Ocean Beaches
- Atlantic Avenue Beach, Atlantic Avenue, Amagansett
- Beach Lane Beach, Beach Lane, Wainscott
- Ditch Plains Beach, Ditch Plains Road, Montauk
- Edison Beach, Montauk
- Indian Wells Beach, Indian Wells Highway, Amagansett
- Napeague Lane, Amagansett
- Navahoe Road, Amagansett
- Town Line, Town Line Road, Wainscott
- White Sands, Amagansett
Village of East Hampton
From October 1 through the second Saturday of May, pets are permitted on the beach off leash (under voice control). From the second Sunday in May through September 30, pets are permitted on the beach before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Village of East Hampton Beaches
- Egypt Beach, Old Beach Lane
- Georgica Beach, Lily Pond Lane
- Main Beach, 101 Ocean Avenue
- Two Mile Hollow Beach, Two Mile Hollow Road
- Wiborg Beach, on the highway behind the pond
Call 631-324-0074 or visit https://www.easthamptonvillage.org/181/Beaches
Sag Harbor
Havens Beach
Pets are not permitted on this Sag Harbor beach from the Thursday before Memorial Day to the Tuesday following Labor Day.
If you are looking for Long Island dog friendly beaches, but don’t want to go all the way to the best East End, “up Island” has you covered, too!
South Shore Suffolk Beaches
Gardiner County Park
Originally owned by the Gardiner family, Suffolk’s first landowners, Gardiner County Park is a 231 acre nature-oriented public park on the Great South Bay. It’s part of the historic Sagtikos Manor Estate.
Dogs on leashed are allowed to explore various hiking trails and walking down to the bay. The largely undeveloped site includes 3.5 miles of trails that weave through woodland and beside a salt marsh.
Please call 631-854-4949 or visit https://suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Parks/Our-Parks/Gardiner-County-Park
Heckscher State Park
Heckscher State Park 1,600 acres of Heckscher State Park on the south shore of Long Island and was once the 19th century estates of George C. Taylor and J. Neal Plum. William Nicoll, founder of the Town of Islip, originally built his estate on this property.
Large open fields are used for soccer, cricket, lacrosse, and other field sports. Four miles of paved, multi-use trails attract bicycle riders, walkers, as well as wildlife and nature lovers.
Pets are to be supervised at all times and either be crated or on a leash not more than 6-feet in length. A maximum of two pets are allowed in day use areas unless prohibited by sign or directive. Proof of rabies inoculation shall be produced if requested by staff. Pets are not permitted in camping area, playgrounds, buildings, golf courses, boardwalks, pools and spray-grounds or guarded beaches (this does not apply to service animals).
Please call 631-581-2100 or visit https://parks.ny.gov/parks/136/details.aspx
South Shore Nassau Beaches & North Shore Suffolk Beaches
Sunken Meadow State Park
The calm waters of the Long Island Sound help make this a scenic retreat where you can see straight to Connecticut from the North Shore beach boardwalk. There are six miles of hiking trails, tidal marshes, estuaries, dunes, coastal forest, and wildflowers.
While pets are not allowed in the devolped areas of Sunken Meadow State Park, like in the buildings, bathing or picnic areas, there is a designated dog walk trail and dogs are welcome to use the Old Dock Road (off of 25A East) entrance.
Please call 631-269-4333 or 631-269-5351 or visit https://parks.ny.gov/parks/37/details.aspx
Lido Beach
This beach was formed by combining three private beach clubs in the 1960s. There is a dog park off Lido Avenue at Nickerson Beach Park and Nassau Beach Park is open to dogs when the birds aren’t nesting from September 15 to March 1.
Please call 516-431-6650.
Nickerson Beach Park
Nickerson Beach Park is 155 acres of a sun-drenched recreational facility. It is located along the Atlantic Ocean on Long Island’s South Shore. The facility consists of Beach front, Campground, Fun Zone, Ball Fields, Beach Volleyball Courts, Cabanas and Lockers. The beach is approximately .5 miles long. The beach is home to a number of federally protected birds and grasses. It is a great place to relax and soak in the beauty of nature. The park includes areas by the beach that are cordoned off to protect nesting areas for the Piping Plover, a sparrow-sized shorebird that is protected by federal law.
Although not allow on the beach itself, Nickerson Beach Park does have a dog run that is located across from Fun Zone. The run has two seperate areas, one for small dogs, and one for big dogs.
Please call 516-571-7700 or visit https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/2802/Nickerson-Beach-Park
Long Island Beaches
For more Long Island beach love, check out this Guide to the Best Beaches in Montauk!
More To See and Do on the South Fork
The Hamptons and Montauk is a world-renowned beach resort destination for good reason! There is just so much to see, do, and enjoy! Here are just a few of them:
Check out some luxury homes in The Hamptons!
Maybe you will love it so much, you’ll want to check out some Hamptons wedding venues!
Enjoy some of the world-class, amazing art in The Hamptons!
Enjoy some great Hamptons restaurants, including delivery!
Check out Shelter Island! Shelter Island is only accessible by the Shelter Island Ferry. The South Ferry connects to North Haven on the South Fork. Find out more about Shelter Island, it’s different towns and more by checking out this page that includes a handy Shelter Island Map!!
Explore Long Island Wine
While you’re in The Hamptons, you’re so close to Long Island Wine Country! It’s another great part of visiting the island. If you’re in the mood for great wine, be sure to check out our Complete List of Long Island Wineries and Long Island Vineyards.
Check out the absolute best Long Island Wine Tours!
If you can’t make it to a tour, why not do some wine tasting at home with Bedell Cellars!
I know you’re getting hungry, so be sure to also check out the best wineries on Long Island for some great food!
While you’re in the area, be sure to check out these 9 relaxing things to do in the North Fork!
When you’re done with all of this wine drinking and relaxing, how about making it a weekend? Here are 10 great North Fork Long Island hotels to enjoy as well.
Make It A Weekend
The East End of Long Island is a really special spot. If you think you’d want to check it out and maybe even stay a while…that wouldn’t be such a terrible idea.
If you wanted to consider different options for staying on Long Island, be sure to check out these great places to stay in Montauk, 11 Hamptons hotels, 10 North Fork Long Island hotels, and this Guide to Sag Harbor hotels! Enjoy reading up on and hopefully exploring these wonderful Shelter Island hotels and let me know if you decide to make it a vacation!
More From The Long Island Local
Maybe grab a freshly brewed beer at these Long Island breweries and when you’ve had your fill of vino!
The bounty of great food on Long Island seems endless! From great steakhouses on Long Island to great Shelter Island restaurants to Long Island lobster rolls and Long Island bagels, there’s so much to enjoy. And how about all the wonderful Wölffer Estate Vineyard events and tastings?! Or maybe check out some Long Island oyster farms! How about these guides to Long Island Coffee Shops and Long Island coffee roasters!! Check out these 16 Long Island Boardwalks!
Be sure to find out about more things to do on Long Island as well as more great spots to eat and drink! There’s even this great Long Island kayaks and paddleboard guide to explore!
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