12 Awesome Dog-Friendly Beaches in New York (2026 Update)

New York may seem like it has plenty of steel and concrete, but along the city’s edges, you will 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 is 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

• 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 is not 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

• 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

Summing Up

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!

Featured Image Credit: Jus_Ol, Shutterstock