If your dog loves swimming and adventure, dog-friendly beaches are a great way to exercise your pet and have a fun day in the outdoors yourself!
Long Island boasts several dog-friendly beaches, including:
- Port Jefferson Beach
- Montauk
- East Hampton beaches
- Fire Island National Seashore
Pet owners and pups can enjoy swimming in a beautiful, relaxing outdoor setting.
Keep reading to learn more about the Long Island beaches that will welcome you and your pup for a beach adventure!
What Beaches Can I Take My Dog To?
If you’re looking for a beach where dogs can swim and enjoy the beaches, Long Island is an ideal place to visit, especially in the warmer months.
Unlike New York City, Long Island is generally clean, safe, and uncrowded, making it ideal for dog owners. There’s ample space for dogs to run outdoors.
Port Jefferson Beach, Montauk, East Hampton Beaches, and Fire Island National Seashore are all dog-friendly beaches on Long Island.
Check out the details and specific visit requirements of each dog-friendly beach below!
Port Jefferson Dog Beach
Port Jefferson, located on the Long Island Sound, is home to the Port Jefferson Dog Beach, where your pooch can run along the shore without their leash.
This unfenced area offers dogs a place to explore the water without the threat of waves. Since the water is calm, this is a great place to see how your dog likes swimming in the open.
Note that the shore can contain rocks and shells, so wear shoes. While there is always a concern that this may hurt your dog’s paws, most don’t seem to mind the terrain!
Consider going during low tide to ensure your dog has ample room to run. There will be more beach space available for running and frolicking.
If you visit the Port Jefferson dog beach during the warmer months, you may find it more crowded with people and dogs. However, there is plenty of space to walk for a little seclusion.
After you and your pup are done enjoying the beach, you can venture into the pet-friendly town to enjoy a meal together, making this the ideal dog beach to visit for a whole day of fun!
Montauk
Montauk is located on the eastern end of Long Island’s south shore and welcomes dogs to its six beaches during certain times of day and year.
Montauk’s beaches, except Fort Pond, are next to the ocean. Fort Pond is a calm inland freshwater body of water and is the best bet for dogs who may be nervous about waves.
Note that humans are not permitted to swim at Fort Pond, but it is a great place to relax and fish or kayak, as your dog enjoys running on the sand.
From May 15 to December 31, dogs can only romp and roam on Montauk beaches before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. There are no restrictions from January to May 14.
If you plan to visit Montauk and are not a resident, you will need a paid permit for beaches except Kirk Park Beach and Hither Hills State Park. There is a $10 fee to visit Kirk Park beach.
No matter which beach you choose in Montauk, there is ample chance for you to enjoy the open spaces with your dog!
East Hampton Beaches
The Village of East Hampton has several beaches owned and maintained by the municipality. These beaches welcome dogs at certain times of the year.
Dogs are not allowed to be unleashed on the beach during the day throughout the high season, which occurs from May 15 – September 15. Dogs are allowed freely at all other times.
If you want to visit East Hampton during the day with your dog, they can be leashed on Town-controlled beaches between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
During this time, dogs must be at least 300 feet from a road and under the owner’s control.
East Hampton Town beaches include Alewive Brook Landing, Mile Hill, Old House Landing Road, and Sammy’s Beach.
If you don’t mind keeping your dog on a leash, East Hampton beaches are a great choice to enjoy your dog’s company by the shore all year round!
Fire Island National Seashore
Fire Island is a barrier island on the eastern side of Long Island. This area is a national park and is subject to governance by the federal government.
Unlike other Long Island beaches, which are open to visitors year-round, the Fire Island National Seashore is only open to visitors from Labor Day through March 15.
This restriction is in line with efforts to preserve the area’s natural fauna.
Also, in accordance with this, dogs are only allowed on the beach during the cooler months.
When visiting the Fire Island National Seashore, visitors must keep close control of their dogs, including using a six-foot leash. Dogs are not allowed to be off-leash at any time.
Fire Island National Seashore offers many beach-adjacent amenities to visitors, but canine access is limited in many buildings and areas.
Beaches where Dogs are Not Allowed
Though dogs are allowed to visit many beaches on Long Island, there are spaces where they are not welcome.
Dogs may not be allowed on certain beaches on Long Island as a precaution to beachgoers, to protect the natural wildlife, or because the surf is too rough.
You should always respect the rules of dogs and beaches as these are designed to protect not only the local area but you and your dog as well.
If you are planning to bring your dog to Long Island, you should avoid these beaches as dogs are not allowed:
- Gilgo Beach
- Robert Moses State Park
- Smith Point County Park
- Nickerson Beach
- Jones Beach
By picking a beach that allows dogs to visit and avoiding the five mentioned above, you will be sure that you and your dog can have an enjoyable day near the water!
Preparing for a Dog Beach Visit
When planning your visit to a dog beach, you should always prepare yourself and your pet for the trip, beginning with ensuring that the beach you have in mind is dog friendly.
After choosing a beach to visit, you’ll want to gather supplies for you and your dog.
By following these preparation steps, you can help to ensure an enjoyable day for yourself and your dog:
- Make sure that you are dressed appropriately.
- Bring plenty of water and a dog bowl. This is important for your dog’s health. Running and swimming in salt water may lead to dehydration.
- Be prepared to clean up after your dog to ensure the health and safety of other animals and their owners.
- Ensure your dog has a water-resistant collar with proper tags, including your name, phone number, and vaccination records, as required by law.
- Always bring a leash that can get wet. You should also consider using a carabiner or other latching device that won’t get stuck if it gets sandy.
- Bring towels to dry your dog off after their beach day. Sit on them while your dog plays, and use them to protect your car on the way home!
- Keep your dog updated on their flea and tick preventative, which will help minimize the risk of tick-borne illnesses.
- Check the weather, and if your dog likes to swim, ensure it won’t be too cold for your pup in the water!
Once you’ve gathered all the supplies you and your dog need for a day outdoors, you’ll be ready to venture out to one of Long Island’s dog-friendly beaches.
Dog Beach Safety Considerations
When visiting the beach with your dog, you should be mindful of safety for yourself, other beachgoers, and your dog to help ensure an enjoyable visit.
All dogs are different; just because one dog behaves a certain way when they go to the beach does not mean another dog will.
Keep these considerations in mind when planning your visit:
- Most dog beaches are not fenced.
- If your dog does not have a strong recall, you may want to consider visiting an on-leash beach.
- When dogs are off-leash, owners often do not have as close control.
- Consider employing tracking methods for your dog. This could include a GPS collar or an Apple Air Tag.
- Not every human wants to say hi to your dog, which could result in negative interactions.
By being aware of your dog’s capabilities and your surroundings, you can make sure that you’re picking a dog beach where you and your pup will have the most positive and fun experience.
If you love going out with your dog and traveling, don’t forget to consider dog-friendly cities too!
Conclusion
Long Island offers many beaches where you can enjoy a day with your dog near the ocean, especially if you make the proper preparations and keep safety and expectations in mind!
