Best Long Island Dog Parks 🐶 & Dog Friendly Beaches on Long Island [List, Map & Tips]
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Whether you’re moving to Long Island with four-legged family members or just visiting, you’ll find pet friendly Long Island destinations in almost every town! Along with many pet friendly wineries, vineyards, and restaurants, there are dozens of Long Island dog friendly beaches and fenced dog parks.
This guide covers the top parks and dog friendly beaches Long Island has to offer, broken down into Suffolk County and Nassau County dog parks and LI dog beaches.
Table of Contents
Nassau County Dog Parks
Nassau County preserves and county parks do not allow dogs. Fortunately, Nassau County has been introducing fenced dog runs to its many parks to give four-legged family members safe, designated outdoor areas. The county now operates five dog parks and a museum property dog run.
Unlike Suffolk County and New York State parks, be aware that dogs must be on a leash until entering the dog run and cannot be walked through the rest of the park. City-owned parks may have different rules. The county-managed parks are noted in the details for each dog run.
Eisenhower Dog Park (Westbury) – One of the Best Long Island Dog Parks with 930 Acres of Amenities for the Family
Eisenhower Park goes beyond the typical dog park. Long Island’s largest park, Eisenhower is larger than Central Park with 930 acres of family activities, athletic activities, playgrounds, trails, and more.
Best known for the Nassau County Aquatic Center and the Northwell Health Ice Center, Eisenhower is also home to the Eisenhower Dog Park at the corner of Stewart Avenue & Salisbury Park Drive. It opened in 2012 after nearly a decade of negotiations and petitions and it’s now one of the most popular Nassau County dog parks.
Details:
- Nassau County park dog run
- 1.5 acres
- Enclosed large and small dog runs
- Shade, trees & benches
- Water stations
- Waste stations
- Dedicated parking lot
Eisenhower Dog Park, 576 Salisbury Park Dr, Westbury, NY 11590 (516) 572-0347
Wantagh Dog Park (Wantagh) – Popular Dog Park on Long Island’s South Shore
Located in Wantagh Park, the Wantagh Dog Park is found by the marina north of the parking lot for the launch ramp. There is a separate Wantagh Park dog run for large and small breeds with more to explore in the 111-acre waterfront park including boating, fishing, and a swimming complex.
Wantagh Dog Park is especially popular with puppies and small dog owners as it’s a smaller dog run and the small dog area has better shade with the dipping pool.
Note: dogs are only allowed in the dog park or on a leash on specific pathways in the park.
Details:
- Nassau County park dog run
- 0.25 acres
- Enclosed small and large dog runs
- Small doggy pool
- Partially shaded
- Artificial turf avoids the mess of mud and dirt
Wantagh Park Dog Run, Wantagh Park Dog Run, 1 King Rd, Wantagh, NY 11793 (516) 571-7461
Michael J. Tully Park Dog Run (New Hyde Park) – Only North Hempstead Dog Park with Artificial Turf & Pea Gravel
The first and only dog run in the Town of North Hempstead, the dog park at Michael J. Tully Park is a big hit among local dog owners. Pups enjoy plenty of open space with artificial turf and pea gravel cover plus paved paths throughout the park for leashed dogs to explore.
One of the newest Long Island dog parks, it opened in 2019 and offers everything you could want from mud-free artificial turf to fun play structures like tunnels and ramps for an action-packed outing.
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Details:
- Large open space
- Artificial turf
- Separate large and small dog runs
- Agility course for large and small dogs
- Shade & benches
- Water station
- Waste station
- Leashed dogs allowed in Michael J. Tully Park
Michael J. Tully Park, 1801 Evergreen Ave, New Hyde Park, NY 11040 (516) 869-6311
Christopher Morley Dog Park (Roslyn) – Small Roslyn Dog Park
This Roslyn dog park may be small, but it’s one of the most popular dog parks on Long Island thanks to the 30 acres of wooded nature trails in the park, many of which allow leashed dogs. Explore the trails then let your pup unwind with some off-leash play! You’ll find the dog park on the north side of the Christopher Morley parking lot.
Note: outside of the dog run, leashed dogs are allowed only on specially marked nature trails in Christopher Morley Park.
Details:
- Small 0.25-acre dog run
- No separate areas for large and small dogs
- 5-foot fence with double-gate entry
- Water station
- Benches and partial shade
- Wood chips
- *Proof of Nassau County residency required on summer weekends to avoid non-resident parking fees
Christopher Morley Park, 500 Searingtown Rd N, Roslyn, NY 11576 (516) 571-8113
Glen Cove Dog Park @ Dennis Brian Murray Park (Glen Cove) – Fun North Shore Long Island Dog Park with Adjacent Playground
Glen Cove Dog Park opened in 2017 in Dennis Brian Murray Park. Owned by the City of Glen Cove, NY, it’s one of the best places to go with dogs on the North Shore.
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Popular with Glen Cove residents, the dog park offers separate areas for small and large dogs with separate, double-gated entries and an adjacent, gated playground. It’s popular even with people who don’t own dogs and there are plans to add scheduled social events and new features like agility courses.
Details:
- Glen Cove Dog Park rules
- Separate enclosed dog runs for large and small dogs
- Waste stations
- Water stations
- Benches & shade
Dennis Brian Murray Dog Park, 12 E Leech Cir, Glen Cove, NY 11542 (516) 676-3766
Garvies Point Dog Park (Glen Cove) – Newest & Best Dog Park Long Island Offers with Sand Cover & Agility Equipment
Garvies Point is a master planned, mixed-use community on the Hempstead Harbor shore of Glen Cove. This beautiful and popular waterfront area offers luxury homes, condos, and apartments, and retail space with dozens of public amenities. Explore the one-mile waterfront esplanade, miles of walkways that connect to Garvies Point Preserve, bike paths, a playground, marinas, and the new Garvies Point Dog Park which opened in December 2020.
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Glen Cove and Garvies Point residents love the new Garvies Point dog run, nearby outdoor screening area for summer movies, and easy access on foot to Mercadante Beach.
Details:
- Connects to Garvies Point Preserve and dog-friendly Mercadante Beach
- Agility course
- Water station
- Waste station
- Separate large and small dog areas
- Sand is great for dogs that dig!
Garvies Point, 100 Garvies Point Rd, Glen Cove, NY 11542 (516) 399-2301
Bay Park Dog Park (East Rockaway) – Convenient South Shore Long Island Dog Park with Dog-Friendly Artificial Turf
This East Rockaway dog park is located in the 96-acre Bay Park, also home to a large picnic area on Hewlett Bay, a fishing dock, and 9-hole golf course. You’ll find the dog park on the east side of the park close to the ball fields.
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Opened in 2015, the Bay Park dog park has already been renovated recently with plenty of features you’ll appreciate like the artificial K9 Grass and 6-foot fencing.
Details:
- Nassau County park dog run
- Separate large and small dog enclosures
- Open 8 am to dusk
- Artificial turf designed for dogs
- Close parking lot
- Shaded area
- Waste station
- Water fountains
- Shaded area
- 6-foot fencing
Bay Park, 198 1st Ave, East Rockaway, NY 11518 (516) 571-7245
Oceanside Park (Oceanside) – One of the Newest Dog Parks Long Island Has to Offer in the Town of Hempstead
Until 2021, Oceanside Park did not allow dogs. This lack of Oceanside dog parks forced residents to drive 20+ minutes to Long Beach or Bay Park. The newly opened Oceanside dog park isn’t just convenient: it’s one of the best dog parks near Hempstead, NY thanks to secure fencing, grass turf, benches, and separate areas for large and small pups. It’s one of just three Town of Hempstead-operated dog parks.
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Details:
- Separate large and small dog sections
- Benches
- Two dog water station
- Grass turf
Oceanside Park, 3800 Mahlon Brower Dr, Oceanside, NY 11572 (516) 763-0709
Nickerson Beach Dog Park (Lido Beach) – Dog Run at One of the Best Long Island Beaches in Nassau County
Nickerson Beach does not allow dogs, but there is a dog run that’s part of the beach where your four-legged family member can get some exercise. This simple dog run does have separate areas for small and large dogs and there’s limited amenities, but it’s still convenient to Lido Beach residents and visitors.
You’ll find the Nickerson Beach dog run in the southwest corner of the main parking lot for the beach right across from “Fun Zone.” Be aware of the dunes surrounding the dog run – they are ecologically sensitive and a protected nesting area. Be sure your dog is controlled on a leash outside the dog run and not taken onto the dunes or the beach itself.
Details:
- Nassau County park dog run
- Picnic tables
- Some canopy shade
- Water fountains and hose
- Mostly sand and dirt surface
- Off-leash area with double-gate entry
- Large nearby parking lot
Nickerson Beach Park, 880 Lido Blvd, Lido Beach, NY 11561 (516) 571-7700
Suffolk County Dog Parks
There are five dedicated dog parks Suffolk County, NY operates, but dogs are welcome in all Suffolk County-owned parks as long as they are well behaved and on a 6-foot leash with updated vaccinations (and proof available upon request). You’ll also find tons of great dog-friendly Long Island destinations in Suffolk County, particularly in the Hamptons.
Springs Dog Park (East Hampton) – Massive & Beloved Long Island Dog Park with 20+ Pet-Friendly Acres
If you’re looking for wide, open space where your dog can run, jump, and explore to their heart’s content, you’ll find it at Springs Dog Park in East Hampton. Nearly half of the 42-acre park is dog-friendly with a massive grass field and three trails. The whole area is an off-leash dog park with plenty to see and do.
Interestingly, Springs Park is not an official dog park. When a chairwoman of the Springs Citizens Advisory Committee recently opened a public discussion over whether improvements like separate large and small dog areas and enclosed playgrounds should be added, the answer from residents was a resounding no.
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Just make sure you bring your own water, bowl, and waste bags. You may have trouble finding the park because the entrance road is unnamed, and the “Springs Park” sign is hard to spot coming from the north.
Details:
- 20+ acres of off-leash area
- 6-foot livestock fencing
- No separate areas for large and small dogs
- One double-gate entry and some single-gate entries
- No water fountains or waste stations
- * Town of Easthampton parking permit required
Springs Park Dog Park, 50 Manor Ln S, East Hampton, NY 11937
Cedar Point County Park (East Hampton) – Beautiful Dog-Friendly Park on Long Island’s Gardiner’s Bay
Also located in East Hampton is Cedar Point County Park with over 600 acres of beautiful land to explore and magnificent views of Gardiner’s Bay. There is no off-leash dog area, but you’ll find miles of nature trails, outer beach access (with a permit), and an historic lighthouse. The campground area also allows dogs with a dedicated dog walk area.
Cedar Point County Park is owned by Suffolk County – make sure your dog is on a leash and clean up after them.
Cedar Point County Park, 5 Cedar Point Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937 (631) 852-7620
Southampton Dog Park (Southampton) – Well-Kept 1-Acre Fenced Dog Park with Large Grassy Area
The Southampton Village dog park is one of the best-kept Suffolk County, NY dog parks and right next to the Southampton Village Justice Center. This large, one-acre dog park offers plenty of grassy area for running and playing with double-gate entry and separate enclosed areas. Make sure you join the Southampton Dog Park Facebook group to connect with other Southampton dog owners!
Details:
- Fully fenced dog run
- One acre of grass and dirt
- Climbing boulders
- Benches and shade trees
- Waste station
- Water fountain
Southampton Dog Park, 205 Windmill Ln, Southampton, NY 11968 (631) 283-9479
Gardiner County Park (Bay Shore) – Hundreds of Acres of Dog-Friendly Trails on Long Island & Beach Access
This 230+ acre county park is on the Great South Bay and it’s one of the most popular South Bay dog parks on Long Island. The park boasts one of just five dedicated dog parks among Suffolk County-managed parks.
Along with an enclosed dog run, dogs are welcome throughout the park as long as they are well behaved and leashed. There are tons of trails to explore including some that lead to the shore.
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Details:
- 1.5-acre enclosed dog run with 3 fenced areas: one small and two large dog areas
- Agility training course (first in Suffolk County)
- 4-foot fence
- Dog-friendly Long Island park with hundreds of acres of wooded trails
- Access to the dog-friendly beach on the Great South Bay
- Water station
- Waste station
Gardiner County Park, Montauk Hwy, Bay Shore, NY 11706 (631) 854-4949
Sunken Meadow State Park (Kings Park) – Beautiful Dog-Friendly State Park on Long Island’s North Shore
Sunken Meadow is a massive 1,287-acre state park in the Town of Smithtown on the north shore. A popular destination for hikes with a four-legged friend, the Sunken Meadow Creek runs through the park to the mouth of the Nissequogue River. Just note the specific rules for bringing pets below and check this map of dog-friendly areas in Sunken Meadow State Park.
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What makes Sunken Meadow one of the best dog parks Long Island offers? This state park has so much to explore and offers a peaceful, secluded environment. Hike to Kings Park Bluff along the dog-friendly trail for sweeping views of the beach and Sound and explore shaded trails and large, sunny meadows perfect for taking a break. Pups love tracking squirrels and birds. During the summer, you’ll even find wild raspberry bushes.
Details:
- Parking fee per car of $8 to $10 depending on the season and time (free during early and late park hours)
- Dogs only allowed on back trails, not developed areas. If you pass a toll gate, regardless of whether tolls are being collected, you are entering an area where dogs are not allowed. Access the dog-friendly area from Old Dock Road which is restricted to Smithtown residents with a car decal.
- Dogs must be on-leash throughout the park
Sunken Meadow State Park, New York State Reference Rte 908K, Kings Park, NY 11754 (631) 269-4333
Dog Parks Long Island Map
Long Island Dog Friendly Beaches
Ready to explore the best pet friendly beaches in Long Island? Rules vary significantly depending on whether the beach is owned by the state, county, or town. Some towns do not allow dogs at any time. Many Long Island beaches that allow dogs restrict when dogs are allowed such as only during the off-season, during specific hours of the summer, and/or when protected birds are not nesting.
You’ll find most Long Island pet friendly beaches in the Hamptons and on Fire Island, but there are beaches on Long Island that allow dogs in other areas like the South Shore.
Here are the best dog friendly beaches Long Island offers plus rules you need to know before you visit.
Cooper’s Beach (Southampton) – Picturesque Long Island Dog Beach in the Hamptons
Cooper’s Beach is the main beach in Southampton and one of the most popular dog friendly beaches in Long Island. Just be aware that beach access can be tricky and expensive for non-residents in the summer, but it’s still fun to visit even during the off-season. Visit during December and pups can participate in the annual Polar Bear plunge!
Cooper’s Beach, 268 Meadow Ln, Southampton, NY 11968 (631) 287-3450
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Mud Creek Dog Park (East Patchogue) – One of the Only Long Island Pet Friendly Beaches in Suffolk County
Mud Creek is one of the few places in Suffolk County where dog owners are allowed to take their dogs to swim at the beach. This huge park borders Mud Creek and Great South Bay and it has natural borders which means most sides are not fenced.
Details:
- Only official off-leash dog park in Suffolk County, NY
- 11 acres of off-leash area
- Carry-in, carry-out park with no amenities so bring waste bags, water, a water bowl, and hand sanitizer
- Natural borders dog park
- Calm ocean waters
- Reach the dog beach using the double-gate entry, walking along the fence, and turning right onto the beach
Mud Creek Dog Park, 341 Roe Ave, East Patchogue, NY 11772 (631) 854-4949
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Foster Memorial Beach (Sag Harbor) – One of the Most Beautiful Long Island Beaches, Dog Friendly Year-Round
Curving along Noyack Bay is Long Beach Park or Foster Memorial Park in the Town of Southampton, one of the most picturesque dog friendly beaches on Long Island. You’ll feel like you’re in an exotic, tropical location with the shallow, aqua-colored water. Long Beach Park is dog-friendly year-round but only in designated areas.
The dog-friendly areas are usually the rocky areas of the beach. You’ll find marked dog walk routes plus paved foot paths and parking areas for the pet-friendly beach areas. Note that dogs must be on a leash and they are not allowed in buildings, on the other areas of the beach, or in picnic or grass areas.
Foster Memorial Beach, 1000 Noyack-Long Beach Rd, Sag Harbor, NY 11963 (631) 728-8585
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Ponquogue Beach (Hampton Bays) – Popular Hamptons Dog Friendly Beach During the Off Season
Ponquogue Beach is one of the most popular Southampton beaches for dog owners, but note that dogs are only allowed at Ponquogue Beach between October 1 and April 1. Dogs must be leashed and under control and they cannot be allowed within 50 feet of posted protected areas. You can see the complete Southampton beach rules for dogs here.
Ponquogue Beach, 280 Dune Road, Hampton Bays, NY 11946
Main Beach (East Hampton) – One of the Most Famous Long Island Beaches That Allow Dogs
There are five beaches in East Hampton, but Main Beach off Ocean Avenue is arguably the best and frequently ranked as one of America’s best beaches! Dogs are allowed any time on a leash during the off-season. Dogs are only allowed at Main Beach, East Hampton before 9 am or after 6 pm during the summer (second Sunday in May to September 30). Make sure you read the East Hampton beach dog rules here!
East Hampton Main Beach, 101 Ocean Ave, East Hampton, NY 11937 (631) 324-0074
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Port Jefferson Dog Beach (Port Jefferson) – One of the Top Dog Friendly Towns on Long Island with Off-Leash Pet Friendly Beaches
Port Jefferson Public Beach and Dog Park is a small, harbor beach with picturesque areas to walk, and you’ll enjoy walking through the pet-friendly and historic Port Jefferson village. The best time to go is at low tide when there’s more beach to explore. Dogs love splashing in the water and playing fetch – with no leash laws, pups can get plenty of exercise with space to really run.
Smith Point Beach (Fire Island) – Long Island Dog Beach on the Fire Island National Seashore
Smith Point County Park is part of the National Seashore starting at the east section of the Fire Island Wilderness and ending at Moriches Inlet. Dogs are allowed at Smith Point Beach, but you will need to take the campground entrance and walk along the wooden staircases over the dunes. When taking pups to Smith Point County Park, be aware that dogs are allowed as far as Moriches Inlet.
Smith Point County Park, 1 William Floyd Pkwy, Shirley, NY 11967 (631) 852-1315
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Shadmoor State Park (Montauk) – Large Park with Hiking Trails & 2,000 Feet of Dog Friendly Long Island Beach
You’ll find the dog-friendly section of Shadmoor State Park at “the End” of the island. This fun Montauk dog park called the Ditch Plains Beach boasts over 2,000 feet of beach surrounded by tall bluffs plus hiking trails you can follow for beautiful views of the shore.
Make sure your dog is kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet while at the park. You can reach the dog friendly Montauk beach by hiking through Shadmoor State Park or from townships parks accessed off Ditch Plains Road.
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Robert Moses Beach (Fire Island) – Popular Fire Island State Park with an Enclosed Dog Park
Robert Moses State Park on the western tip of Fire Island is one of the few areas of Fire Island where dogs are not permitted, along with Watch Hill and Sailors Haven. Dogs are not allowed at Robert Moses Beach in the state park, but there is a dedicated dog park here. The Robert Moses Park Dog Run is an enclosed dog park at Robert Moses Beach. You’ll find it at 41st and 42nd streets at 1st Ave.
Robert Moses State Park, Robert Moses Causeway, Babylon, NY 11702 (631) 669-0449
Mercadante Beach (Montauk) – Beautiful Off-Leash Dog Friendly Beach in the Hamptons
Montauk does not have leash laws and allows dogs to run free on beaches off-leash as long as they are supervised and controlled. Mercadante Beach is one of the most popular Hamptons dog friendly beaches with easy access from Garvies Point where you’ll also find one of the best dog parks on Long Island with agility equipment!
Mercadante Beach, 28 Garvies Point Rd, Glen Cove, NY 11542
Dog Friendly Beaches Long Island Map
Dog Friendly Long Island FAQ
Are dogs allowed at Sunken Meadow Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed in back trails of Sunken Meadow Park and must be leashed at all times. Dogs are not allowed in playgrounds, boardwalks, golf courses, guarded beaches, or pools.
Are dogs allowed on Lido Beach?
Pets are not allowed on Lido Beach (Nickerson Beach Park), but the park does have an enclosed dog run across from Fun Zone. However, Nassau Beach Park in Lido is dog-friendly from September 15 to March 1 when the birds are not nesting.
Is Ocean Beach dog friendly?
Ocean Road Beach in Southampton is only dog-friendly with some restrictions. Dogs may only be within 150 feet of an access road marked as Parking by Permit Only before 9 am or after 6 pm.
Are dogs allowed at Smith Point Beach?
Yes, dogs are allowed at Smith Point Beach but you must walk past the eastern campground entrance, not the main entrance. You’ll go down a wooden staircase over the dunes. Dogs are allowed to Moriches Inlet.
Are dogs allowed at Jones Beach?
Jones Beach does not allow dogs at any time of the year.
Are dogs allowed at Robert Moses Beach?
Dogs are not allowed on Robert Moses Beach, but there is an enclosed dog run in the park close to the shore where dogs are permitted.
Are there dog friendly beaches in the Hamptons?
You’ll find many pet friendly beaches in the Hamptons:
- Ponquogue Beach (Hampton Bays)
- Foster Memorial Beach (Sag Harbor)
- Main Beach (East Hampton)
- Cooper’s Beach (Southampton)
- South Edison Beach (Montauk)
- Shadmoor State Park (Montauk)
- Mercadante Beach (Montauk)
Are dogs allowed in Nassau County parks?
Nassau County parks have strict rules and do not allow dogs except in designated dog runs. Dogs cannot be walked through the rest of the parks, even on a leash.
Are dogs allowed in Suffolk County parks?
Suffolk County parks are dog-friendly, but dogs must be well-behaved, on a 6-foot leash, and have current rabies shots (with proof, if requested). There are 5 enclosed Suffolk County dog parks for off-leash socialization.
Do New York state parks allow dogs?
Most New York state parks allow leashed dogs. Dog friendly Long Island, NY state parks include:
- Belmont Lake (undeveloped trail)
- Camp Hero (undeveloped areas)
- Sunken Meadow (undeveloped areas)
- Heckscher (undeveloped trails)
- Hempstead Lake (unpathed path in field 3)
- Hither Hills (south of beach area east of the harbor, west of the overlook parking, and north of Montauk Parkway)
- Napeague (parkwide)
- Wildwood (wooded area in extreme south accessed from Freshpond & Sound avenues)
- Shadmoor State Park (parkwide)
Are there dog friendly wineries on Long Island?
There are many dog friendly wineries on the North Fork. Here are the best pet friendly vineyards Long Island has to offer.
- Palmer Vineyards (Riverhead)
- RGNY (Riverhead)
- Macari Vineyards (Mattituck)
- Mattebella Vineyards (Southold)
- The Tap Room at Corey Creek (Southold)
- Jason’s Vineyard (Jamesport)
- Lieb Cellars (Cutchogue)
- Laurel Lake Vineyards (Laurel)
While the Long Island dog beach and park rules are confusing at first, you’ll quickly get the hang of it, especially if you’re moving to Long Island and settling down in one of these pet-friendly towns. If you and your pup are planning to relocate to or within Long Island, give us a call at Zippboxx for a free, personalized moving quote and the 5-star customer care you deserve. You’ll be enjoying Long Island’s many beaches and stunning parks in no time!