Everyone loves their furry friends; they're part of the family! Long Islanders know it can hard to find places that will allow dogs on-site, an unpleasant truth on a beautiful summer day. But there are plenty of dog parks dog-friendly beaches on Long Island, and more places where you and your tail-wager will be welcomed with open arms and paws. Who better to get in your steps with than your canine, who won’t even compete with you for a prize! We've got a list of places to move freely from March to Labor Day while keeping your family - pups included - happy, healthy, and safe.
Best Dog-Friendly Parks on Long Island
From East to West on Long Island, you'll find there are lots of "No Dogs Allowed" signs in places you know your pup would just love. This is a list of free dogs parks in Nassau and Suffolk counties. None of the dog parks have fees OR require passes, and you don't need to be a resident of the town to take your dog with you. Enjoy!
Suffolk County Dog-friendly Parks
Blydenburgh Dog Park
Veterans Hwy, Hauppauge - Blydenburgh is a perfect dog park -the one catch is that, like most dog runs on Long Island you do need a Green Pass on weekends and holidays, from Memorial Day in May to Labor Day in September. But we couldn't not start the list with this one, because Blydenburgh is over 600 acres, with 2 acres of a fenced-in Dog Park where pups can play off their leashes, and miles of trails for adventuring.
Robinson Duck Farm Dog Park
2958 Montauk Hwy, Brookhaven - Formerly an actual duck farm, this small park is surrounded by a short wooden fence and like most dog parks, is open year-round, from dawn until dusk.
Cherry Avenue Dog Park
250 Cherry Ave, West Sayville - Another small dog park at less than two acres, Cherry Avenue has a "carry-in, carry-out" policy. The town provides trash collection, as long as owners do their part!
Nassau County Dog-friendly Parks
Massapequa Dog Park
Clocks Boulevard, Massapequa, NY - With drinking fountains and lots of shade, this dog park is a great option for southern residents and their best friends.
Eisenhower Dog Park
Salisbury Park Dr, Westbury - The dog run at the edge of Eisenhower Park in Westbury is centrally located for Nassau residents, in one of the county’s biggest and busiest parks.
Old Bethpage Restoration Dog Run
1330 Round Swamp Rd, Old Bethpage - There is no fee at the Old Bethpage Dog Run, but like the Village Restoration, the hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. With 8 miles of trails, you’ll get some great activity logs in at this park!
Christopher Morley Dog Park
Searingtown Rd, North Hills - A great option near the north shore of Nassau County, the Christopher Morley Dog park is open year round. (And is named after prominent 20th-century Long Island editor and writer, Christopher Morley!)
Nickerson Beach Dog Run
Lido Blvd, Lido Beach - A combination park and beach but made for your dog! You can’t access the beach directly, but get the same beautiful views and the both of you can smell the ocean breeze.
Dog-friendly Beaches on Long Island
During the summer on Fire Island, you can play it safe by following the, “bayside leashed, oceanside not allowed,” rule. Boardwalks are a pretty safe bet, but always be sure to check with local town ordinances before trying to get your steps in on the barrier island.
Robert Moses
For a good workout on the beach, you can hike 2 miles to and from the Fire Island Lighthouse if you park in Robert Moses Field 5. The bayside of the island permits dogs, so you’ll get an excellent view across the bay on a beautiful summer day.
Gardiner County Park
A great option for beachgoers! The accessible parking and picnic area with a doggie water fountain leads to a 1.3-mile trail loop before you hit the beach.
Napeague Harbor
It’s hard to find places on the ocean that allow dogs, but west of Hither Hills on the South Fork is Napeague, which looks out on Napeague Harbor and Napeague Bay. Here your dog can swim in the water and explore the dunes. Be careful, you have to access the beach and trails from Montauk Highway. That might change soon though!
Restaurants Where You Can Take Your Dog on Long Island
If you’re looking to grab some chow alongside your dog, there are great restaurants across Nassau and Suffolk counties with outdoor seating that will let you eat with your dog at your side.
Mesquite
A Tex-Mex delight on the north shore, Mesquite’s hospitality standards are second only to their tacos. Keep in mind that while the location might be dog-friendly, tacos certainly are not.
Nina’s Pizzeria
Like every community pizza place should, Nina’s in Northport has inviting outdoor seating with picnic tables and umbrellas, keep you fed and your dog out of the hot sun.
Tres Palms
Located on a Babylon dock, as Damien K. put it on Yelp, “They are dog-and-kid friendly, with some well-behaved pooches at the outdoor seating. The view of the Robert Moses bridge is sweeping.”
Carla Marla’s
Right on the south shore in the heart of Bellport, Carla Marla’s is an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and candy shop. There is no where to sit inside, but the tables and sidewalk outside always have dogs looking for a friendly pet and a fallen ice cream cone. If you want to spoil your pooch, Carl Marla’s also sells doggie ice cream!
The Apron Cafe
On the edge of Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach, you and your dog can watch planes take off and land while enjoying brunch at The Apron Cafe. From the cafe, "We have a total of 7 outdoor tables and we have no problem with doggies. We just like to stay vigilant to ensure that everyone including the pup is happy and safe so please bring supplies as necessary. Look forward to seeing you soon hopefully!”
Shake Shack
On the bottom of the Shake Shack menu in Westbury is a section called, “Woof” that reads, “Treats for those with four feet.” Whether you choose the Pooch-ini, a dog-friendly custard, or the Bag O’ Bones, which are dog biscuits, you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Westbury Plaza while both you and your dog get some delicious food.
Love Lane Kitchen
Carolyn Iannone, owner of the North Fork restaurant Love Lane Kitchen, says, “Lots of our customers bring their dogs and sit outside on our patio. (Weather permitting) unfortunately, no dogs allowed inside but if the sun is out, come on down!”
Finding a Ferry Service That Accepts Dogs
We know you want to bring your four-legged family members on your Fire Island vacation. These ferry services permit pooches, allowing you to access some of the most beautiful dog-friendly beaches the island has to offer.
Davis Park Ferry – If your dog digs the beach/casino combo of Davis Park.
Saville Ferry – If your pup knows where the best parties are.
Fire Island Ferry – To get you from Ocean Beach to Seaview. And back of course.
Fire Island Water Taxi – If you enjoy a nice dog-friendly beach-hop.
Cross Sound Ferry – If your general destination is, “away.”
North Ferry Co. – If you’re going from one Long Island luxury to another.