Give your canine companions a treat and let them off the leash at a local beach or specially-designed ocean-side spot for a reprieve from the pavements of NYC. Turn your pet from a land shark to salty dog with a visit to these five dog-friendly beaches.
1. Dog Beach | Prospect Park
Located just across the bridge, Brooklyn’s Prospect Park is a haven for dogs to roam leash-free, enjoy a swim and interact with other dogs all looking for a place to cool off. While the “beach” is in actuality a cement mound and is off-limits to humans, dogs can enjoy some unleashed fun. Off-leash hours are from 9pm to 1am and 5am to 9am, year-round. While you’re there, make sure to stop by Brooklyn Perk Coffee, which according to this Coffee & Tea Blog, is a cute cafe that is also dog friendly with free dog treats!
How to get there: Take the G train toward Church Avenue and exit at 15 St.- Prospect Park. Walk 5 minutes to Prospect Park.
2. Provincetown Beaches | Massachusetts
Provincetown prides itself on being a proponent of pups. P-town is the recipient of the 2010’s most dog friendly city by DogTown USA, and their beaches are no exception. Dogs are allowed to roam leash-free along town beaches, including the popular Race Point Beach, but are required to be under sight and noise control by owners upon unleashing. Off-leash hours occur between 6 am and 9 am and 6pm to 9pm, from Memorial Day until November 1.
How to get there: Consult oM’s guide to renting hybrid cars in Manhattan.
3. Block Island Beaches | Rhode Island
For the price of a ferry ride to Rhode Island, dogs and their owners will be rewarded in an island that’s gone to the dogs. Exercise the ability to unleash at every beach located on Block Island (barring the popular Crescent Beach) at any time, all year round. Visitors can still take advantage of local-favorite Crescent Beach with their pups before 9pm or after 6pm.
How to get there: Consult oM’s public transportation guide to Block Island.
4. Eugene Nickerson Beach Dog Run | Long Island
If you’re looking for one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Long Island – then this is definitely one of them. The lesser-known alternative to the more popular Jones Beach and Robert Moses Beach, Lido Beach comes out on top for its privacy and dog-friendly policies. An enclosed dog park with separate areas for big and small dogs gives dogs of all sizes some room to roam. While dogs are not allowed on the beach, the dog run is an opportunity for socializing between your dog and some new furry friends.
How to get there: Take the LIRR to Island Park. Take a waiting taxi the 10 minute ride to Long Beach.
5. Montauk Beaches | Long Island
With no leash laws in site, dogs are the masters of their domain on Montauk’s beaches. Before 9am and after 6pm, let your pooch parade around spots like Gin Beach and Hither Hills State Park. Enjoy a splash through beautiful Block Island Sound, favored by surfers for the consistent waves. Parks and beaches in Montauk are open from sunrise to sunset for your exploring pleasure.
How to get there: Take the LIRR or the Hampton Jitney to Montauk. Beaches will be about a 10 minute walk or bike ride. And by the way, if you’re taking a bike – I recommend getting a hitch cargo carrier. These are super useful for traveling with a pet. You should do you research and get the best hitch cargo carrier for your beloved one.
Photos: macieklew, Prospect Park, nashuavideotours
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram