Grab Fido (and the last of the summer sunshine) and hit the sand. While many area beaches are off-limits to dogs during the high season, some of the finest shores relax their rules for dogs come mid-September and early October.
ROCKAWAY BEACH
The Sandy Scene: Three-plus miles of nice-but-narrow beach and a revitalized boardwalk with foodie-friendly concessions, though most close a few weeks into the off-season.
The Doggone Rules: From October 2 to April 30, the Dept. of Parks and Rec allows leashed dogs on the sand and boardwalk.
Getting there: A solid hour drive from Midtown and limited street parking. If your pup is small enough to fit in a bag (required for MTA travel), you can take the A train to the shuttle.
The Good Dog!: Fairly clean sand and surf, plus those great food options (for now).
The Bad Dog!: A rocky beach that’s hard on both feet and paws.
CONEY ISLAND
The Sandy Scene: Three miles of wide, supposedly clean beach and a boardwalk that’s lively to the point of sensory overload.
The Doggone Rules: Same as Rockaway. Dogs on-leash can hit the beach and boardwalk from October 2 through the end of April.
Getting there: An easier drive than Rockaway but parking is harder. The F,Q, N, and D all drop you close to the sand, but dogs must be in that bag or carrier.
The Good Dog!: A smoother beach; some of the Russian restaurants allow you to dine al fresco with fido.
The Bad Dog!: A beach crowded with characters — an issue if your dog doesn’t mix well with kooky strangers .
FORT TILDEN
The Sandy Scene: A lesser known treasure with two miles of beach and scenic nature trails.
The Doggone Rules: From September 15 to March 14, leashed dogs are free to enjoy the surf and sand.
Getting there: About an hour drive from Midtown, not readily accessible by public transportation.
The Good Dog!: Free parking in the off-season.
The Bad Dog!: No bathrooms or concession stands.
SANDY HOOK, NJ
The Sandy Scene: A Jersey Shore crown jewel boasting seven miles of sand and killer views of the Manhattan skyline.
The Doggone Rules: Year-round and at all times, dogs are permitted on-leash on the Inlet side of the hook; the Atlantic shore is off-limits.
Getting there: A 90-minute drive from the city, or take the ferry from downtown. Seastreak Ferries ($45 roundtrip) allows leashed pets on-board for free, but it only runs through September 30.
The Good Dog!: Free parking after Labor Day, a fairly wide beach and typically mild waves.
The Bad Dog!: Dogs are limited to one side of the hook, which just so happens to be the one with no bathrooms or concessions.
EAST HAMPTON
The Sandy Scene: Five of the most pristine beaches in the country and the sense of superiority to go with them.
The Doggone Rules: From October 1 though the second Saturday of May, dogs can run free on the beach, no leash required!.
Getting there: Dogs in a carrier can take the LIRR for free or the jitney ($10), but driving directly (two-plus hours) is your best bet, as you’ll need a car to get around.
The Good Dog!: Lax rules and free “mutt mitts” for poop pick-up.Luxury!
The Bad Dog!: A long drive or train ride to get there; mutts may encounter snobbery among east enders.
MONTAUK
The Sandy Scene: Laid-back Lassies and the cleanest air, beach and water on all of Long Island.
The Doggone Rules: Dogs can run free from October 1 to May 14 but they must be supervised.
Getting there: Same options as East Hampton, but it’ll take 45 minutes to an hour longer to get there.
The Good Dog!: Scenic beaches and freedom from both leashes and the legendary Hamptons ’tude.
The Bad Dog!: An even longer drive or train ride to get there.