So, I wanted to take my furry buddy out for a day of fun in the sun. We live in the city, you know, NYC. I figured, why not hit up a beach where my dog can run around and enjoy the waves? Thus, started my little adventure of finding a dog-friendly beach near New York City or Connecticut.
First, I grabbed my phone and started searching. “Dog beach near NYC or CT”, I typed. A bunch of stuff popped up, but I just wanted a real person’s experience, not some fancy website, you know?
I spent a good chunk of my afternoon going through different websites and forums. Many people recommended places like Coney Island, but from what I read, it gets super crowded, especially during weekends.

Then, I stumbled upon a few mentions of Brighton Beach. It’s right next to Coney Island, so I thought, maybe it’s worth checking out. People were saying it’s a bit quieter, which sounded good to me.
But I didn’t stop there. I kept digging. I looked into some spots in Connecticut too. There were some promising options, but they seemed a bit far for a day trip. I mean, I didn’t want to spend half the day driving, right?
After all that searching, I decided to give Brighton Beach a shot. I packed some water, treats for my dog, and a towel. The next day, we set off early in the morning to beat the crowds.
Getting there was pretty easy. It wasn’t too far of a drive, and parking wasn’t a nightmare either. When we got to the beach, I was pleasantly surprised. It was way less crowded than I expected, and there were a few other dogs around, which was great!
My dog had a blast! He was running around, splashing in the water, and making new furry friends. It was such a joy to watch him having so much fun. We spent a good few hours there, just soaking up the sun and enjoying the beach vibes.
Key things I realized:
- Weekdays are your best bet: Going on a weekday made a huge difference. It was way less crowded than what I imagine it would be on a weekend.
- Early bird gets the worm: Getting there early helped us avoid the rush and snag a good spot on the beach.
- Pack the essentials: Don’t forget water, treats, and a towel for your furry friend. Sunscreen for yourself is a must, too!
All in all, it was a great day out. It felt great to get out of the city and spend some quality time with my dog at the beach. If you’re looking for a nice beach to take your four-legged friend near NYC, I would give Brighton Beach a try. Just remember to go on a weekday and get there early!
If I had the time to try more beaches I would try more, but it was a good experience and I recommend it.
