Pet Friendly Vacations: Nassau County Edition

Planning pet-friendly vacations can be challenging. That’s why we decided to create this Nassau County guide for you and your furry friend. There are plenty of pet-friendly locales in Nassau County ready to welcome you and man’s best friend with open arms – you just have to know where to go.

Not only is Besito Mexican ranked as one of the top 100 restaurants in America by Open Table, but this spicy locale in Roslyn has outdoor seating and is dog-friendly. The restaurant is famous for its Sunday Funday Besito Brunch, which features 2-for-1 margaritas between 12 and 3pm and tasty brunch favorites. 

The Great Neck Diner, which was voted as the best luncheonette by the Best of LI, is also pet-friendly should you want to grab a quick bite with your beloved animal(s) by your side.  Diners can stop by any time of day to enjoy griddle favorites, diner classics, sandwiches, and desserts.

Coach Meeting House, located in Oyster Bay, is a great spot to hunker down for good drinks and tasty nibbles. It also has ample outdoor space, suitable for your furry friends. 

Head to one of New York’s most beautiful restaurants as dubbed by Only in Your State, and if you opt to dine outside, feel free to bring your pet in tow. Crabtree’s Restaurant has a dog-friendly area in their outdoor seating area.

One of the main draws of Nassau County is its array of up-and-coming microbreweries, which are suited for pet-friendly vacations, many of which allow your furry friends on the premises. Secure your dog to a leash and head to Lost Farmer Brewing Company in Mineola, or Oceanside’s Barrier Brewing Co. In fact, a number of the region’s top breweries welcome dogs to their space, including Somerset Brewing Company, Bright Eye Beer Co., and Noble Savage Brewing Company, making it easier than ever to wet your whistle with fido in tow.

Not all beaches are created equal and sadly, not all beaches allow your pets. Luckily, there are a handful of beaches that offer designated areas for dogs should you want to share your sunny days in the sand. Lido Beach Park has designated areas for dogs, while Nickerson Beach Park has an off-leash area that your pets can frolic in. The former can be quite pricey for non-residents with hefty $50 parking fees, but it’s a great spot to go to avoid the crowds. The latter has slightly cheaper parking fees for out-of-towners and is open from 7am until dusk.

Pet-friendly vacations entail fun for both you and your pet. Luckily, there are a number of pet-friendly parks and walking trails located in Nassau County that will accommodate you and your furry fido. Bailey Arboretum, which is open daily year-round, allows on-leash dogs on its grounds, as does Sagamore Hill. Other local parks have designated dog-friendly nature trails, including Massapequa Preserve’s Fire Road Trail, paved trails at Christopher Morley Park and Michael J. Tully Park, and many specified trails at Sands Point Preserve. Additionally, North Hempstead Beach Park allows dogs on many of the trails within the park (but not on the promenade or beach), similar to Eisenhower Park, which has a whole designated section of the park for on-leash dog walking.

Pet-friendly vacations entail fun for both you and your pet. Luckily, there are a number of pet-friendly parks and walking trails located in Nassau County that will accommodate you and your furry fido. Bailey Arboretum, which is open daily year-round, allows on-leash dogs on its grounds, as does Sagamore Hill. Other local parks have designated dog-friendly nature trails, including Massapequa Preserve’s Fire Road Trail, paved trails at Christopher Morley Park and Michael J. Tully Park, and many specified trails at Sands Point Preserve. Additionally, North Hempstead Beach Park allows dogs on many of the trails within the park (but not on the promenade or beach), similar to Eisenhower Park, which has a whole designated section of the park for on-leash dog walking.

Pet Story in Mineola doesn’t just sell everything you might need to pick up your pet’s favorite food, toys, and treats, but also offers grooming, daycare, and hotel options should you need a night or two out without your pup (35-pound weight limit). And, Pet Story isn’t the only spot in Nassau that offers pet boarding options if your plans aren’t as pet-friendly one day during your trip. Best in Show Pet Resort in Mineola offers both dog boarding and grooming options, while K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel in Garden City will likely have your dog wanting to stay an extra day or two. Also in Garden City – with additional locations in Island Park, Hicksville, and Farmingdale – Hounds Town offers both dog boarding, grooming, and even a pet taxi if you need a hand getting your pup to or from their daycare. All pet boarding options require proof of vaccinations and an in-person temperament test for your dog prior to boarding them. 

We know that pet-friendly vacations can be difficult to plan and prepare for. We hope our guide has made your next trip to Nassau County a little easier.

Did you vacation with your pet in Nassau County? Share your pics with @VisitNassauCountyLI and be entered to win some Nassau County faves!