West Islip is a hamlet in the town of Islip on Long Island. The area has had
quite a diverse past. Originally settled by the Secatogue people, the area was
later under Dutch, and then English rule, before being purchased by Thomas and
William Willetts. Ukranian settlers, seeking relief from political repression
and economic hardship, came in the early 20th century, and their heritage is
still present in the community. This quiet community also supports its furry friends
with three veterinarians and clinics ready to respond when Fido is not feeling
well.
Visit the Gardiner County Park, a great place to bask in the natural
beauty while your pup enjoys his leashed walk on the mile-long path
from the parking lot to the beach. Although Gardiner is not a dog park, most of
its visitors are people walking their dogs. There’s a superb view of the Robert
Moses bridge that is particularly striking at sunset. The park offers a public
water spout for dogs to drink from, or for you to wash off the sand.
When hunger calls, head to the Cafe Europa. This pawsome eatery welcomes pups at their outdoor tables whenever the weather is nice. Enjoy your time in West Islip where the water and land meet in beautiful places.
Parkway Lawns Park, a small plot of land often referred to as 'The Bar-X,' was formerly a horse riding stable and dude ranch by the same name. Fido will enjoy a snifftastic walk through the wide-open spaces of this now public park. A chance game of fetch or Frisbee is pawsome good fun! Your pup will love a leashed stroll around the park tree line where he’ll yelp with delight as he catches sight of a squirrel scampering up a tree trunk. Check out the dogtastic lake in the park, a great place for your pup to get a drink or take a quick dip on a hot summer's day.
The West Islip Town Beach is a little cove behind the Good Samaritan Hospital known only by locals. You and your pup will enjoy the small beach that provides a quiet place to enjoy a leashed walk along the water. Fido will enjoy exploring at water’s edge and following dogtastic adventures among the flotsam and jetsam on shore. Bring along a picnic and enjoy the wooden chairs and picnic tables in both the covered area and out in the sunshine. Sometimes an ice cream truck parks nearby for a special afternoon treat. The West Islip Marina is nearby, and offers a beautiful view of the Great South Bay.
Just three miles from West Islip in Bayshore, you will find the Anthony Casamento Park. Grab your leash and your walking shoes, and go for a little exercise and fresh air where the open space is plentiful for some playtime and fetching. If your pup likes to catch, he’ll enjoy you bouncing some tennis balls off the outdoor handball walls. The wide-open space makes it easy to get in a leashed walk on the grassy area, but there’s also trees encircling the park. Your pooch will enjoy a sniff-tastic route near the tree line as he explores sounds of the small wildlife living there. The park is also well lit at night, making it a good option for those later walkers.
Just 4 miles from West Islip in Babylon, enjoy dog-friendly eateries that welcome you and your pooch at their outdoor tables. Nonna Bella's Pizza Cafe is a casual joint that serves up a great slice and a variety of delicious cuisine. Francesco's Restaurant and Pizzaria serves Italian food that people come back for. After your meal, head to Argyle Park for a pawsome walk around the park on the nature trails, and around the main lake. Fido will enjoy watching for the swans and the geese who also love to watch the visitors in the park.