Dunewood Beach

Described as a sleepy beach town, Dunewood is part of Fire Island, a New York island known for pristine ocean beaches, gorgeous sunrises, and small communities. With only 100 homes, this car-free community is a strictly residential area, and lacks any stores or restaurants. Visitors and residents look to the neighboring communities of Fair Harbor and Ocean Beach for food and services. Access to Dunewood is through a direct ferry from Bay Shore that runs during the peak summer season. During off season times, the best way to access Dunewood is by the ferry to Fair Harbor, both of which are dog-friendly.

Dunewood is a tranquil and lanscaped community that values privacy to parties, and is pupular with those seeking peace and seclusion. Dogs are welcome in Dunewood, but must remain leashed at all times. Though not very touristy, Dunewood welcomes visitors to its two beaches during on and off seasons. A small bay beach can be found on the north coast, right off of Sandpiper. The ocean beach accessed down Dune Walk off of S Walk is much more pupular, and features a lot more room to romp! Both beaches restrict dogs from 9 AM to 6 PM, which means your pup can only join you on the beach during the less busy hours of 6 PM to 9 AM, year round. Food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed on the Dunewood beaches, and trash cans are on site. Always be sure to have water to share with your pup, and clean-up bags, and stoop and scoop whenever necessary.

Dunewood ocean beach features dark, sandy coasts and access to the longstanding tradition of sailing instruction. In fact, if you and your pooch stroll the area during busy season, it's nearly impossible to see the ocean without a single sailboat on it. You and your leashed dog can wander the Dunewood beach area, watch fishermen reel in lines of fish, and meet up with other dog owners on the island. If you want to swim, be aware that the tides are dangerous here, so the bay beach may be safer. Swimming is allowed only in certain areas on both beaches, and when a lifeguard is on duty during the summer season. 

The small town of Dunewood is constantly battling erosion of its sandy areas, and has installed snow fences to slow dune erosion and help build back the beach. There are also walks built over the dunes for accessing the beach. Please keep off the dunes and out of the snow-fenced in areas.

For a pawrific peaceful day where the sunsets are truly woofderful, check out the beaches of quiet Dunewood on the lovely Fire Island with your pup!