Fire Island

Set off Long Island’s south shore lies the iconic car-free beach haven: Fire Island - made famous by more than two dozen television shows, documentaries, and major Hollywood productions.

The 32-mile long and half-mile wide barrier island can only be accessed by ferry and is home to 17 distinct communities which locals and visitors traverse by foot, bike, wagon, and golf cart. Fire Island is best known for its miles of peaceful pristine beaches, centuries-old maritime forests, laid-back vibe by day, vibrant scene by night, and it's two wildly popular LGBTQ+ vacation destinations:  Cherry Grove and The Fire Island Pines.

Visitors can climb 182 steps to the top of the historic Fire Island Lighthouse built in 1858 for sweeping ocean views, take a guided canoe tour through the Salt Marsh, hike the 40-acre rare maritime Sunken Forest at Sailors’ Haven, enjoy public marinas for boating and fishing, camp at Watch Hill, or spend the day at one of the lifeguarded beaches. No trip to Fire Island is complete without a stop by CJ’s, home of the rocket fuel for a sip of Fire Island’s famed specialty drink!

Fire Island: The Car-Free Paradise

The barrier island of Fire Island is just a quick ferry ride across the Great South Bay from mainland Long Island. Locals and visitors travel around by foot, bike, wagon, and golf cart at this ‘car-free’ beach haven. The 32-mile-long island is known for its pristine beaches and relaxing beachside ambiance.

Activities include hiking the 40-acre rare maritime Sunken Forest at Sailors’ Haven, ranger-led programs through the Fire Island National Seashore, climbing 182 steps to the top of the Fire Island Lighthouse, guided canoe tours through the Salt Marsh, public marinas for boating and fishing, surfing, camping at Watch Hill, and spending the day at one of the lifeguarded beaches. Be sure to stop by CJ’s, home of the rocket fuel for a sip of Fire Island’s famed specialty drink.

Fire Island consists of 17 unique resort communities including private homes and overnight accommodations. Top destinations include Ocean Beach and two internationally known LGBTQ resort communities, The Pines and Cherry Grove. Ferries run regularly during the season (Memorial Day – Labor Day) from Bay Shore to the West End, Sayville to the East End, and Patchogue to Davis Park and Watch Hill or arrive by jet ski, private boat, and water taxi.