FIRE ISLAND
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The 32-mile-long, one quarter mile wide strip of sand... the longest of four barrier islands that protect the South Shore of Long Island from the Atlantic Ocean. It has a rich history... with tales of colonial-era pirates, shipwrecks and Prohibition era rumrunning.
Home to Robert Moses State Park on the west, Smith Point County Park on the east and a national park featuring an eight-mile wilderness preserve. And in the middle, accessible only by ferry, are 17 wonderfully eclectic beach communities. A popular tourist destination, a hidden gem full of natural wonders... and home to Way Way Yonder. Let's take a look at all that it has to offer, traveling west to east... |
Robert Moses State Park
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"Established in 1908 in honor of master builder Robert Moses, Field 3 is the park's oldest recreation area. It is the closest location to the park's landmark Water Tower, which serves as a perfect background to the field's picnic area. Here, visitors can utilize a spacious gazebo to host large gatherings on a first –come, first-serve basis. Patrons may also make use of an underpass tunnel that connects Field 3 to a day-use boat basin which can accommodate up to 80 personal watercrafts. Anglers typically take this walk from Field 3 to fish or crab off of the long piers in front of the facility's Park Office.
Open 7 days a week, the Park Office sells an array of permits that allow visitors to make the most of their beach experience, including Empire Passports and Fishing, Surfing, and Star Gazing Permits. Field 5 is the public's gateway to Fire Island. With a beautiful ¾ mile nature walk that leads directly to the Fire Island Lighthouse, visitors are free to explore nearby towns like Kismet and Saltaire by foot from the eastern parking lot. Perfect for families, Field 5 also offers a large playground area for children and a boardwalk that extends the length of the parking area." National Park Service |
Fire Island Lighthouse
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"Whether you love maritme history, climbing lighthouses, nature, or the beach, there is something for everyone at the Fire Island Lighthouse.
Climb to the top of the tower or spend an afternoon exploring exhibits on Fire Island’s maritime history. See the First-order Fresnel Lens, meander along the boardwalks to the historic boathouse and bay, or enjoy sand and surf on the beach. Be sure to look for art shows and workshops and other programs when planning your visit." - National Park Service |
Kismet
Saltaire
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"Saltaire is an ideal Fire Island community for families seeking a little R&R. The well-maintained, the manicured village is full of recreation, with acclaimed youth programs, sports fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a Yacht Club. Complementing the family-oriented atmosphere, Saltaire’s boardwalk promenade of town features a library, post office, food market, and town hall.
Don’t let the sound of Saltaire’s name fool you. While phonetically sounding like “salt air,” Saltaire is named after a village located in West Yorkshire England, which is named after “Sir Titus Salt” and sits upon the River Aire." www.fireisland.com |
Fair Harbor
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"Fair Harbor began as a real estate enterprise between George Weeks and Selah Clock (also the founder of Lonleyville) in 1923 with the concept of making beach houses available to the “working man” and indeed they attracted a strong clientele from south shore Long Island hamlets like Bay Shore and Islip. However with the Great Depression on the horizon the business concept became strained. Then the Hurricane of 1938 roared on over Fire Island leaving only eight houses standing in Fair Harbor and enterprise went bankrupt. The community rebounded however after World War II, attracting New York’s City’s metropolitan
Now known as a refuge from the urban grind, Fair Harbor is a sanctuary for New York City inhabitants who find solace in its unbuttoned atmosphere. Fair Harbor features a small but well-planned downtown district made up of an upscale food market, post office, liquor store, the ice cream stand known as “Unfriendly’s,” and a funky general hardware store called Corliss on the Bay which sells both used and vintage items. Most importantly it is the home of Le Dock, an acclaimed bar and restaurant known for its spectacular bay views." www.fireisland.com |
Dunewood
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"Dunewood is an active, family-friendly community that boasts one of the prettiest and cleanest bay beaches on the island. Most of the hundred homes in Dunewood were built in the 1960’s, although many have been renovated to reflect current architectural styles and to better meet the needs of the contemporary family."
www.fireislandferries.com |
Lonelyville
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"Lonelyville is the place to go if you’re looking to get away from it all. The town is free from the commercial traffic and development that typify the western part of Fire Island. In fact, except for a few new larger houses and an annual "Walk for Peace" on September 11th, the town has changed very little during the past twenty years." - www.fireislandliving.com
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Atlantique
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"This sleepy hamlet, connected from east to west by a sand stretch of the Burma Road, is totally free of commercial influences. Supplies must be brought either from Fair Harbor or Ocean Beach. What the community lacks in amenities, however, it makes up for with its wonderful sense of isolation and relaxation. The narrowest part of the island, Atlantique is difficult to access since it has kept most of its area free from sidewalks. The deep, hot sand can make for a long hike in and out of this small quiet town. However, this is the way residents and long-term renters appreciate it." - www.fireislandferries.com
"There is nothing better than after a long day at the beach to stop at The Shack. The laid back atmosphere, the delicious 5 o’clock Rocket Fuels, the crispy fries, the live music and the smiles from behind the counter make The Shack an all around amazing place to be. Throughout the summer, they have many events that go on including delicious drink specials and multiple live bands that perform on the weekends." www.fireisland-news.com |
Robbins Rest
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"Nestled in the midst of Federal Seashore wilderness, Robbins Rest is a quiet, low-key beach break with approximately 40 residential houses. The sand dune walkways make Robbins Rest a true barefoot society. Robbins Rest residents treasure their privacy, but frequent Ocean Beach for all its amenities. The rustic nature of Robbins Rest is not for those who desire the pampered beach house with all the comforts of home, but for those who enjoy seclusion and low-key charm Robbins Rest has much to offer.The community was established in 1925, founded by an attorney named William Robbins, who was a partner with a prominent law firm in Bay Shore called Robbins, Wells, and Walser."
www.fireisland.com |
Ocean Beach
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"This is the hub of the western Fire Island universe. The larger of Fire Island’s two incorporated villages, Ocean Beach, has more of everything – houses, people, policeman, lifeguards, hotels, bars, restaurants – and even a movie house. Ocean Beach has an excellent nightlife while keeping its popular reputation of being a great family destination. This is what makes Ocean Beach a ‘must visit’ no matter where you stay on the Island.
Home to over a dozen restaurants and endless attractions such as sidewalk sales, live bands, numerous shops and boutiques, and more services than anywhere else on the island. Ocean Beach is truly the cosmopolitan center of Fire Island. For the ultimate seafood experience by the water or to just unwind and take in the charming atmosphere, Ocean Beach has it all." www.fireislandferries.com |
Seaview
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"The upscale community of Seaview lies between Ocean Beach and Ocean Bay Park. The community, with its modern homes and elaborate fencing, is nestled within fragrant foliage, wild bamboo and numerous trees. Seaview has six tennis courts, a children’s playground, a wading pool, a ball field and a basketball court.
Located next to the dock are a grocery store and liquor store. Seaview also provides a lifeguard on duty and a resident doctor. Community activities and lectures can be found at Seaview’s Synagogue, Fire Island’s only Synagogue which was started by Herman Wouk a renowned novelist." www.fireislandferries.com |
Ocean Bay Park
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"Ocean Bay Park is a small town with a big personality. Largely populated by share houses, OBP knows how to throw a beach barbeque blowout. The riotous weekend warrior reputation is reinforced by the serious drinking and all night dancing at Flynn’s, Schooners, and The Inn Between. This town’s laid-back, non-restrictive lifestyle is especially appreciated by the waves of young renters seeking a beach party environment. However, Ocean Bay Park also has its share of longtime seasoned residents.
Ocean Bay Park was originally conceived as a community for retired New York City Police and Firemen. While that concept never really got off the ground, it started to boom as a vacation resort with World War II when gas rationing and international travel restrictions made Ocean Bay Park an appealing and accessible getaway." www.fireisland.com |
Point O' Woods
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"As Fire Island’s oldest community, Point O’ Woods is self-contained and offers a clubhouse, tennis courts, park, and market to homeowners. Point O’ Woods insular nature is exemplified by its massive fence that encloses the community. POW residents are preppies that treasure their private community and do their best to discourage visitors from passing through. This rustic neighborhood has a strong emphasis on family living and the look and feel of a bygone era burrowed in wooded terrain sit a collection of old houses and ancient bicycles."
www.fireisland.com |
Sunken Forest / Sailors Haven
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"The Sunken Forest is dominated by American holly (Ilex opaca), some of which are estimated to be up to 300 years old. Other trees in this forest canopy include the sassafras (Sassafras albidum), shadbush or juneberry (Amelanchier canadensis), and other hardwoods. Oaks and black cherry also grow one in the Sunken Forest. However, none of these trees will grow taller than the unique double dune system which protects them. The forest is "sunken" behind the dunes.
Today you can easily visit and explore this rare habitat from May to October, when ferries run from Sayville on Long Island to Sailors Haven. Throughout the year you may stroll along the boardwalk, although facilities (restrooms) and other services are not available when ferry service is not operating." National Park Service |
Cherry Grove
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"Known as an LGBT favorite, Cherry Grove is located between Sailors Haven and Fire Island Pines. The beach is clothing optional and is frequently inhabited with nude visitors sunbathing, though it is not an official nude beach. The eastern dunes have even been nicknamed the “Meat Rack” by the locals.
Transportation to Cherry Grove is rather limited and is only accessible via ferry or private water taxi. The most common method for reaching the Grove is by taking the Sayville Ferry. You can also park at the Robert Moses State Park after reaching the Fire Island Lighthouse and take a water taxi to the Grove." www.fireisland.com |
The Pines
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"The Pines is truly an architectural paradise and the largest community on Fire Island. Predominantly gay, you will find the layout and design of the shops and restaurants beautiful, and done in fabulously good taste! When you approach from the bay side, you are reminded almost of Monte Carlo or the South of France.
The Fire Island Pines has a quieter, more intimate and residential feel. Here you will find the most celebrities staying in the most fabulous houses. Beautiful sprawling beach houses lay hidden amongst the rolling boardwalks and wind-sculpted pine trees. Many visitors from around the world flock to this sprawling harbor and famous nightclubs which feature trend-setting dance music." www.fireislandferries.com |
Talisman / Barrett Beach
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"Centrally located on Fire Island between Fire Island Pines and Water Island, Barret Beach Park is boating paradise and currently only accessible by foot, private boat, or via the charter ferry service from Patchogue or Sayville. Visitors will have access to majestic waterside views and park ranger-led family programs covering topics ranging from shelling to safe boating practices.
The Barret Beach/Talisman area was once the “jewel” of Long Island. In 1998, Barret Beach was donated to the Fire Island National Seashore by the town of Islip. After 40 years of being a recreation hot spot for tourists, the beach became worn down. The playground, concession stands, lifeguard posts, and maintenance areas were all closed down or completely destroyed. The National Seashore finally received funding in 2001 to restore the beach to its former glory. By 2003, the renovations were complete: the ferry service returned, picnic and playground areas were completely redone, and docking for private boating has been made available. Visitors are required to use the bathrooms located on the beach as there are no bathrooms currently available in the Talisman area for funding purposes. There’s not much going on here at Barrett Beach so if it’s seclusion and strictly a beach that you want, this is the spot for you." www.fireisland.com |
Water Island
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"Water Island–despite its name, very much a part of Fire Island–has undergone perhaps the most interesting metamorphosis of any community on the beach. Today it is known as a very quiet, very private community of some 50 houses situated on the narrowest part of Fire Island with a breathtakingly broad and open stretch of beach, rolling boardwalks, and lush foliage.
Water Island is about 1 ½ miles west of Davis Park, and is one of the more private and peaceful communities on Fire Island. Other than the public phone situated on the dock Water Island has no other public facilities." www.fireislandferries.com |
Davis Park
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Davis Park is typically used to refer to the business and public areas of Brookhaven, a town in Suffolk County. Davis Park, Ocean Ridge, and Leja Beach are all part of the Fire Island National Seashore; together, they make up the eastern-most private community on Fire Island.
The origins of Davis Park can be tracked back to the 1940’s. It all started with Mr. Davis of Blue Point who owned a tract of land of Fire Island. When he passed away he left some of the land to his sons. One of those sons sold his share of the land to four friends (Lee Coffin, Ed Shembler, Joe Gerard, and Al Brown) who would later go on to build the Davis Park Casino. The Casino building was floated in from the mainland and opened next to the marina, with a bar and restaurant. Today, the Casino remains ever popular, with live music and dancing on the weekends. The original “sixish” started here, with a different house chosen each weekend where everyone in town would meet for a bring-your-own-bottle party. |
Watch Hill
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"Watch Hill is the largest and most extensive of the Fire Island National Seashore visitor facilities and is certainly the destination for the more rugged retreat. East of Davis Park, it offers lifeguard monitored beaches, campgrounds, restroom and shower facilities, an array of nature trails, guided canoe tours, picnic area, grills, a marina with over 140 slips with water and electric hook-up service as well as an additional 29 day slips. There is a general store that sells snacks and souvenirs, a Tiki bar and the acclaimed Pier Restaurant.
It first opened to the public in 1967 and the facilities offered have gradually been enhanced and improved upon over the years. Watch Hill serves as gateway to the Otis Pike Wilderness Area, the only federal wilderness area in New York State and one of the last large tracts of undeveloped of barrier beach on the northeast coast. Established by act of U.S, Congress in 1980, the Wilderness Area was named in honor of U.S. Representative Otis Grey Pike, a champion of the cause to establish Fire Island National Seashore. Accessible by private boat, lateral water taxi, or ferry out of Patchogue, NY, Watch Hill is a favorite day-tripper destination for Long Islanders or City dwellers via Long Island Railroad as well as the seasoned camper." www.fireisland.com |
Smith Point County Park
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"At the easterly point of Fire Island, Smith Point is accessible from the mainland by the Smith Point Bridge and William Floyd Parkway. Smith Point offers campgrounds at one of the most spacious areas of the island. Vast beaches and high sand dunes characterize this end of the island. Smith Point boasts Fire Island’s only surfing competition. Smith Point is the only parcel that is under the jurisdiction of Suffolk County Parks System and it is home to the TWA Flight 800 International Memorial."
www.fireisland.com |
