Suffolk County, New York
Fire Island
A car-free barrier island 60 miles from Manhattan — National Seashore beaches, a 19th-century lighthouse, and a string of communities where the only traffic is foot and bicycle.
Fire Island is one of the most unusual places in New York State — a 32-mile barrier island off the south shore of Long Island where cars are banned in most communities and the only way to arrive is by ferry. The Fire Island National Seashore protects the majority of the island, preserving miles of undeveloped Atlantic beach, the Sunken Forest (a rare maritime holly forest), and the Otis Pike Wilderness Area, the only federally designated wilderness in New York State.
The island's communities each have a distinct character. Ocean Beach is the largest and most family-oriented, with a main street of restaurants and shops. Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines are the island's celebrated LGBTQ+ communities, with a decades-long history as welcoming summer destinations. Saltaire, Kismet, and Seaview are quieter residential communities with beautiful beaches and a slower pace.
From New York City the trip is 1.5 hours by car to Bay Shore or Patchogue, then a 30-minute ferry ride to the island. The Long Island Rail Road runs to Bay Shore, making Fire Island one of the few beach destinations in the Northeast that is genuinely accessible without a car. The island is at its best from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with the shoulder weeks of late May and September offering the best combination of weather, open amenities, and manageable crowds.
Quick Facts
Best Time to Visit
The island is fully alive — ferries running frequently, all restaurants and shops open, and the beach at its warmest. Ocean Beach and the Pines are at peak energy. Book lodging months in advance; summer weekends sell out by March. The water reaches 72°F in August.
Late May and September are the sweet spot — warm enough to swim, crowds thin, and prices 30–40% lower than peak. The National Seashore beaches are uncrowded and the Sunken Forest is beautiful. Many restaurants stay open through Columbus Day.
Most communities and restaurants close after Columbus Day. The lighthouse and National Seashore stay open. A beautiful time for a day trip — empty beaches, dramatic light, and the Sunken Forest in fall color. Not practical for an overnight stay.
Nearly everything closes. Ferries run on a reduced schedule to year-round communities only. The National Seashore is open for day use. Not a recommended season for a weekend trip.
Things to Do
Fire Island National Seashore Beaches
OutdoorsThe National Seashore protects 26 miles of undeveloped Atlantic beach — some of the most pristine coastline in the Northeast. Watch Hill and Sailors Haven are the two main National Seashore visitor centers, accessible by ferry from Patchogue. The beach at Watch Hill is wide, clean, and backed by dunes rather than development. Swimming is excellent from June through September.
Fire Island Lighthouse
HistoryThe 1858 lighthouse at the western end of the island is one of the most recognizable landmarks on Long Island. The Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society runs the museum and offers lighthouse climbs — 182 steps to the top, with views across Great South Bay and the Atlantic. Accessible by ferry from Bay Shore or a 1.5-mile walk from the Robert Moses State Park parking area. Open May through November.
The Sunken Forest at Sailors Haven
OutdoorsA rare maritime holly forest that has grown in the shelter of the dunes, its canopy kept level by the salt wind — the trees are 200 years old but only 30 feet tall. A 1.5-mile boardwalk loop winds through the forest, which feels genuinely otherworldly — dense, twisted holly, shadblow, and sassafras growing in a microclimate protected from the ocean. One of the most unusual natural areas in New York State.
Ocean Beach Village
CultureThe largest and most family-friendly community on Fire Island, with a main street (Bay Walk) of restaurants, ice cream shops, a market, and a handful of bars. No cars means the streets are full of people on foot and bicycle — a genuinely pleasant social atmosphere. The Ocean Beach beach is wide and well-maintained. The community has a classic summer-colony feel that has changed little since the 1950s.
Otis Pike Wilderness & Hiking
OutdoorsThe Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness is the only federally designated wilderness in New York State — 1,380 acres of dunes, maritime shrubland, and beach accessible only on foot. The Wilderness Trail runs 7 miles from Watch Hill to Smith Point County Park. No facilities, no development, no ferry access — just dunes, beach, and sky. A serious day hike for experienced walkers.
Cherry Grove & Fire Island Pines
CultureTwo adjacent communities on the eastern half of the island with a celebrated history as LGBTQ+ summer destinations since the 1940s. Cherry Grove is the older and more casual of the two; the Pines is more architecturally dramatic, with modernist houses on stilts above the dunes. The Meat Rack — a stretch of woodland between the two communities — is a famous gathering place. Both communities have restaurants, bars, and a lively summer social scene.
2-Day Fire Island Itinerary
Ocean Beach, the Lighthouse & the Beach
Take the Fire Island Ferries from Bay Shore to Ocean Beach — ferries run every 30–60 minutes in summer, more frequently on weekends. Walk Bay Walk, the main street, and get your bearings. Drop your bags at your rental or hotel and head straight to the ocean beach. The beach at Ocean Beach is wide and clean — stake out a spot early on summer weekends.
Lunch at Matthew's Seafood House on Bay Walk — the Ocean Beach institution for fried clams, lobster rolls, and cold beer. Or Maguire's Bay Front Restaurant on the bay side for a more relaxed lunch with Great South Bay views. After lunch, rent bicycles from one of the shops on Bay Walk and ride west toward the lighthouse.
Ride or walk to the Fire Island Lighthouse — about 3 miles west of Ocean Beach along the beach or the bay path. Climb the 182 steps for the views, then walk the beach back east. The stretch of National Seashore beach between the lighthouse and Ocean Beach is undeveloped and beautiful. Allow 3 hours for the round trip.
Dinner at Houser's on Bay Walk — the most reliable dinner option in Ocean Beach, with a broad menu and a lively bar. Or Castaway on the bay for a more relaxed atmosphere and good seafood. The Ocean Beach bar scene is compact and social — the Albatross and the Hideaway are the main spots for a late-night drink.
Sailors Haven, the Sunken Forest & the Ferry Home
Take the ferry from Ocean Beach to Sailors Haven (National Seashore ferry, runs in summer) or walk the beach east — about 2 miles. The Sailors Haven beach is one of the best on the island, wide and backed by dunes. Swim and relax before the forest walk.
Walk the Sunken Forest boardwalk loop — 1.5 miles through the maritime holly forest, one of the most unusual natural areas in New York State. The canopy is dense and the light is extraordinary. Allow 45 minutes. The Sailors Haven snack bar has sandwiches and cold drinks for a simple lunch on the beach after the walk.
Return to Ocean Beach for a final swim and a walk through the community. Pick up provisions from the Ocean Beach market for the ferry ride home. The ferry back to Bay Shore runs frequently in the afternoon — check the schedule and allow 30 minutes for the crossing.
Back on the mainland, drive or take the LIRR back to the city. If you drove, the Babylon Diner on Sunrise Highway is a reliable stop for a late dinner before the highway. The drive back to NYC on the Southern State Parkway is under 90 minutes from Bay Shore.
Where to Eat
Matthew's Seafood House
$$Seafood · Bay Walk, Ocean Beach
The Ocean Beach institution for fried clams, lobster rolls, and cold beer. A classic summer seafood shack on the main street. Gets crowded at lunch on summer weekends — arrive early or late. Cash only.
Houser's
$$American · Bay Walk, Ocean Beach
The most reliable all-around restaurant in Ocean Beach — broad menu, good burgers and seafood, and a lively bar. The best option for a casual dinner when you want something dependable. The outdoor deck is excellent in good weather.
Maguire's Bay Front Restaurant
$$$American Seafood · Bay Front, Ocean Beach
A waterfront restaurant on Great South Bay with outdoor seating and views across the water to the mainland. Good seafood and a solid wine list. The best setting for a relaxed lunch or a special dinner.
Castaway
$$American · Ocean Beach
A relaxed bar and restaurant with a good selection of seafood and American classics. Less crowded than Houser's and a good option for a quieter dinner. The outdoor seating is pleasant in the evening.
Sailors Haven Snack Bar
$Snack Bar · Sailors Haven (National Seashore)
The National Seashore snack bar at Sailors Haven — sandwiches, hot dogs, and cold drinks on the beach. Not a destination in itself, but a convenient and affordable lunch option after the Sunken Forest walk.
Where to Stay
Clegg's Hotel
$$$Hotel · Ocean Beach
The only full-service hotel in Ocean Beach — 18 rooms in a classic Fire Island building a short walk from the beach and Bay Walk. Book well in advance for summer weekends; it fills months ahead. The most convenient lodging option on the island.
Fire Island Rentals (VRBO / Airbnb)
$$$Vacation Rental · All communities
The majority of Fire Island accommodation is vacation rentals — houses and cottages rented by the week or weekend through VRBO and Airbnb. A house rental is the most comfortable and often the most affordable option for groups or families. Book 3–6 months in advance for peak summer weekends.
Watch Hill Campground
$Campground · Watch Hill (National Seashore)
The National Seashore campground at Watch Hill — 26 tent sites accessible only by ferry, with no cars and no electricity. The most immersive way to experience Fire Island. Reserve through Recreation.gov months in advance. Open May through October.
Bay Shore Marriott (mainland)
$$Hotel · Bay Shore (mainland)
If island lodging is full or out of budget, the Marriott in Bay Shore is a 5-minute walk from the ferry terminal. A reliable mainland base for a day-trip-style Fire Island visit. Free parking and a pool.
Weekend Budget (USD, per couple)
Summer peak pricing. September shoulder season runs 30–40% lower.
| Expense | Budget | Splurge |
|---|---|---|
| Lodging (2 nights, mid-range) | $200 | $700 |
| Round-trip ferry (2 people) | $30 | $40 |
| Lighthouse admission (2 adults) | $10 | $10 |
| Meals (2 dinners, 2 lunches, breakfasts) | $140 | $280 |
| Bicycle rental (2 bikes, 1 day) | $40 | $60 |
| Sailors Haven ferry (2 people, optional) | $20 | $20 |
| Gas or LIRR from NYC (round trip) | $30 | $80 |
| Miscellaneous (shops, drinks, tips) | $40 | $100 |
| Weekend Total | $510 | $1,290 |
Also Consider
Montauk
The tip of the South Fork — lighthouse, surf, deep-sea fishing, and a working village feel.
The Hamptons
The manicured villages of the South Fork — Southampton, East Hampton, and Sag Harbor.
North Fork
Long Island wine country on the quieter North Fork — vineyards, farm stands, and Greenport village.
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