The first deer sightings on Fire Island occurred in the 1860's. It is believed that the deer probably traveled over the bay when it was frozen solid.
The wonderfully unique Fire Island is an unspoiled island community without a hint of pretention or class distinction, setting it apart from the Hamptons.
Fire Island, an Atlantic Ocean barrier island, sits off the southern shore of Long Island, New York. With the exception of service and emergency vehicles, cars are not permitted to drive throughout the island. You can drive to either end of the island, but there are no paved roads between these two points.
The 17 distinct communities in Fire Island are a part of the Fire Island National Seashore (FINS). Each community or town has its own flavor, culture and things to do.
Leashed pets can join you in many areas on Fire Island. Be sure to bring extra water for them, keep them in the shade on warm days, and check the pet rules for the area you plan to visit.
Fire Island Ferries, Inc. (
provides year round Fire Island ferry service from the Maple Street dock in Bay Shore to the western end of Fire Island. They also run the Fire Island Water Taxi.Alcohol Policy. The use or possession of alcoholic beverages on federal park lands within Fire Island National Seashore is allowed for anyone age 21 or older, except in historic structures and visitor centers.
Beachgoers heading to any of the 17 car-free communities in the middle of Fire Island can do so from one of three ferry terminals in either Bay Shore, Sayville or Patchogue. All three ferries accept cash only. As they say on Fire Island: “See you on the beach!”
Ticket Prices
| ADULT, ONE-WAY | $11.00 |
|---|
| CHILD, ONE-WAY (AGES 2-11) | $6.00 |
| CHILD, ROUND-TRIP (AGES 2-11) | $11.00 |
| CHILD, 40 TRIP TICKET BOOK | $165.00 |
| SENIOR, ONE-WAY WITH VALID SUFFOLK COUNTY ID | $10.00 |
At night, if you time your trip the right way, you can watch a romantic moonrise over the Great South Bay. The Fire Island ferry boats are small, comfortable vessels that make the trip to Fire Island in about 20 - 30 minutes.
The distance between New York and Fire Island is 46 miles. The road distance is 48.7 miles.
Fire Island is the large center island of the outer barrier islands parallel to the south shore of Long Island, New York.
There are no entrance fees on Fire Island. However, you should plan to pay for parking and/or passenger ferry or water taxi fees for most places on Fire Island.
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. Once there, food and drink options are only a quick walk away.
The name of Fire Island first appeared on a deed in 1789. Historian Richard Bayles suggested that the name derives from a misinterpretation or corruption of the Dutch word vijf ("five"), or in another version vier ("four"), referring to the number of islands near the Fire Island inlet.
Few Fire Island communities have public facilities for swimming, since most beach users are staying in private homes or other accommodations. Smith Point County Park and Robert Moses State Park on Fire Island offer lifeguarded beaches and are accessible by car.
With the exception of service and emergency vehicles, cars are not permitted to drive throughout the island. If you drive to the ends of the island you can visit the Fire Island Lighthouse from Robert Moses State Park and the Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center.
Can I live on Fire Island year-round? Yes. While the vast majority of homeowners are summer residents only, there is a growing year round community on Fire Island.
FOOD | If you are into bar food, burgers, sub-par seafood, and anything fried then you will find yourself at home on Fire Island. Don't expect to find any cheap eats (dishes are usually $15-$20) or fine dining on the island. Bring as much food from the mainland as you can and cook for yourself.
Public Ferries
Ferries access Fire Island from three Long Island towns: Bay Shore, Patchogue, and Sayville. If you are traveling to the largely gay communities of Cherry Grove or Fire Island Pines, your best bet is the Sayville Ferry Service.Public Ferries
Ferries access Fire Island from three Long Island towns: Bay Shore, Patchogue, and Sayville. If you are traveling to the largely gay communities of Cherry Grove or Fire Island Pines, your best bet is the Sayville Ferry Service.As of 2015, vehicle fees are $8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends from mid-April until Memorial Day, after which a $10 fee is charged from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays, and a $10 fee is charged on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. After Labor Day weekend, vehicle fees are once again $8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Island refuge
Fire Island is a barrier island, both physically and metaphorically. The landmass, which is an average of 3.9 miles off the south shore of Long Island, protects the coastline from storms; its inhabitants come seeking refuge from a world that is at best tolerant, and at worst downright dangerous.Walk the boardwalk until you get to the lighthouse, where you have the option of climbing the 182 steps for a unique view of Fire Island. If physically exerting yourself isn't your thing, continue on to walk on the beach, heading east along the ocean. After about 30 minutes, you will arrive in Kismet.
Fire Island Lighthouse Trail. Fire Island Lighthouse Trail is a 6.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Bay Shore, New York that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options.
You can walk to the areas of fire island where you can't drive. If you park at Field 5, the one closest to the lighthouse, you can actually walk past the lighthouse to Kismet, Soltaire and other Fire Island beaches/villages.
There are currently no specially designated bicycle routes within Fire Island National Seashore, and bike riding is not permitted on Robert Moses State Park roadways. However, you may ride your bike on established routes designated for off-road motor vehicle travel.
There are only two bridges to Fire Island. The Robert Moses Causeway on the western end of Fire Island leads to parking lots at Robert Moses State Park. Fire Island has no public roads.
You can take a ferry ride from Bay Shore to Kismet, then walk or take a water taxi to the lighthouse. Or you can drive to Robert Moses State Park, Parking Field #5 (parking fee in season). Park on the east end of the parking lot and follow the boardwalk or the beach about ¾-mile to the lighthouse.
You can drive to the Fire Island Lighthouse (see parking arrangements below) or to the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness on either end of Fire Island National Seashore, but you can't drive the length of the island.
Getting to Saltaire. You can leave the hot, steamy city, and put your toes in the cool ocean in Saltaire, Fire Island in under 2 hours. Easy to reach by car, train, or jitney minivan, Saltaire, Fire Island is one of New York's closest getaways.
Walk the boardwalk until you get to the lighthouse, where you have the option of climbing the 182 steps for a unique view of Fire Island. If physically exerting yourself isn't your thing, continue on to walk on the beach, heading east along the ocean. After about 30 minutes, you will arrive in Kismet.
