Fire Island Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Island

Facts and practical information

Fire Island is a hidden gem located just off the coast of New York State. This stunning barrier island stretches for 31 miles and offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant communities, and a laid-back atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere.

One of the main attractions of Fire Island is its pristine beaches. With no roads or cars on the island, the beaches are peaceful and untouched, making them the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun, go for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean, or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline, Fire Island's beaches have something for everyone.

In addition to its beaches, Fire Island is also home to several charming communities. The most popular of these is Ocean Beach, a lively village known for its vibrant nightlife, quaint shops, and delicious dining options. Here, you can enjoy a cocktail at one of the many beachfront bars, browse the unique boutiques for souvenirs, or indulge in a mouthwatering seafood dinner.

For nature lovers, Fire Island offers plenty of opportunities to explore its diverse ecosystem. The Sunken Forest, a 40-acre maritime holly forest, is a must-see. This unique forest is home to an array of plants and wildlife and provides a peaceful escape from the bustling communities. Visitors can take a guided tour or simply wander through the trails, taking in the beauty of this untouched natural wonder.

Fire Island is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding, there is no shortage of activities to keep you entertained. For those interested in birdwatching, the island is a prime location, with a wide variety of species to spot throughout the year.

Alternative names: Elevation: 3 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 40°39'37"N, 73°5'23"W

Location

New YorkUnited States

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Fire Island Top Attractions

Fire Island Attractions - What to See and Explore

Fire Island offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Fire Island Lighthouse, Lighthouse Beach, Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness, Smith Point County Park. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

History museum • Lighthouse • Vernacular architecture
Fire Island Lighthouse
The Fire Island Lighthouse is a visible landmark on the Great South Bay, in southern Suffolk County, New York on the western end of Fire Island, a barrier island off the southern coast of Long Island.
Beach
Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse Beach is a small section of the Fire Island National Seashore that is adjacent to Robert Moses State Park on New York's Long Island. It was notable for having sections that were officially designated as clothing optional prior to 2013.
Nature • Natural attraction • Protected area
Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness
Fire Island National Seashore is a United States National Seashore that protects a 26-mile section of Fire Island, an approximately 30-mile long and 0.5-mile wide barrier island separated from Long Island by the Great South Bay. The island is part of New York State's Suffolk County and the Outer Barrier.

Park
Smith Point County Park
Smith Point County Park is a beachfront park facing the Atlantic Ocean on the east end of Fire Island, along the central south shore of Long Island, near Shirley, New York, United States. It is the largest park owned by Suffolk County.
40°39'43"N • 73°4'39"W
Carrington House
The Carrington House is a bungalow located in the hamlet of Cherry Grove, New York. Built around 1912, it was one of the first buildings in Cherry Grove and constructed for Frederick Marquet. It is typical of early buildings on Fire Island. It was acquired by theater director Frank Carrington in 1927, who enlarged the house.
Beach
Lighthouse Beach
Lighthouse Beach is a small section of the Fire Island National Seashore that is adjacent to Robert Moses State Park on New York's Long Island. It was notable for having sections that were officially designated as clothing optional prior to 2013.
Village • Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is a village in the southern part of the Town of Islip, on Fire Island, within Suffolk County, New York, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 79.
National park
Robert Moses State Park
Robert Moses State Park - Long Island is a 875-acre state park in southern Suffolk County, New York. The park lies on the western end of Fire Island, one of the central barrier islands off the southern coast of Long Island, and is known for its five-mile stretch of beaches on the Atlantic Ocean.
40°39'36"N • 73°5'26"W
Cherry Grove Community House and Theatre
The Cherry Grove Community House and Theatre is a historic building in Cherry Grove, New York. It played an important part in the development of Cherry Grove as a LGBT town.
Neighbourhood
Ocean Bay Park
Ocean Bay Park is a hamlet in the town of Brookhaven in Suffolk County, New York, United States. It is located on Fire Island, a barrier island separated from the southern side of Long Island by the Great South Bay.
Village • Saltaire
Saltaire
Saltaire is a village on Fire Island in the southern part of the Town of Islip in Suffolk County, New York, United States. The year-round population was 37 at the 2010 census, which, as a summer beach community, increases many times over in the summer.

Day trips

Fire Island – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Fire Island, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Long Island Aquarium (Riverhead), Parrish Art Museum (Long Island), Discovery Museum and Planetarium (Bridgeport).

29 milesNE
Shark and sea lion shows plus boat rides
Long Island Aquarium, Riverhead
The Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, New York, is a premier aquatic adventure in the heart of Long Island. Established as an educational and interactive marine exhibit, the aquarium offers visitors an up-close view of a diverse range of sea life, making it an ideal...
41 milesNE
Museum, Art museum, Art gallery
Parrish Art Museum, Long Island
Nestled in the scenic town of Water Mill in Long Island, the Parrish Art Museum stands as an essential cultural landmark that celebrates the artistic spirit of the region. With its sleek, barn-inspired architecture designed by Herzog & de Meuron, the museum is not only...
39 milesN
Museum, Children's museum, Observatories and planetariums
Discovery Museum and Planetarium, Bridgeport
Nestled in the heart of Bridgeport, Connecticut, the Discovery Museum and Planetarium stands as a beacon of learning and exploration for individuals of all ages. This educational landmark offers a wealth of interactive exhibits and displays that ignite curiosity...
31 milesW
Museum, Art museum, Event space
Nassau County Museum of Art, North Hempstead
Nestled in the picturesque town of Roslyn Harbor in New York, the Nassau County Museum of Art is a cultural gem that beckons art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Housed in a stunning Georgian mansion, set upon a sprawling 145-acre estate, this museum offers a...
26 milesW
Golf, Park
Eisenhower Park, North Hempstead
Eisenhower Park, a verdant oasis nestled in East Meadow, New York, within the town of North Hempstead, is a sprawling 930-acre park that offers an array of recreational activities and amenities for visitors of all ages. This park, named in honor of President Dwight D.

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Best Time To Visit Fire Island

Learn when is the best time to travel to Fire Island weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June, July and August are the busiest months in this location.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February, June and July. Most of it rains in March, April, August and November.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Fire Island?

The top attractions to visit in Fire Island are:

What is the best time to visit Fire Island?

June, July and August are the busiest months in this location. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.