Fire Island's Most Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fire Island?
Fire Island, New York, is a barrier island, approximately 30 mi (48 km) long and 0.5 mi. (1 km) wide, in Suffolk County on the southern side of Long Island. Approximately 820,865 people visit Fire Island beaches each summer. Ocean Beach is one of the Fire Island largest communities, with the most bars, restaurants, shops, and people. It is unofficially the “Capital of Fire Island.”

How big is Fire Island?
The island’s gross area is 19,579 acres. That’s 32 miles in length (48 km) averaging less than 1 miles in width – which is pretty slim. 80% of Fire Island is public park land and will remain open and undeveloped. Fire Island’s park land includes the Fire Island National Seashore, a state park, a county park, and a couple of town parks. 20% of Fire Island is developed, with approximately 4,000 usable lots in 17 small communities. The homes in these communities offer the major Fire Island rental and Fire Island share house resources for public access.

Is Fire Island a gay community?

This is probably the most frequently asked question about Fire Island – and also the biggest misconception about Fire Island. As you have seen on the Fire Island map, there are many different communities on this wonderful island. There are two predominantly gay communities: Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines. Incidentally, these are probably Fire Island’s two most interesting and diverse communities. Furthermore, it should be noted that although these are known as “gay communities,” many families and heterosexuals live there and visit there; all are welcome. Just as Fire Island’s Cherry Grove and the Fire Island Pines are associated with gay culture, other Fire Island communities carry their own cultural associations. Ocean Beach, for example, is a hotspot for young partiers seeking exciting nightlife; Davis Park is a family-oriented Fire Island community; and Ocean Bay Park is a popular youthful community for Fire Island shares, Fire Island rentals, and hot Fire Island real estate. Ultimately, the overall Fire Island community is unique and diverse; the gay culture of Fire Island Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines is but one thread that runs through Fire Island’s vibrant, colorful tapestry. 

Is there a “season” to Fire Island?
The most popular Fire Island season runs from Memorial Day until Labor Day. In this window of time, Fire Island is bustling with tourists, Fire Island rental tenants, inhabitants of Fire Island shares, and the year-round inhabitants and locals who grumble at the summer’s sudden population surge. Though Fire Island is a popular New York travel destination in the summer, the “off” season also holds its own appeal. After Labor Day, inhabitants of Fire Island rentals, Fire Island shares, and other Fire Island real estate properties gradually depart, leaving the island much less crowded. Some Fire Island hotels offer reduced rates in the off-season, enabling frugal tourists to incorporate overnight Fire Island stays into economical New York travel packages. Fire Island ferry schedules change in the off-season, running fewer ferries, but still enough to get back to Long Island with relative ease. For many, the fall and spring seasons are perfection; not overly crowded, pristine, and peaceful. Keep in mind, however, that many Fire Island restaurants and shops close down after the summer season, leaving limited options. In winter, Fire Island is a ghost town – though approximately 300 people live there year round.

If no cars are allowed, how do I get to Fire Island?
There are three common ways to get to the Fire Island communities. One is by Fire Island Ferry, the second is by private boat, and the third is by water taxi. Technically, you can get to Fire Island by driving Robert Moses beach, parking in Field 5 and walking – which will eventually bring you to the Fire Island light house. But to really enjoy the heart of Fire Island, travel by water will be necessary – taking a Fire Island ferry is the most popular way to get to Fire Island.

Where do I stay in Fire Island?
There are a few fine Fire Island hotels to accommodate you, the majority of which are located in Ocean Beach. These hotels fill quickly, and reservations must be made well in advance – especially for holiday weekends like Memorial Day or the Fourth of July. With Fire Island real estate prices out of reach for most, beach house sharing has become part of the Fire Island community culture. Fire Island shares offer visitors the opportunity to experience living on Fire Island without a major investment. Fire Island rental properties abound, and with Fire Island shares, these beautiful beach houses are transformed into festive party houses where old friends can gather and new friendships can be formed.

Speaking of Fire Island shares, what’s up with that Fire Island reality TV show?
In the summer of 2006, ABC’s One Ocean View, a Fire Island reality TV show, began filming in Ocean Beach, Fire Island. One Ocean View brought Fire Island’s summer share beach house culture to the reality TV world, igniting reality TV gossip and reality TV news while intriguing fans of reality TV around the world. This ABC reality show applies the tried and true “sharing-a-house” reality TV formula: bring together boys and girls of reality TV, put them in a Fire Island rental summer share beach house (One Ocean View actually refers to the address of the Corneille Estates house they occupied), and let the drama begin. One Ocean View features eleven attractive, self-assured young professionals: Anelka, Heather, John, K.J, Lauren, Lisa, Mary, Miki, Radha, Usman, and Zack. ABC reality show executives chose to place their One Ocean View reality TV concept in Ocean Beach –an ironic choice, given Ocean Beach’s reputation for stringent rules and regulations. Regardless, One Ocean View is sure to make reality TV news and boost ABC television network ratings. Not everyone’s a fan of reality TV, however – Many Ocean Beach residents were against One Ocean View, fearful that it might flood their community with tourists seeking to experience the, er, real reality behind this reality TV show.

How do I get from one Fire Island community to the next?
The only automobiles allowed on Fire Island are service and emergency vehicles. Part of Fire Island’s eternal charm is its back-to-basics atmosphere. To get around, you can walk or ride a bicycle. While this may seem inconvenient at first, it adds to Fire Island’s magic and preserves the island’s natural, undeveloped beauty. Without automobiles, Fire Island visitors are forced to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and exercise as they explore. In addition, the elimination of traffic noise and driving aggravation make Fire Island beaches all the more relaxing. Exploration by foot is an adventure, and bicycle rentals are available in communities like Ocean Beach and Ocean Bay Park, should you wish to cover more territory. Take your Fire Island map and stroll – make a day of it! Keep in mind that Fire Island ferry terminals service more than one Fire Island community. If you begin by taking the ferry over to Fire Island’s Ocean Beach, you can wander and meander eastward over the course of the day, and then catch an Ocean Bay Park ferry back to the same ferry terminal where your car is parked.

What’s with all the Deer?
Many beautiful white-tailed deer live on Fire Island. Whenever people and deer live as neighbors, controversy ensues. Though Fire Island visitors are compelled to feed these gentle creatures, such human interference is actually harmful; both to the deer themselves and to the Fire Island environment. Feeding Fire Island deer disrupts natural systems by changing deer behavior, population, and dispersal. Deer that are consistently fed by humans become desensitized; as they lose their fear of humans, they become more vulnerable to those that might do them harm. As desensitized Fire Island deer seek food from Fire Island inhabitants, they invade boardwalks and walkways, presenting danger to the many Fire Island bicyclists. But the greatest danger these deer present are deer ticks, the Lyme disease-carrying parasites that are often visible on Fire Island deer. To preserve Fire Island’s environment and inhabitants, both humans and animals, Fire Island visitors should respect deer and keep their distance. Also be advised that “All wildlife within the boundaries of Fire Island National Seashore is protected under the code of Federal Regulations: 36 cfr 2.2 (2): "Feeding, touching, teasing, frightening or intentionally disturbing of wildlife nesting, breeding, or other activities" is Prohibited and Subject to Fine.” The National Park Service.

What should I bring to Fire Island?
· A laid back attitude . . . this is Fire Island, not the Hamptons!
· A good pair of sunglasses
· Beach towel
· Beach chair
· A big can of insect repellent
· Sun block
· Water bottle/cooler
· Aspirin (for those nights you overindulge)
· Your license – you will be proofed when you go out no matter how old you are. If you don’t have a license, you must have a picture I.D. that is an official document.
· Enough cash to last the weekend. There are only a few ATM machines on Fire Island, most of which have a $100 maximum withdrawal and a $3 charge per transaction!
· Fire Island map
· Fire Island ferry schedule
· Long Island Railroad schedule
· New York Travel guide, so you can plan your next New York travel destination as you bask in the sun on Fire Island beaches
· Clothes – it sometimes gets cooler at night near the water, so bring appropriate clothing if you plan on chilling on Fire Island beaches after sundown
· A hat, just in case the sun blazes too hot on Fire Island beaches

Do I have to pay to use the beaches on Fire Island?
With the exception of the Fire Island Summer Club, a small private community between Corneille Estates and Robins Rest,  *all*  Fire Island beaches are open to visitors without the need for special beach passes or payment for use. Be aware that the Fire Island Summer Club is indeed a private beach, and although the people who live and vacation there are some of Fire Island’s longest residents, they do not take to kindly to people using their private Fire Island beaches.

How should I dress?
The Fire Island dress code is casual and comfortable. All Fire Island restaurants will welcome you in shorts, but a shirt and shoes are always required. Don't make the mistake of over-dressing for a night out. If you're female, avoid high heels, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. On Fire Island, those who dress to impress and pose with designer clothes find that they abandon their high-maintenance style for beach bum attire. Fire Island is a place to unwind; as urban refugees flee to its silky sands, they shed their ties and constricting clothes – instead opting for the swim trunks, t-shirts, bikini tops, wrap skirts and flip-flops that comprise the carefree wardrobe of Fire Island summer fun.

Are there convenience stores on Fire Island?
Yes, there are nine food stores scattered across Fire Island, with the most popular found in Ocean Beach and Seaview. Whitney’s, which is located in Ocean Beach, has everything you need – including a great deli – with the best prices on the island. Ocean Beach also has Ocean Beach Trading, located right next to the Ocean Beach ferry. Seaview Market is another popular food store, conveniently located right next to the Seaview ferry terminal. Be prepared for sticker shock – most Fire Island market items cost twice as much as in New York City. Many Fire Island rental tenants and summer share beach house tenants arrange to have groceries delivered in bulk, which saves money. Some supermarkets on the south shore of Long Island offer delivery service, shipping boxes of groceries over on Fire Island ferries.

Is there a Liquor store on Fire Island?
When waiting for your Fire Island ferry to come in, a quick survey will always reveal a few savvy passengers who are transporting boxes filled with liquor bottles. There are five liquor stores on Fire Island – in Fair Harbor, the Fire Island Pines, Seaview, Saltaire, and Ocean Beach – but the prices they charge call for a shot or two to dull the pain. Also, as per state law, all Fire Island liquor stores are closed on Sundays. When it comes to liquor, Fire Island visitors are well-advised to come prepared. BYOB, or pay the price! However, searching for drink specials at Fire Island bars is an adventure that is well worth the expense.

Is there a gym on Fire Island?
The short answer: no. The one Fire Island gym is hidden away in a very exclusive community; it is completely inaccessible. But really, why would anyone want to confine themselves in a gym on Fire Island? There are so many amazing options for physical activity on Fire Island: jogging on the beach, bicycling, surfing, tennis, basketball, skimboarding, kayaking, hiking, beach volleyball, windsurfing, swimming and more! Leave your humdrum gym workout back on the mainland, and explore some exercise options that take full advantage of Fire Island’s spectacular environment. For something new, try beach yoga – while sunrise is a magical time for stretching on the sand, we won’t hold it against you if you’d rather sleep off last night’s revelries and instead try some afternoon yoga.

Do cell phones work on Fire Island?
Yes, but sometimes it is difficult to get a signal. AT&T seems to have the worst signal. It’s acceptable to keep a cell phone around for emergencies, but for God’s sake – leave the Blackberry device on the mainland!

Is there a movie theater on Fire Island
Yes, but it only shows one movie each weekend and the seats are hard plastic chairs. With the exception of Ocean Beach’s Golden Wagon Film Festival, we strongly advise against any activities that involve zoning out in front of a screen – internet, email, television, and movies should be left behind to fully enjoy the “back-in-time” magic of Fire Island beaches.

What happens in case of a fire or emergency? Is there a doctor or hospital if I get sick or hurt?
In case of an emergency, fire, serious sickness, or injury, your best bet is to immediately contact the police. Ocean Beach has the island’s only police station, which can be reached at 631-583-5866. Police are equipped with vehicles that traverse Fire Island’s emergency road, so don’t panic if you’re not in Ocean Beach – help will arrive soon. Numerous Fire Island towns have fire departments, which are largely supported by volunteers. Fire Island volunteers may be spotted running practice drills with fire trucks along the Fire Island emergency road. Some additional emergency numbers follow:
Cherry Grove Medical Clinic: 631-597-6767
Fair Harbor/Dunewood Fire Department: 631-583-8546
Fair Harbor/Dunewood Emergency Medical: 631-583-5145
Fire Island Pines Doctor (Pines Care Center): 631-597-6160
Saltaire Village Doctor 631-583-5466 
Seaview Doctor: 631-583-8548

When it comes to emergency situations, as always, prevention is the best policy: stay safe and don’t do anything stupid. You will see Fire Island’s finest around Ocean Beach or patrolling the beaches; on big weekends, you will even see the Suffolk County “Blue Jean” cops. Both these forces do a great job of keeping Fire Island safe. Please show them the respect they deserve!

Are there places to shop on Fire Island?
Yes, there are several small boutiques scattered across the island, with most shopping concentrated in Ocean Beach.

Is there a post office on Fire Island?
Davis Park, Cherry Grove, Fire Island Pines, Ocean Beach, Fair Harbor, Kismet, and Saltaire all have post offices.

Are there places of worship on Fire Island?
Yes, including two churches in Ocean Beach and a Synagogue in Seaview.

Where can I learn More About Fire Island