Fire Island's Most Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fire Island?
Fire Island, New York, is a barrier island, approximately 31 mi (50 km) long and 0.25 mi. (400 m) wide. It is located off the south shore of Long Island in Suffolk County. Approximately 820,865 people visit Fire Island beaches each summer. Ocean Beach is one of the Fire Island largest communities, featuring the most bars, restaurants, and shops. It is unofficially the “Capital of Fire Island.”

How big is Fire Island?
The island’s gross area is 8,742 miles. Again, the island spans 31 miles in length and up to .25 miles in width. The majority of the Island is a protected environment and therefore will remain open and undeveloped. Fire Island’s parkland includes the Fire Island National Seashore, Smith Point County Park, and Robert Moses State Park. Approximately 20% of Fire Island is developed, with approximately 4,000 usable lots in 17 small communities.

Is Fire Island a gay community?
This is probably the most frequently asked question about Fire Island, and the greatest misconception about Fire Island. As seen on the Fire Island map, there are many different villages on this wonderful Island. Similar to Cape Cod’s Provincetown, Fire Island has two LGBT communities: Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines. Incidentally, these are probably Fire Island’s two most interesting and diverse communities. Although these villages are widely recognized as gay friendly, they are welcome to all and visited by many families and heterosexuals. 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, the island is bustling with vacationers. Though Fire Island is a popular New York City summer retreat, the off-season also holds its own appeal. After Labor Day, the inhabitants of Fire Island rentals, Fire Island shares, and Fire Island real estate properties depart and the island is incredibly peaceful. At this time, some Fire Island hotels offer reduced rates in the off-season. In addition, Fire Island ferry schedules change, offering fewer arrival and departures, but still allow travel to Long Island with relative ease. For many, the fall and spring seasons are the island’s best-kept secret. Keep in mind, however, that many Fire Island restaurants and shops close down after the summer season, leaving limited options.

If no cars are allowed, how do I get to Fire Island?
Fire Island villages are accessible by Fire Island ferry, water taxi, and private boats. The most affordable mode of transportation is Fire Island ferry. Technically, you can get to Fire Island by driving Robert Moses beach, parking in Field 5, and then walking the island, which will eventually bring you to the Fire Island Lighthouse.

Where do I stay in Fire Island?
Fire Island features a number of hotels, the majority of which are in the town of Ocean Beach and Ocean Bay Park. However, reservations must be made in advance – especially for holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. With Fire Island real estate prices out of reach for most, beach house shares are an important part of the Fire Island community culture. Fire Island shares offer visitors the opportunity to experience living on Fire Island without a major investment. 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 began filming in Ocean Beach, Fire Island. One Ocean View brought Fire Island’s summer share beach house culture to the reality TV world. This ABC program took a new perspective on the exhausted “sharing-a-house” reality TV formula. One Ocean View features eleven attractive, single, self-assured young New Yorkers: Anelka, Heather, John, K.J, Lauren, Lisa, Mary, Miki, Radha, Usman, and Zack in their search for summer love. The show was not well received and conflicted with the low-key, private resort community.


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. Walking and biking are the two modes of transportation. While this may seem inconvenient at first, it adds to Fire Island’s allure and preserves the island’s natural, undeveloped beauty. Free of cars, traffic, pollution, and noise, Fire Island visitors are encouraged to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and exercise as they explore. Exploration by foot is an adventure, and bicycle rentals are available in Ocean Beach and Ocean Bay Park, should you wish to cover more territory.

What’s with all the Deer?
Many beautiful white-tailed deer inhabit Fire Island. Though Fire Island visitors are compelled to feed these gentle creatures, such human interference is actually harmful to both to the deer and to the Fire Island ecosystem. Feeding Fire Island deer disrupts natural systems by changing deer behavior, population, and food source. The greatest danger of the deer, however, is actually the deer ticks, the Lyme disease-carrying parasites 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 Hampton’s!
• Sunglasses
• Beach towel
• Beach chair
• Insect repellent
• Sun block
• Aspirin (for those nights you overindulge)
• License – I don’t care how old you look; you will be proofed at the bars. If you don’t have a license, you must have a picture I.D. that is an official document.
• Cash. 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
• Change of clothes. Most of the Fire Island communities require a bathing suit cover-up in town. Also, it tends to be a few degrees cooler on Fire Island, so be sure to bring something warm to wear.

Do I have to pay to use the beaches on Fire Island?
With the exception of the Fire Island Summer Club and Point O’ Woods, two small private communities on Fire Island, all Fire Island beaches are open to visitors without the need for expensive beach passes. However, Fire Island beaches do have a set of rules and regulations that if violated beach-goers will be fined.

*Please note that Fire Island Summer Club and Point O’ Woods are privately owned communities not accessible to the public.

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. This island is all about abandoning a high-maintenance lifestyle, so opt for beach bum attire. Fire Island is a place to unwind. Urbanites flee to its silky sands, shedding their suits and ties for swim trunks/bikini and flip-flops.

Are there convenience stores on Fire Island?
Yes, there are nine grocery stores scattered across Fire Island. Whitney’s in Ocean Beach has everything you need – including a great deli – with the best prices on the island. Ocean Beach Trading has a large selection of goods and is adjacent to the Ocean Beach ferry gate as soon as you approach town. Mermaid Market in Ocean Beach offers a wider selection of gourmet foods and vegetarian options. Seaview Market is a one-stop shop, conveniently located right next to the Seaview ferry terminal. Ocean Bay Park Market features a large selection of groceries and is located at the edge of town near Flynn’s. 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 mainland offer a delivery service, shipping groceries over on the Fire Island freight boat.

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 markup would require 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?
With all the biking, hiking, swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, kayaking, and windsurfing I don’t know why you would need one! In addition, most towns boast tennis associations and basketball courts to keep you busy. However, if you’re hooked on a routine Fire Island fitness is located on 310 Cottage Walk, Ocean Beach.

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, the theater is located in the Community center of Ocean Beach and features one family oriented film per week during the summer season. 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 immediately contact 911. Numerous Fire Island towns have both a police and fire department, equipped with emergency vehicles, so don’t panic about the car-free policy –help will arrive immediately.

Some additional emergency numbers follow:

• Ocean Beach Police Department: 631-583-5866
• 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

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. Please see our visitor information for details.

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, Fire Island Synagogue in Seaview, Our Lady of the Magnificent in Ocean Beach, St. Andrews by the Sea in Saltaire, and Our Lady Star of the Sea in Saltaire.

Where can I learn More About Fire Island