Things To Do On Fire Island
Fire Island is unlike anywhere else on earth. With beautiful beaches, unique communities, dynamic culture of Pines and Cherry Grove and miles of boardwalks and walkways to explore, Fire Island has it all! You will never be bored on Fire Island – unless you want to be! Fire Island has activities for everyone, including camping, hiking, observing wildlife, surfing, boating, sports, fishing and swimming. And of course, Fire Island also features amazing New York restaurants, one-of-a-kind clubs, charming bars like Flynn’s Fire Island, and other dynamic nightlife. So eat, drink and be merry while you explore Fire Island!
Since there are so many fun and relaxing things to do on this beautiful island, FireIsland.com wants to make sure you don't miss out on anything. The following are some exciting activities that you can dive right into as soon as you disembark from the Fire Island ferry:
Sunken Forest
The Sunken Forest on Sailor’s Haven is one of the few remaining maritime forests on the eastern seaboard. It features trees that have been twisted and shaped by the constant salt spray, freshwater marshland, and abundant wildlife. Fire Island’s Sunken Forest is a perfect place to get out of the sun and take a peaceful stroll. Guided tours are available during the summer months. Maintained by The Fire Island National Seashore, Sunken Forest earned its name because it appears lower than the surrounding water. The forest is not actually below sea level -- the high surrounding sand dunes that protect this environment create the illusion of being lower than sea level. The Sunken Forest spans approximately 40 acres, so there is plenty to see. You can walk for miles up and down the roller coaster boardwalks that carry you over two rows of sand dunes. The Sunken Forest consists primarily of American holly, sassafras, and shadblow. Some trees are estimated to be well over 200 years old. Serious hikers, bird watchers, and ecologists find this part of Fire Island to be absolutely fascinating. With several ecosystems, there is plenty of diversity in the flora and wildlife. While walking through the forest, be sure to look up -- the twisted canopy is the forest's most intriguing attribute. Sunken Forest is located next to Sailors Haven, a great Fire Island day trip destination. For more on Sunken Forest and Sailors Haven click on the links below.
Sunken Forest is located in Sailors Haven, a great Fire Island day trip destination. For more on Sunken Forest and Sailors Haven click on the links below.
Fire Island Lighthouse
The Fire Island Lighthouse is the oldest and most significant landmark associated with Fire Island history. This magnificent lighthouse was built in 1857, when its flashing light alerted ships that land was near. In 1974, the Fire Island Lighthouse light stopped spinning, as it was taken out of service. In 1987, the Fire Island Lighthouse was re-opened as an observatory and museum; it has since been restored to Fire Island prominence and enjoyed as a New York travel destination landmark. The Fire Island Lighthouse has summer hours of 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily, during which guided tours are available. The Fire Island Lighthouse observatory offers amazing views of Long Island, the Atlantic Ocean, the Great South Bay, and Fire Island beaches. On a clear day, the Fire Island Lighthouse offers views of the New York City skyline – a truly spectacular vista that must be experienced to be believed. For more info Visit the links below:
Sleeping Over
While day trips are popular, to really mellow out on Fire Island beaches, you’ll want to sleep over. If you don’t have access to a Fire Island rental or summer share beach house, you’ll need to find a good Fire Island hotel. There aren’t that many Fire Island hotels, so if you want to sleep over, you’ll need to reserve well in advance. For bargain Fire Island hotel rates, consider a pre or post-season visit, either before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. It’s easier to find a Fire Island hotel room in the off-season, and many Fire Island hotels offer a reduced rate at this time. At the peak of Fire Island beach season, crashing out at a Fire Island hotel enables visitors to enjoy the local nightlife to the fullest – no matter where you choose to party, a Fire Island hotel is within stumbling distance. If Dionysian revelries are your Fire Island vacation goal, and you’ve got a Fire Island hotel room, then raise a glass and enjoy! With no vehicles or roads, you can leave your car keys at home and have a blast – of course, it’s always smart to drink responsibly, so don’t overdo it! With high-end Fire Island Bed & Breakfasts and more casual Fire Island hotels with just the basics, you can enjoy an extended stay and really get a taste of Fire Island flavor. For more on Fire Island hotels, visit our accommodations page.
Camping
If you prefer a tent to a Fire Island hotel, then head for the Fire Island National Seashore camping facilities. Fire Island camping options are somewhat limited, so plan ahead and reserve a sport early! There is one seasonal campground at Watch Hill located 1/4 mile from the ferry dock, accessible by ferry from Patchogue, private boat, or on foot from elsewhere on Fire Island, with 26 tents-only sites and a group camping sight for up to 40 people. It is recommended that campers bring extra-long stakes to use in the sand, animal-proof food storage, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Since no cooking fuels are allowed on the ferry, they can be purchased at the concession. Wood and open ground fires are prohibited. Grills are provided on site and camp stove use is allowed. Watch Hill only allows tents, and offers running water, showers, and bathrooms. You can bring your pet, but it must be kept under restraint on a leash no longer than 6-feet and may not be left unattended. Watch Hill is open from mid-May to mid-October. Sites must be reserved through mail at $20 a night with a two night minimum. The group site must also be reserved through mail at $30 a night with a two night minimum. Requests for reservations must be submitted by mail with a deposit. Applications are accepted from January 2 through early October. Visit www.watchhillfi.com for applications or call 631-567-6664 for more information. Wilderness backcountry camping is available from either Watch Hill or from the Wilderness Visitor Center near Smith Point on a first-come first-served basis. Permits can be obtained from the Watch Hill Ranger Station mid-May through mid-October and the Wilderness Visitor Center mid-May through December. Camping is limited to no more than three groups of four in the eastern section and six groups of four in the western section. Campers are required to hike all gear and supplies at least 1 1/2 miles out from the Wilderness Visitor Center and 1 mile from the Watch Hill Ranger Station. Camping on the beach or in sight of the beach is prohibited. Tents must be staked in a sandy area with no vegetation. Pets are not allowed during plover nesting season, March 1 through Labor Day, and at all other times must be leashed. Fires are prohibited; a backcountry stove may be used. Campers should remember that it is hot during the summer months and remains so through the night because of the humidity, so lighter weight sleeping bags and airy tents are recommended.
Wildlife
Outside of populated Fire Island communities, Fire Island features stretches of wilderness where the wild things are. Wildlife at Fire Island includes white-tailed deer, red fox, and hundreds of species of birds. It is important to remember not to feed or approach these animals. Though Fire Island is somewhat deserted during the winter, it’s a great time to go wildlife watching. From December through March, waterfowl is abundant on the Great South Bay and in the marshes. The snowy owl has also been seen during the winter, migrating from northern Canada to look for a more reliable food source. On the ocean side, seals, especially Harbor Seals, have been spotted in Winter.
Hiking
There are many places to hike on Fire Island. People can walk the entire 32 miles of Fire Island beach shoreline around the island. Watch Hill has a hiking trail with numbered stops and an accompanying brochure. Sailor’s Haven has a boarded walk from the beach through marsh and woodlands. Hiking is also permitted in the Wilderness area. The Sunken Forest, next to Sailors Haven, has miles of boardwalks winding through its twisted trees. Though not necessarily wilderness hiking, strolling the walks of various Fire Island communities may be the best way to tour and explore, enabling visitors to really absorb the unique nature and culture of the island. No matter where you hike, it’s important to remain aware of wildlife species (don’t feed the animals!) and take precautions against the sun, heat, and ticks.
Otis Pike Fire Island Wilderness
Otis Pike is a Federally protected wilderness area on a 7-mile portion of eastern Fire Island. This 1300-acre preserve covers from Watch Hill to Smith Point. Limited backcountry camping is available by permit. Wildlife is abundant, including ticks and mosquitoes during the warmer months.
Watch Hill Campground
Tents only with running water, grills, showers, bathrooms. You can bring your pet, but it must be kept under restraint on a leash no longer than 6-feet and may not be left unattended. Accessible only by ferry, by private boat, or by hiking from elsewhere on Fire Island. Open mid-May through mid-October. Cost is $20/night. Requests for reservations must be submitted by mail with a deposit. Applications are accepted from January 2 through early October. Visit www.watchhillfi.com for applications or call 631-567-6664 for more information.
Birdwatching
Fire Island is one of the best places in the New York area for birdwatching. Its diverse habitats support a great variety of birds throughout the year, and it is a prime "rest stop" for birds on migration. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded on this thin strip of land, around 1/3 of all the birds found in North America!
Swimming and Water Activities
What would a visit to Fire Island beaches be without diving into the Atlantic or Great South Bay? After basking in the hot sun on Fire Island beaches, plunging into cool Atlantic waters is incredibly refreshing. Of course, swimming always carries some risk, so it is strongly recommended that people swim within designated locations where lifeguards are on duty. Point o’ Woods, Ocean Beach, Atlantique Town Beach, Dunewood, Fair Harbor, and Saltaire are all Fire Island communities that offer lifeguard service on both the ocean side and bay side of Fire Island. Kismet, Watch Hill, Fire Island Pines, Cherry Grove, Sailors Haven, and Ocean Bay Park all offer lifeguard service on the ocean side of Fire Island only. Swimming is not permitted in fishing areas, marinas, or near boat traffic. Please use discretion and take care to only swim in areas with lifeguard service, especially on the ocean beaches, where riptides and rough seas can take even the most experienced swimmers by surprise. Don’t feel like doing the backstroke? There are many other refreshing, exciting water activities to partake in on Fire Island beaches. Brightly-colored sea kayaks are increasingly seen off Fire Island ocean beaches and in the Great South Bay. These versatile paddle-propelled personal craft can be taken for a high-intensity workout cruise (usually on the ocean side) or a relaxed cruise exploring the bay’s calm waters. Windsurfing is also gaining momentum as a popular Fire Island water activity, as any given day will see the bay dotted with many windsurfing sails. Water skiing is popular with Fire Island visitors and Fire Island rental tenants; many, however, prefer more serene, low-impact water activities for their Fire Island vacation. For the adventurous Fire Island souls, there is what many consider to be the ultimate Fire Island water activity
Surfing
Fire Island is a barrier island that creates great surfing, especially during the hurricane season when the waves have been known to exceed ten feet. A series of sandbars and jetties enable variations in the island's surf conditions. The best breaks Sandbar breaks can be found in Atlantique, Point o' Woods, and Smith Point. For a steeper, faster wave, surfers head to the ocean beach jetties. There is an east and west jetty, both with quality waves and a fantastic section in the middle of the two. The middle section is only surfable before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. when lifeguards are off duty. The outer areas are reserved for surfing -- when the swell is good, it's the place to be. When visiting Fire Island beaches, it's best to bring a few boards since the wave conditions change rapidly. A longboard, fun shape, or fish is a necessity when the waves are small (3' and less) since the waves in the summer tend to be on the small side make sure you have the appropriate board. When Fire Island waves get big and break on the sandbars, a 6'4”+ surfboard will do the trick. Water temperature in the summer ranges from 50 to 68 degrees. Surf Seasons: SUMMER Surf FAQ What to wear in the water May through July 3/2 millimeter spring suit July through October Surf trunks and a vest or top for windy days October through November 3/2+ millimeter full suit November through March 4/3 - 5 millimeter full suit with booties, gloves, and hood March through May 3/2+ millimeter full suit If you need wax or equipment you must pick it up on the mainland. Fireisland.com recommends: Fire Island Surfing Pictures
Fabien brings Tubes!
September 2003
Location: secret spot somewhere along Fire Island's 30 mile coast.
Thank you Isabel!
She got a little grumpy but gave a few local surfers some good love!
September 16-17th 2003
Location: hmm should I tell? No.
This is when you will find local surfer belly up at the CJ’s bar telling stories of the good days of past September, as the summer bring long irritating flat spells, overprotective lifeguards, and weekend warriors. You will get a few better than average days of swell but its pretty much a crap shoot. Water temperatures rise into the 60s in June and peak around 70 during July and August.
FALL
This is the time most local surfer wait all year for. Like Christmas morning, Mother Nature will bring in the gift of frequent and exceptional swells as the pleasant autumn air caresses clean tubes accompanied by comfortable water temps warm enough for surf trunks. This is the unofficial, "Hurricane Season" which stretches from June 1 to November 31 with best surf seen in August and September. Hurricane swells, have mixed emotions on Fire Island. They have been known to bring in epic surf while at the same time destroying homes and aiding in the erosion problem that this barrier island is in constant battle with. If you are a surfer this is the time to visit Fire Island New York. Check out more info on hurricane season surfing here.
WINTER
This is the season for die hard surfers. You will have to face air temps that dip down in the low 20’s and water temps in the bone chilling, teeth numbing 30’s. However, surfers who venture out will be rewarded with consistent groundswells and uncrowned lineups. A sealed 4/3 with gloves, boots and hood are required.
Spring
Not known for its great surf the spring is more about brushing the dust off the board and getting your arms ready for the fall paddles. This season brings warm air and dramatic weather changes. It is not uncommon to be surfing in sunny 70 degrees air one day, followed by overcast nasty 30 degree air the next. The water temperatures are still chilly and its best to keep the gloves and booties nearby until May.
Best swell direction: SE
Best size: head-high
Best wind: NW
Bottom: sand
Bunger Surf Shop, Babylon, 631-661-1526, BungerSurf.com
We have a great gallery of surf photos taken exclusively on Fire Island by long time locals and world traveled surfers. Please feel free to share your surf photos with us. Check out the surf here.
Boating
Boating is an integral part of the Fire Island lifestyle; in fact, some Fire Island communities can only be reached by boat. Fire Island Communities with marinas include the following: Watch Hill, Sailor’s Haven, Kismet, Saltaire, Fair Harbor, Dunewood, Atlantique, Ocean Beach Village, Seaview, Ocean Bay Park, Cherry Grove, Fire Island Pines, Water Island, and Davis Park. Boats can be chartered out of marinas. Play it cool for safety’s sake, and heed the Fire Island marinas’ rules – no wake is allowed. The Appalachian Mountain Club, Fire Island Cabin boating community maintains a fleet of boats for member use and runs sailing lessons for beginners. Contact Captain Michael Miller for more information: 845-494-4093. Because the bay is shallow, many boaters opt to moor off shore at designated mooring buoys. It is important to read all posted signs, as sometimes certain areas are off limits to the public, and to be aware of changing weather conditions. In case of boat trouble, have contact information for boat assistance and towing services on hand, such as AAA Boat Transport (631-363-0965) or Tows R US (631-467-1000)
Sailing is a Fire Island legacy that is proudly upheld by clubs in Point o’ Woods, Saltaire, and Dunewood. In fact, Point o’ Woods and Saltaire are bitter sailing rivals, competing in an annual regatta for bragging rights over Fire Island sailing mastery.
Fishing
Fire Island fishing draws anglers from far and wide, seeking to haul in their share of the fantastic aquatic bounty from Fire Island shores, off-shore waters, Great South Bay, and docks. Fire Island fishing, both sport and recreational, does not require a permit – however, there are limits on how many fish you can take, which are set by Fire Island wildlife agencies. Don’t be greedy – with moderate, sustainable fishing practices, Fire Island waters will continue to thrive with aquatic life far into the future. Fire Island restaurants also benefit from this bounty, boasting menus that are jam-packed with fresh seafood choices – so even if you’re not dropping lines in the water, you can still get a delicious taste of fresh Fire Island seafood! There are many ways to approach Fire Island fishing; from novice bobber fishing to advanced angling, everyone can land a lunker on Fire Island beaches. The best times for Fire Island fishing are early mornings, late afternoon, and nighttime. Surfcasting is a fun way to fish, as you can cast directly into the swift-moving schools of blues and stripers right off Fire Island beaches into the Atlantic. Crossing Fire Island back to the Great South Bay, fishing provides an abundance of fluke, flounder, blues, stripers, porgies, sea bass, blackfish, kingfish, and more. Fire Island docks can be quite productive; any given day will find hopeful anglers dropping lines off the community docks. In fact, many nights will find the same, as dock fishermen go for blue claw crabs, weakfish, and other species that abound after the sun goes down. Crabbing is an especially fun activity for youngsters; while traps are most effective, even the novice crabbers can haul in blue claws, armed only with a flashlight, bucket, net and chicken leg tied to a cord. Though dock fishing is easy and convenient, taking a boat out to the bay will yield the best Fire Island fishing results. If you don't have a boat, there are many charter services that will provide you with excellent offshore fishing around the Fire Island area. Deep sea offshore fishing, via charter boat, can yield an exciting array of tuna, shark, and marlin. See the Fire Island business directory for more information on charter boats. Fire Island fishing is at its peak during the spring and fall migrations. Striped bass are a highly sought-after fish whose fall migration sends Fire Island anglers into a fishing frenzy. As striped bass head south, they cruise through waters off both Fire Island’s bay and ocean sides. At this point in the season, the striped bass are mature, and can reach sizes in excess of 40 pounds! Even those who don't have Fire Island fishing gear can still take their share of the bay’s bounty – by clamming. Clams are to Fire Island what maple syrup is to Vermont. Abundant, fresh, and fun to gather, clamming is a great activity for anyone visiting Fire Island. Advanced clammers use tools like “rakes” and “tongs” from boats, but longtime locals are more familiar with the foot and toe method. Just walk out in the bay, dig your feet into the sand, and feel for the bump. When you feel that smooth and hard rock-like shell, reach down and pull it out. Here at FireIsland.com, we suggest everyone tries this method of clamming at least once. It's a therapeutic and enlightening experience. Check out more info on fishing here.
Clamming
Clams are to Fire Island what maple syrup is to Vermont. Abundant, fresh, and fun to gather, clamming is a great activity for anyone visiting Fire Island. There are a few strategies used when clamming. While many use the rake and boat approach, longtime locals are more familiar with the foot and toe method. Just walk out in the bay, dig your feet into the sand, and feel for the bump. When you feel that smooth and hard rock-like shell, reach down and pull it out. Here at FireIsland.com, we suggest everyone tries this method of clamming at least once. It's a therapeutic and enlightening experience.
For Kids
Through a child’s eyes, Fire Island is one big playground. With Fire Island beaches, sports, community activities, and youth groups, kids will never get bored at this dynamic New York vacation destination. In our technology-heavy society, Fire Island offers especially unique, valuable benefits to its young visitors – here, away from computers, chat rooms, video games, and cable television, kids are compelled to go outside and play with uninhibited abandon. Childhood experiences of a lifetime are here on Fire Island, where friendships are forged over Fire Island beach games, and adolescent puppy love is sparked under scintillating stars as waves crash on sand. Though kids are likely to quickly find their own entertainment on Fire Island beaches, here are some suggested kid-friendly Fire Island activities:
Biking
Biking is an integral part of any Fire Island community, woven into Fire Island culture as the primary mode of transportation. Just look around when you arrive at Fire Island; you’ll see bikes everywhere you turn! While biking on Fire Island beaches is possible (let a little air out of your tires and find firm sand at low tide), the best Fire Island biking is on the concrete walkways that criss-cross through Fire Island communities like Ocean Beach and Ocean Bay Park. Instead of hopping in a car and zipping around town, Fire Island rental tenants, summer beach share occupants, and locals almost always have bicycles at the ready. Some Fire Island bicycles are equipped with baskets to carry groceries; others are dilapidated and rusty – suitable for transportation, but unlikely to be stolen. For precisely this reason, many Fire Island rental tenants and residents prefer junky, beat-up bikes. This is a powerful testament to Fire Island’s grounding effect, as those who may own Mercedes on the mainland opt for rust bucket bicycles on Fire Island. Fire Island is all about shedding material trappings and getting back to basics – therein lies its magic. In the peak season, Fire Island walkways can get crowded, so you’ll need to watch your speed and ring your bell (they’re required by law) to alert pedestrians that you’re coming. In the off-season, the rules and regulations surrounding bicycling are less strictly enforced, and the empty walkways enable easier bicycling. Bicycling is the fastest, easiest way to get a lay of the land and explore Fire Island community walks. A leisurely bicycle cruise is relaxing and stimulating – a great way to admire fantastic Fire Island real estate properties or simply get from one Fire Island community to the next. Always cycle carefully, and be aware of the rules – in Ocean Beach, bicycling is forbidden on Main Street, for the safety of pedestrians. Ocean Beach police are serious about enforcing this rule, and you will get a ticket – so consider yourself warned! Fire Island rental bikes are available at stores in Ocean Bay Park and Ocean Beach.
Wagoning
Fire Island is famous for its wagons. When landing on Fire Island and disembarking from the Fire Island ferry, one will undoubtedly be approached by the local and summer youth prospecting the use of their wagon. Don't be afraid -- they are just trying to make a few bucks to buy some overpriced ice cream. If you have children and want them to learn the value of a day's work, get a wagon and have them wait by the ferry for the weekend crowds. It's a great way for your children to learn the value of a dollar and interact with other island children.
Shell decorating and sales
Fire Island has 30 miles of shell-covered beaches. Shell collecting and decorating can be a great pastime for children as well as adults. To increase the fun while giving your children some business experience, send them out to the nearest walk with a table full of their newly decorated, priced-to-sell shells. Make sure your children flash their puppy dog eyes -- they will surely make a few bucks.
Youth Group and Camps
Fire Island offers several camps and youth groups. The best-known camp on Fire Island is the Ocean Beach Youth Group. These camps offer instruction in sailing, swimming, windsurfing, sports, arts and crafts, and nature. Camp is a great way to spend the summer and meet other Fire Island kids. For contact information, see the FireIsland.com business directory.
A Few Tips When Visiting Fire Island
Fire Island is at its most beautiful in the summer when the scenery beckons visitors outdoors. As you depart the urban jungle and embark on your journey to the "wilds" of Fire Island, you should be mindful of a few things. Safety is not reserved for the big city, however on the shore there are other issues one should be aware of, some just plain common sense, and others. well, you decide.
Insect repellent, light clothing, baseball hat, long tent stakes if camping, binoculars, sun block, and lots of aspirin.
More Links to Things to Do on Fire Island
