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.net 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 maritime forests on the eastern seaboard. The Sunken Forest trees and plants have been twisted and misshapen by the barrage of salt spray, freshwater marshland, and thriving wildlife. It truly is a magnificent site. Fire Island’s Sunken Forest is the perfect get-away from the sun for an afternoon filled with beautiful scenery and adventure. 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.
The Sunken Forest spans about 40 acres, and oddly enough, is not actually sunken. The high surrounding sand dunes that protect the forest create an illusion of the forest being lower than sea-level. Trees in the forest are estimated to be over 200 years old, and the forest contains American holly, sassafras and shadblow. Be sure to look up while trekking through, as the twisted canopy of trees above is the forest’s most amazing feature. Hikers, bird watchers and ecologists find the Sunken Forest to be particularly fascinating, as it truly is a wonder of nature. Sunken Forest is located next to Sailors Haven, a great Fire Island day trip destination. Guided tours are available in the summer.
Fire Island Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is the oldest and most well known landmark on all of the Fire Island. The lighthouse was constructed in 1857 to alert ships that land was close. 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 Lighthouse offers amazing views of Long island, Atlantic Ocean, the Great South Bay and numerous beaches. On the clearest of days, the lighthouse offers views of the NYC skyline, a spectacular scene that must be experienced. For more info Visit the links below:
Sleeping Over
While you may want to stop on Fire Island for a day trip, it can only be truly enjoyed by staying overnight. If you cannot find a rental or summer share, you will need to make an early reservation at a Fire Island Hotel. For great deals on the off-season, visit before Memorial Day or after Labor Day. Since there aren’t many hotels on the Island, it is best to make a reservation early. If you’re planning on having a really good time-staying overnight is the best way to achieve this. Leave your car keys at home and walk to and from bars all night long. With no worry of cars on the roads, raise your glass and toast to an evening of fun and real relaxation. With high-end bed and breakfasts and casual hotels and inns, you can really relax and get a taste of the real Fire Island.
Camping
If you prefer to camp out instead of spend your nights in a hotel, then be sure to check out the Fire Island National Seashore camping facilities. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot early!
There is one seasonal campground at Watch Hill located about ¼ miles from the ferry dock. It is a small campground with only 26 tents-only sites and a group camping site for up to 40 people. It open from mid-May to mid-October and sites must be reserved at $20/night with a 2 night minimum. Group sites are $30/night with a 2 night minimum.
Campers should bring extra long stakes for the sand, animal proof storage, bug repellent and sunscreen. Cooking fuels are prohibited on ferries, and so campers must purchase fuel in town. Wood and open grills are prohibited, grills are provided on site. Watch Hills offers running water, showers and bathroom; pets are allowed if kept on a leash no longer than 6-feet.
Wilderness backcountry camping is available from Watch Hill or the Wilderness Visitor center near Smith Point. Permits must be obtained and camping is limited to 3 groups of 4 in the east and 6 groups of 4 in the western section. Campers must hike all gear and supplies 1 ½ miles out from the Visitor Center and 1 mile from the Watch hill Ranger Station. Camping on the beach is prohibited, as are fires. Backcountry stoves are allowed.
Wildlife
Fire Island is populated with people during the summer, but also is filled with glorious wildlife such as white-tailed deer, fox, and hundreds of species of birds. While these animals are beautiful, it is important to keep your distance and never feed the animals. During the winter, waterfowl is plentiful and the snowy owl can be spotted hanging out after migrating from Canada. On the Ocean side, seals have been spotted in the winter. Wintertime is a great time to go wilderness watching on Fire Island.
Hiking
There are tons of places to hike on the Island, and one can walk all 32 miles of the Island if they choose. Watch Hills has hiking trails, and Sailors Haven has a boarded walk from the beach into the marsh and woodlands. The Sunken Forest is an incredible hike and offers beautiful scenery. Visitors can also stroll the unique communities of Fire Island on foot if they want to really take in all the culture of the island. Be aware of animals, never feed them and take care of your body by applying sunscreen, drinking water and be weary of ticks.
Otis Pike Fire Island Wilderness
Otis Pike is a federally protected wilderness area on a 7-mile portion of eastern Fire Island. Limited backcountry camping is permitted with an adequate permit, wildlife is plentiful.
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 greatest places in New York for bird watching. The islands diverse ecosystem lends its support to a variety of birds. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded on this land, around 1/3 of all birds found in all of North America! Just imagine how much the bird enthusiast can take in on Fire Island!
Swimming and Water Activities
You cannot visit Fire Island without taking a dip or dive into the Atlantic or Great South Bay. After spending the day in the sun, there is nothing more incredibly refreshing such as taking a dive into the cool waters of the Atlantic. Always swim in waters that are protected with lifeguards such as Point o’ Woods, Ocean Beach, Atlantique Town Beach, Dunewood, Fair Harbor, and Saltaire offer guards on both the ocean and bay side of the 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. If you don’t feel like swimming, you can enjoy the water kayaking, but be prepared for a high intensity workout! While wind surfing and water skiing is popular on Fire Island, many vacationers prefer to swim or do low impact water activities. If you want the ultimate Fire Island water activity…
Surfing
Fire Island offers the ultimate in surfer as it is a barrier island that creates fantastic surfing conditions, especially during hurricane season. Waves can reach in excess of 10 feet as a series of sandbars and jetties allows for variations in the island’s surf conditions. 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 you’re looking to surf on Fire Island beaches, it’s recommended that you bring boards since wave conditions can change dramatically and fast. Waves in the summer are smaller (3’ less) and so long boards, fun shape and fish are necessary. When Fire Island waves get bigger and break on the sandbars, a 6’4 surfboard is perfect. Water temperature in the summer is typically 50-68 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.
Summer is unpredictable for surfing as the weather can bring long flat spells, overly protective lifeguards and weekend warriors giving surfing a try. Water temps rise into 60 in June and peak at 70 in July and August.
Fall
Fall is a haven for surfers and the waves and swells bring pleasant surfing conditions. Fall surfing is the unofficial “Hurricane Season” which runs through June 1st to November 31st with best conditions in August and September. Hurricane Swells provide fantastic surf conditions, but can wreak havoc on the mainland causing flooding and erosion problems.
Winter
Winter is the season that all die hard surfers wait for. While facing air temps as low as the 20’s and water temps in the 30’s, surfers who attempt to brave the temps will rewarded with groundswells and uncrowned lineups that are unbelievable. A sealed 4/3 with gloves, boots and hood are required.
Spring
Spring is not the greatest time to surf, but it is a good time to get out and exercise on the board to get you prepared for the fall. The spring surfing seasons brings unpredictable weather changes that can adversely affect surfing. The water temp is still pretty chilly up until May so keep gloves and booties nearby.
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 the thread that keeps Fire Island together. Many Fire Island communities are only accessible by boat, so be sure you have your sea legs! Fire Island Villages with Marinas are 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. If you wish, you can charter a boat out of many marinas. Be safe and take caution and following Fire Island marinas rules-no wake is allowed.
Sailing is a legacy for Fire Island that is upheld by sailing clubs in Point O’ Woods, Saltaire and Dunewood. Point O’ Woods and Saltaire are sailing rivals and compete each year in the annual regatta for bragging rights!
Because the bay is shallow, many boaters opt to moor off shore at specific mooring buoys. It is imperative that boaters read all posted signs, as sometimes certain areas are off limits to the public. Always be cautious of changing weather conditions. If you have an emergency or need boat assistance, contact AAA Boat Transport at 631-363-0965 or Tows R US at 631-467-1000. Keep these numbers on hand while boating.
The Appalachian Mountain Club, Fire Island Cabin boating community has a fleet of boats for member use and runs sailing lessons for beginners. Contact Captain Michael Miller for more information: 845-494-4093.
Fishing
Fire Island Fishing brings in fishers from all over the place. Fishers are drawn to Fire Island seeking their piece of the aquatic wonderland that can be found on Fire Island Shores, off-shore waters, Great South Bay and docks. Fire Island fishing is both sport and recreational as you do not need a permit to fish. However, there are limits on how many fish one may take, so try not to be greedy. With moderate fishing, the aquatic live in the Atlantic will continue to thrive for many years. Restaurants also benefit from local fishing, so even if you don’t fish, you will get to enjoy the catch of the day!
The greatest times for fishing are in the early morning, late afternoon and in the evening. Even novice fishers can enjoy trying to catch a lunker on Fire Island beaches.
If you decide to fish in the Great South Bay, you are in for quite a treat! The bay has fluke, flounder, blues, stripers, porgies, sea bass, blackfish, kingfish and many more. Fire Island can be really productive and on any given day there are always plenty of hopeful fishers looking for a catch. Night time crabbing is popular as dock fishermen go after blue craw crabs. Crabbing is fun for kids as it is easy to catch crabs with a flashlight, bucket, net and chicken leg on a string.
Fishing on the dock is easy, but if you really want to get out on the water, take a boat on the ocean. If you do not own a boat, you can easily rent one for a few hours or the day. Deep sea fishing on a boat can yield tuna, shark and marlin. Fire Island fishing is at its best during spring and fall. Striped bass are the fish to catch as the fall migration sends Fire Island anglers into a fishing craze. A skilled fisher can capture a Striped Bass that weighs over 40 pounds!
Clamming
For those that don’t have fishing gear or simply don’t want to fish, clamming is an exciting and fun activity for both the young and old. It is very popular on Fire Island, so take note of a few strategies! Walk out into the bay, dig your feet in the sand and feel for a bump. When you feel a smooth and hard shell, reach down and pull it up! Some people prefer the rake and boat approach, but the toe and foot method is much more fun.
For Kids
Fire Island provides kids of all ages with lifetime memories. They will love the sounds, smells, beaches, activities, sports and water. Fire Island offers kids a get away from all the overwhelming technologies and hectic way of live in the City. Children can really unwind and be kids without inhibition. They will make new friends, loves and build long lasting memories. While there are tons of things to do on Fire Island, here are some kid-friendly activities:
Biking
Biking is an incredibly important part of the Fire Island experience. It is the primary way of transport and so don’t be surprised when you see bikes everywhere! While biking on the beach is possible, the greatest and easiest biking is on the walkways throughout the Island.
You will find that since no driving is allowed on Fire Island, bike riding is the only quick way to get around. Everyone from kids to professionals hops on bikes in their summer clothes and head out to explore the area. Some bikes have baskets in the front, which makes it easy to carry groceries. From the newer bikes to rusty and old bikes, Fire Island visitors leave their inhibitions at home and embrace the non-materialistic ideals of the Island.
Walkways can get crowded during the summer season, so it is imperative that you be cautious when riding. Ring your bell (required by law) to alert pedestrians that you’re on your way. In the off season, biking is much easier as the streets are less crowded. Bicycling is the easiest and most effective way to get around the island. It is great exercise, relaxing and gets your blood pumping. Be aware of the rules and regulations in communities as places such as Ocean Beach prohibit biking on Main Street. Bicycle rentals are available in Ocean Bay Park and Ocean Beach.
Wagoning
You may not have ever seen wagoning, but it is popular on Fire Island. As soon as you step off the ferry, you are likely to be approached by local and summer kids who will offer you their wagon-for a price. Don’t be scared, embrace them, they are just trying to make a few bucks to go buy some overpriced ice cream. If you have kids and want them to learn about the value of one (short) days work, get a wagon and have them wait for passengers. They will certainly learn the value of a dollar!
Shell decorating and sales
If your child has an entrepreneurial spirit, put them to work by collecting, decorating and selling sea shells. Shell collecting is fun and is a fantastic past time for both children and adults. It isn’t uncommon to see kids selling their cutely decorated shells!
Youth Group and Camps
Fire Island has numerous camps and youth groups for children of all ages. The most well known camp on Fire Island is the Ocean Beach Youth Group. These camps are great for kids as they teach them how to sail, swim and windsurf. Kids can also participate in sports and arts and crafts activities as well as nature walks. Camp is a great experience for kids and enables them to be on their own a bit while socializing and interacting with other kids. For contact information, see the FireIsland.com business directory.
A Few Tips When Visiting Fire Island
Fire Island is a city retreat, but safety should not be left on the railroad. Fire Island has a sensitive eco system as well as wildlife, so caution is necessary. Common sense will get you everywhere.
More Links to Things to Do on Fire Island
