Your summer guide to Fire Island
Aboard a Fire Island ferry to Ocean Beach, Brian Shea, of Larchmont in Westchester County, takes a selfie with his family, clockwise from left, Kyle, Margaret, and Trevor. Credit: Daniel Goodrich
Fire Island has been inhabited by pirates, whalers and the Coast Guard. Today, its population is just as diverse. Distinct but overlapping communities welcome young singles, families, moguls and regular Joes. All vacationers agree that the absence of cars and proximity to the water are the prime attractions. Then there are restaurants, clubs, shops, historical sites and natural wonders galore. Here is a guide to vacationing in 7 of the island's most popular communities.
KISMET For nature lovers
KISMET For nature lovers
The westernmost community on Fire Island is both a nature lover’s paradise and a party person’s dream.
People walk along the beach at Kismet on Fire Island. Credit: Marisol Diaz-Gordon
Surf's Out, a popular eatery in Kismet on Fire Island. Credit: Johnny Milano
Surf’s Out (631-583-7400; surfsout.com) is the youngster, celebrating just over 10 years in business. In addition to old favorites like spaghetti and meatballs and linguine with clam sauce, it serves trendy items like kale and quinoa salad, along with a full sushi menu. The courtyard at The Out serves as a stage for live bands on Saturdays and some Sundays from 6 to 10 p.m. On Sundays, it hosts a $45 Shipwrecked Bottomless Brunch and DJ Party beginning at 11:30 a.m. so patrons can “dance under the sun.” If you’d like to take a swim, the Out offers more than 30 free lockers and two showers — bring your own lock and towel.
Visitors ride bikes along the walkways of Fire Island's Kismet community. Credit: Marisol Diaz-Gordon
SALTAIRE Quiet residential hamlet
SALTAIRE Quiet residential hamlet
This small incorporated village is known as the most insular community on Fire Island, with no hotel rooms, very little shopping and only one restaurant, at the members-only Saltaire Yacht Club. That said, it is an extremely friendly place for those lucky enough to rent a house there, offering youth sports programs, a day camp, basketball courts and tennis for residents.
A ferry docks at Saltaire on Fire Island, and will return to Bay Shore. Credit: Johnny Milano
Chelsey Rubin, left, and Roopa Unnikrishnan, both of Manhattan, dine on Labor Day barbeque at the Saltaire Yacht Club on Fire Island. Credit: Marisol Diaz-Gordon
Patrick Busby, of Brooklyn, on the beach in Saltaire. Credit: Marisol Diaz-Gordon
OCEAN BEACH Bustling, family friendly haven
OCEAN BEACH Bustling, family friendly haven
Ocean Beach is the most populous town on Fire Island with the biggest commercial district. Relatively unscathed by the hurricane of 1938, it has a good number of older houses, lending its streets old-fashioned charm.
The ferry dock in Ocean Beach on Fire Island. Credit: Linda Rosier
Mira and Fred Alomar, of the Bronx, have dinner by the bay at the Island Mermaid in Ocean Beach. Credit: Linda Rosier
A couple wallks along Brighton Lane in Ocean Beach, Aug 10, 2018. Credit: Linda Rosier
OCEAN BAY PARK Party central
OCEAN BAY PARK Party central
Ocean Bay Park was originally conceived as a community for retired New York City police and firefighters. Today, it is a magnet for young people looking for a good time. There is also a strong sense of civic-mindedness coming from longtime homeowners, on display at the annual Community Fair, held this year on Aug.10 from noon to 3.
The Darcy family walks back to their home after a day at the beach in Ocean Bay Park. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
Julia Knapp, left, of Bay Shore, and Michelle Waaland, of Huntington, have their drinks outdoors at Flynn's in Ocean Bay Park. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
A steamed lobster platter is served at the Schooner Inn in Ocean Bay Park. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
CHERRY GROVE Lively LGBTQ social scene
CHERRY GROVE Lively LGBTQ social scene
Cherry Grove has a long history as a bohemian summer retreat, and it is still a favorite of artists, writers and actors. The LGBTQ community was welcome on Fire Island long before the watershed Stonewall uprising and made Cherry Grove (and the Fire Island Pines) its own. Vacationers of all stripes love the Grove for its colorful drag shows, lively nightlife and down-to-earth vibe.
The Venetian-inspired Belvedere Guest House for Men, at Cherry Grove, may be the most architecturally distinctive lodging on Fire Island. Credit: Johnny Milano
Bartenders mix drinks at the Sand Castle restaurant in Cherry Grove. Credit: Johnny Milano
Guests get a poolside drag show at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove. Credit: Johnny Milano
Visitors and residents mingle near the ferry terminal at Cherry Grove. Credit: Johnny Milano
A diverse, arty and historic community, it has been welcoming the LGBTQ community since the 1930s. The Cherry Grove Community House and Theater (artsprojectcg.org) has also been named to the National Register of Historic Places for, “the enormous role it played in shaping what gradually evolved into America’s First Gay and Lesbian Town.”
THE PINES History, architecture & gay culture
THE PINES History, architecture & gay culture
This LGBTQ-centric community is the island’s most architecturally distinguished, with an unparalleled collection of modernist beach architecture by the likes Horace Gifford, Andrew Geller and Don Page. A little quieter and more low-key than Cherry Grove, it still offers plenty of opportunities for socializing by the sea, including high, middle and low tea dances (a Pines ritual since 1966) every day of the week in season.
Houses line the beach at The Fire Island Pines. Credit: Linda Rosier
Partyers crowd the dance floor during Low Tea at the Blue Whale in the Pines on Fire Island. Credit: Linda Rosier
Visitors to the Pines use the pool at the Pavillion. Credit: Linda Rosier
DAVIS PARK Boaters' paradise
DAVIS PARK Boaters' paradise
The easternmost community on Fire Island has just 350 homes, and over 200 boat slips in one of the Island’s largest marinas.
Beach homes line the shore at Davis Park on Fire Island. Credit: Marisol Diaz-Gordon
Davis Park Marina on Fire Island. Credit: Marisol Diaz-Gordon
GETTING THERE Navigating the ferry system
GETTING THERE Navigating the ferry system
Get to any of Fire Island’s car-free communities from one of three ferry terminals in Bay Shore, Sayville or Patchogue.
The ferry dock in Ocean Beach on Fire Island. Credit: Linda Rosier
Those going to Cherry Grove or Fire Island Pines take the Sayville Ferry based on River Road in Sayville. Sayville ferry riders can drive to nearby pay parking lots or take the LIRR to a cab to the terminal. Round-trip Sayville ferry fares are $18 for adults, $8.50 for kids and $5 for dogs; $16 for seniors and handicapped passengers. Credit cards accepted in the Cherry Grove office. sayvilleferry.com
Visitors to Davis Park take the Davis Park Ferry on Brightwood Street in Patchogue, where they can drive to a pay parking lot or take a train to a cab to the terminal. Round-trip Patchogue ferry fares are $17 for adults, $16 for seniors, $11 for kids and $6 for dogs. Cash only; checks accepted for multitrip options. davisparkferry.com
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