fire island national seashore

This expansive beach is one of the most beautiful beaches you can go to in the contiguous United States. Every time you go there it is a different experience with different shells, wildlife, sand patterns, etc. This is an Atlantic beach so the waters can get very busy in their wave action. If you go there swim only in lifeguarded areas as there can be strong currents and undertows near the shore line. There are multiple places to access the beach from all along the south sore of Long Island. There are many county, state, and town access points - some free and some with a pass, permit or a fee other than the Fire Island Ferries that go out of Patchogue.If you choose to take the ferry from Patchogue to Fire Island ($9 fare per person each way )you will find a lovely boardwalk and some small shops upon your arrival at the ferry terminal. There is also a state campground that is accessed via this entry point. There are no cars there and all transportation is via foot, bike or water taxi. All of our house guests that go there absolutely love the pristine nature of this seashore. There is also a sunken forest there that is an unusual habitat.The National Park Service maintains a ranger station on Fire Island and conducts many programs there for the public. You can find their schedule online.

If you have never visited Fire Island, you are missing out. Beautiful beaches, laid back atmosphere. Simply amazing!

I grew up and have worked here at various points in my life. Where else on Earth can you find an empty, unadulturated beach an hour from the City? Fall is the best time to visit FINS. I've travelled a lot and this is still one of my favorite places to go. The Beach is in my soul. Tip: Take your own boat (or a friend's) and stay away from the yahoos in the marinas and on the ferries. You can get to the more secluded parts in this fashion.

Had a lovely time on Fire Island Beach resort with the family.Though crowded in the center of the beach was quite deserted towards the end. The weather that day was overcast though.Quite a peaceful place to relax.

Just LOVE Fire Island, Barrier Island to Long Island. Been going all my life every summer and I am always so grateful this serene beautiful sandy beaches are just a short boat ride away. Many towns, some very quiet, some lively with shopping, restaurants and bars. It's not paradise, but damn close.

My family and I recently visited on a beautiful summer day. We arrived mid morning and the beach was already starting to fill up. I thought the parking charge was steep at $15 but the beach itself is very pretty. There are also lifeguards on duty so I guess I should not complain about the cost. There is a beach concession and restrooms & showers. One of the nicest surprises is the very moving and beautiful memorial to the victims of the TWA crash. The memorial is tasteful and beautiful.

It's a nice place to go to get away for the day with friends. You can either take the LIRR or drive to the island.

Took the LIRR to Sayville where we transferred to shuttle bus for short ride to the ferry. Pleasant ferry ride to Sailor's Haven/Sunken Forrest. Beautiful, life guarded, beach. Facilities w/ outside showers to clean up and refresh before ferry ride back. Lovely hike through Sunken Forest - although would bring insect repellent next time. There is a snack bar but we chose to take the 10 minute stroll to Cherry Beach were there are several nice restaurants and cafes to choose from. Wonderful relaxing day can't wait to go back.

We enjoyed our visit to the beaches and then the stroll over to the lighthouse and adjacent museum. We did think the cost to park here was rather high ($10).

Boated over to the seashore - far east end - with friends a couple weeks ago for some R&R. It was my first time there so, being the Type A person I am, I'm looking for things to do, places to go, shopping, culture, clubs, etc. Nope - not here. There's a snack bar at the ferry landing, a nature exhibit, acres of walking/running trails, campsites and, if you're up for a nice walk, a town and marina. The beach is amazingly clean and unspoiled - shells galore. The water was getting warm on the Atlantic side and quite warm on the bay side and it was so nice walking in the surf. We were there mid-June so don't think it'll be too cold to go in the water - you absolutely can. There's a beach bar up a-ways so we trekked on over for a libation and a seat to watch the day go by - relaxing! Next day we went clamming and really raked them in - literally. It was my first time and definitely won't be my last - great fun and those clams were soooo tasty that evening!! I ran the Sunken Forest trails every day and it's a pretty good workout so bring your running shoes. We ate, we drank, visited with other boaters and the time passed slowly - as it should when you're at the shore. We took the ferry to Patchogue, the train to Jamaica and a cab to Laguardia to get back to Texas. If you truly want to get away from it all and just hang out and relax - this is the place!

Took the ferry from Sayville to Sailor's Haven. Walked in the Sunken Forest.........Amazing. Walked the beach......Typical beautiful Fire Island beach. Stopped in the Visitor Center....... Friendly knowledgeable, informative rangers. Nuf said.

I just happened to stray over agarryking's review and I couldn't have put it any better (Thank you, Sir).I also agree with rxsule's review; getting here a week or two after labor day would be best if you plan to avoid big crowds and people allover.You basically have two ways to get here: A) via Robert moses causeway to the west orB) William Floyd Pky to the eastYou can choose either to drive into but once you reach the islands, automobile traffic is prohibited, so make plans to park the vehicle and bring along some bikes to explore the area.. or you can do it on foot as well, if that suits your fancy.Pretty interesting places you come across around here..

Fire Island offers 40 miles of the worlds finest beach, and it offers something for everyone. For pure nature, it's Watch Hill, for families - it Davis Park and from Point of Woods to all points west til one gets to Kismet. At the western tip is the Light House, like Watch Hill also run by the National Park Service. In the middle (between Cherry Grove to the East and Point of Woods to the west is the Park Service' Crown Jewel which is Sailors Haven a marina and beach with lifeguards, and the "Sunken Forest" the only National Park below sea level with a Nature walk well worth the visit. Cherry Grove, the first community settled on Fire Island, is also the "Gayest" place on earth, and quite proud of it - offering lots of fun in the sun and vibrant nightlife as well as the famous 4th of July "Invasion" of Fire Island Pines, and it's community center and theater is the first place on Fire Island to be registered as a National Historic Site . Fire Island Pines is also a predominantly gay community. There is also plenty of nightlife for straight singles in Davis Park, Ocean Bay Park, and Ocean Beach, and many and varied restaurants. But above all else, there's the Great South Beach --- Paradise

Since the early sixties Watch Hill has been a popular place. Now with the restaurant open once again it is a great place for a weekend to enjoy the nearby beach and restaurant. The management is cooperative with your wishes to be able to dock near friends. Capt. BOB Groos

Awesome place. The best spot is the wilderness area on the eastern end. You need to park apt the Smiths Point parking lot. Best time is the fall. Warm water, no people.