Do I need a car on Fire Island?

The barrier island of Fire Island is just a quick ferry ride across the Great South Bay from mainland Long Island. Locals and visitors travel around by foot, bike, wagon, and golf cart at this 'car-free' beach haven. The 32-mile-long island is known for its pristine beaches and relaxing beachside ambiance.



People Also Ask

The island is famous for its peaceful, pristine beaches, centuries-old forests, laid-back beach vibe in the daytime, and extremely popular night scene. There is an abundance of rental options on Fire Island, and it's the perfect place for a relaxing vacation without having to go too far away from home.

MORE DETAILS

Visitors can climb 182 steps to the top of the historic Fire Island Lighthouse built in 1858 for sweeping ocean views, take a guided canoe tour through the Salt Marsh, hike the 40-acre rare maritime Sunken Forest at Sailors' Haven, enjoy public marinas for boating and fishing, camp at Watch Hill, or spend the day at ...

MORE DETAILS

In addition to the state parks at either end of the island, public bathrooms and snack bars are in the National Seashore facilities at Atlantique, Sailor's Haven, and Watch Hill. Restrooms can also be found in Ocean Beach and Fair Harbor but may be hard to find.

MORE DETAILS

There are ATMs on the island, and all of the venues usually accept credit cards, though on occasion (like the 4th of July, for example) the bars go to cash only.

MORE DETAILS

6-mile boardwalk that runs between the Field 5 parking lot at Robert Moses State Park and the Fire Island Lighthouse. There is no parking within the National Seashore, so visitors must use this parking lot (there is a fee). A boardwalk also connects the lighthouse to the Ranger Station a tenth of a mile away.

MORE DETAILS

The Pines, which has the most expensive real estate on Fire Island, has approximately 600 houses and a 100-unit condominium complex on its square mile of location. It has two-thirds of the swimming pools on Fire Island. Its summer seasonal population is between 2,500 and 3,000.

MORE DETAILS

Fire Island National Seashore is a carry-in, carry-out park, so please plan to pack out your trash. Also be respectful of restrictions in some communities where food and drink are not allowed on the beach or in other areas.

MORE DETAILS

There is no parking within Fire Island National Seashore, so you'll have to use the State Park's Field 5, which must be some Long Islander term for parking lot, because that's exactly what it is. Park at the far eastern end (take a left when entering) and look for the boardwalk that leads to the lighthouse.

MORE DETAILS