Fire Island Beaches Fire Island - Beaches Someone said that Fire Island is all beaches because this barrier island is only accessible by water either taking one of the ferries traversing Great South Bay, water taxi or by boat, although a small portion of Fire Island is accessible by road from Long Island, through the Robert Moses Causeway on its western end and by Suffolk County Road 46, near its eastern end at William Floyd Parkway. With over 800,000 visitors every year, Fire Island's communities are considered top resorts, which beaches are open to the general public without the need for special beach passes, permits or payment for use, excepting the Fire Island Summer Club which is a private beach. This picturesque club for local residents is situated between Corneille Estates and Robins Rest, founded on an old coast guard station. Fire Island National Seashore features several beach activities including clamming, surfcasting, shell collecting and decorating one of the greatest and most fun pastimes for children and adults. Kids can also have a learning experience selling the shells at the beach or wagoning, a popular activity among local youth prospecting to visitors their wagons to make some bucks. Dress casual and comfortable at the beach and avoid high heels if you are female because exploring and enjoying Fire Island's beaches require a long way walk. If you are ready for the beaches make sure to include t-shirts, bikini tops, swim trunks, wrap skirts and flip-flops as part of your carefree wardrobe, and do not forget your sunblock protection and sun glasses. Because there is no traffic noise on Fire Island, a stay at the beaches are more relaxing. Saltaire is one of Fire Island's communities for families, with peaceful beaches and acclaimed youth programs. Saltaire is the second largest community with a Yacht Club featuring regattas and home to the Annual Bluegrass Festival and Annual Arts and Crafts Fair. Seaview has a private marina and lifeguard-protected beaches, conveniently located between Ocean Beach and Ocean Bay Park, the two communities with vibrant beach activities such as swimming, windsurfing, and sailing, in addition to an easy way to get there by the Fire Island Ferry service to Ocean Beach leaving from the Bay Shore Fire Island Ferry terminal. Call for further information o the Ferry service to Fire Island's beaches and time schedule: * Atlantique, Tel. (631) 666-3600 * Atlantique, Tel. (631) 666-3600 * Corneille Estates, Tel. (631) 666-3600 * Cherry Grove, Tel. (631) 475-1665 * Dunewood, Tel. (631) 666-3600 * Fair Harbor, Tel. (631) 666-3600 * Fire Island Pines, Tel. (631) 475-1665 * Kismet, Tel. (631) 666-3600 * Lonelyville, Tel. (631) 666-3600 * Ocean Beach, Tel. (631) 666-3600 * Ocean Bay Park, Tel. (631) 666-3600 * Point O'Woods, Tel. (631) 665-1568 * Robbins Rest, Tel. (631) 666-3600 * Sailors Haven, Tel. (631) 589-0810 * Saltaire, Tel. (631) 666-3600 * Seaview, Tel. (631) 666-3600 * Summer Club, Tel. (631) 666-3600 * Sunken Forrest, Tel. (631) 589-0810 Other transportation facilities include Aqualine Water Taxi, Tel. (631) 665-5566. Beaches are at their best during summer, but when boating, stick to the island's regulations, no speeding, and always wear lifebelts or lifejackets, and be extremely cautious in the channels and marina areas, where your common sense must prevail. Smith Point offers wide beaches with high sand dunes. This is the only beach featuring surfing competitions, and the only one attached to the mainland by the Smith Point Bridge and the William Floyd Parkway, making it easier to access Fire Island by road, even when you have to leave your vehicle behind the access point.
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The private Fire Island Summer Club is the most affluent and prestigious community, bay side to the ocean, and a great beach facility for those who relocate to this island barrier, since it is an extremely exclusive club that does not accept anyone who is not a local to Fire Island, although visitors can access both the club and the private beach if they are invited by a resident. Cherry Grove features pristine sand dune beaches and relaxing sunbathing in beautiful natural setting. However, this natural sandbar is part of the oldest gay and lesbian community in the United States. As a gay resort town, sexual minorities are more often seen in its dazzling nightlife, so families are welcome to the beach knowing in advance these settings. Whenever you want to visit Fire Island beaches, plan your visit ahead of time. The National Park Service can help you out at Sailors Haven and Watch Hill units, also dependent on water access, and open each year from mid-May through mid-October. Other units operate all year round, including the William Floyd Estate, Fire Island Light Station, and the Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center at Smith Point, although operating hours vary by season. You may also need to reach these units for getting special use permits, such as photography, public gatherings or special events and activities at the beaches. |
