Many adventures await you at Fire Island!

Fire Island is a barrier island located in Suffolk County approximately 31 miles long and varying approximately 0.1 mile to 0.5 mile wide, on the southern side of Long Island, New York. It is a 2,940 acre island between the Atlantic Ocean and Great South Bay. As of the 2000 census, there were 310 people, 138 households, and 77 families residing in the area. The population was spread out with 20.6% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 33.5% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 133.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 143.6 males. The latitude of Fire Island is 40.647N. The longitude is -73.146W. It is in the Eastern Standard time zone. Elevation is 3 feet.

In 1653, Fire Island history started when Isaac Stratford of Babylon constructed a whaling station on the Island and named it Whalehouse Point. He and his companions would haul boats across the narrow sand island to the ocean and build towers from which a man could watch for the spouting of a whale.

During the 1950s, real estate boomed where small cottages began to turn into communities. The exact reason for where and how Fire Island got its name is not certain. One theory says the name comes from signal fires set on the beach and another says it stems from a mapmaker's incorrectly writing "fire" instead of "five," for the five islands in the area.

Fire Island had numerous summer celebrity residents which include Anne Bancroft (actress), Gary Beach (Tony award winning actor), Mel Brooks (actor, writer), Claudette Colbert (actress), and Peggy Fears (Broadway performer). The Fire Island School of District has high academic standards to assure success in every student. Fire Island is also known for its tourist attractions and landmarks. The Fire Island Light House is Fire Island's most historically significant landmark. Originally built in 1857, the Fire Island light house is now rebuilt and open to the public as a museum and observatory. If you'd like you can visit the lighthouse between 9:30 A.M. and 5:30 P.M., through daily guided tours.

Other popular parks and recreation are Fire Island National Seashore, Robert Moses State Park, Smith Point County Park. The Robert Moses State Park is located on the western end of Fire Island outside of the boundaries of Fire Island National Seashore.

The park has about five miles of ocean beach known as unofficial “capital” of Fire Island from which visitors can swim and also has picnic areas and an 18-hole pitch & putt golf course. It has a greatest concentration of bars, restaurants, and stores on the entire island. Cherry Grove is a unique and one of the most well-known Fire Island communities having a reputation as being popular destinations for gays and lesbians. Many events like the Miss Fire Island contest, an immensely popular drag queen beauty pageant is held there. Many elegant houses can be found on Fire Island.

Fire Island vacations are just what the doctor ordered to give your family, companion or just you the break you deserve. Miles of beach, undisturbed ocean views, meals to remember and nightlife to keep sleep at bay -Fire Island has it all. The area has natural attractions and entertainment options that are of very high quality in its own rights. If you think that Fire Island is just for the rich and famous, guess again. The place has everything for everyone. It's the perfect place to see famous people, enjoy an active nightlife, or just relax on the beautiful beaches.

If you're interested in birdwatching, Fire Island is the place for you! There's a variety of birds throughout the year, and the place is considered a prime "rest stop" for migratory birds. Four of the bird types are threatened with extinction and need special conservation measures to survive.

On Fire Island, you can choose to either stay in a hotel room with amenities, or kick back and camp out at the Fire Island National Seashore camping facilities. Just make sure to make reservations early, as slots are limited. The resorts are extremely busy in the summer months, so it is important to make reservations well before summer sets in. Places with ocean views are clearly most popular.

Another favorite campground is Watch Hill, which has 26 tents and allows a maximum of 40 people in it. At Watch Hill, you can also enjoy wilderness backcountry camping. Here's some friendly advice: make sure that you obtain the necessary permits. Park Map 321kb PDF file

Fire Island Nightlife - Bars & Clubs | Family Activities | Getting There | Ferry Service

Getting Around | Fire Island Museums | Visitors Centers | Wilderness Information Centers