Fire Island has been a major part of my life and my summers since before I was born. I’ve spent countless hours on the glorious beaches, walking barefoot through town, searching for treasures in the sand or getting a last-minute ice cream cone before the sunset boat ride back to the mainland. I’ve worked here; I’ve played here. This place has seen me in every phase of my life.
In a way, I owe my entire existence to Fire Island, where my parents first met. One fateful Labor Day many moons ago, at the former Bocce Beach in Ocean Beach, their paths crossed for the first time. Years later, they became engaged at the same spot. I have countless memories of this place and create more each year. I think it’s safe to call me a local.
There’s a reason why travelers flock to this beautiful, strange, and exciting sliver of New York. The charm is indescribable; it’s easy to fall in love with the atmosphere. Back when my parents were in their 20s, leasing houses in Ocean Beach with friends, it was typical to rent for the entire summer and yet only come out on weekends, committing to a workweek on the mainland.
Things have changed. When deciding to visit Fire Island, whether for a day trip or an overnight, it’s challenging to determine where to allocate your time and money. Graciously given the platform, I’m putting on my tour guide hat to serve as a docent to the inner workings of this quirky island. From where to eat, stay, shop, tan, and more, I’ll have you covered for your next getaway.
Viewing the island from a wider lens, there are many recognizable landmarks and historical sites that Fire Island boasts. Traveling across the Great South Bay from the mainland, you can see the Fire Island Lighthouse etched into the skyline. Originally used as a vital landmark for transatlantic ships entering New York Harbor at the turn of the last century, this iconic 168-foot structure has become a symbol of Fire Island, much like Cinderella Castle in Disney World.
Nearly every child growing up on Long Island has taken a field trip here, catching for the first time the enticing 360-degree view, spanning to New York City. This breathtaking encounter is burned in my memory: I took the journey while attending Saltaire’s Summer Camp with my cousins over a decade ago. Time has changed the landscape, and the girl writing this, but the thrill of climbing that infamous spiral staircase remains the same. Things seem smaller from that epic height, and everyday worries are momentarily minimized.
This experience is open to the public most days of the week for a small fee, conveniently accessible from parking at Robert Moses Field 5 and walking along newly updated walkways through a nature trail, which leads to the lighthouse.
While visiting, take a closer look at some of the historic elements and anecdotes incorporated into the main floor of the tower, and spark conversation with dedicated volunteers and staff, known as the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, who are knowledgeable about events at the site and always ready to chat.
This season has just begun, and there’s so much to see and explore on Fire Island. I’m stoked to be your official guide.
