Built in 1858 at the western edge of the island about a mile west of Kismet, the magnificent black and white striped icon of Fire Island stands today as the island’s most famous landmark.
In the 19th Century, it was the first light sighted by boats from Europe. Completely restored in 1984 by the efforts of the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, the Fire Island Lighthouse is a center for education, history, and environmental studies. Junior Ranger classes are held for children (make reservations well in advance).
Climb the 182 steps on a clear day and enjoy the amazing views of Fire island for miles. Stop in at the visitor center for exhibits, history, artifacts and tours of the structure.
Explore the flora and fauna on the nature trails surrounding the Lighthouse. It’s a beautiful walk.
Read more about the Lighthouse here
The Lighthouse Tower is open year-round.
Weekend Tower hours are 10 am to 3:30 pm. Weekday hours are 1 pm to 3:30. It cost $8 for adults, $4 for kids, seniors and veterans.
Take the boardwalk from Robert Moses State Park, Field 5, and walk about 3/4 mile to the Lighthouse.
This primeval forest lies in a valley, hidden behind the interdune, with its floor at sea level, appearing “sunken”. The elevated boardwalks ribbon their way along the nature trails under a canopy of trees so thick daylight can only peek through.
The variety of flora is unsurpassed anywhere on the island; 300 year-old American Holly towers to 35 feet. Juneberry, sassafras, red cedar, post oak, tupelo, and shadbark grow in abundance. Poison ivy vines three inches thick wrap themselves around the trunks of dead trees. The marshy floor is damp and mossy, but deer, raccoon, fox, and a great variety of birds happily make it their home.
As you leave the forest and enter the bright sunlight again, you enter the swale, the area between the primary dune and the secondary dune line. It is an ecosystem of its own, dotted with beach grass, bayberry, beach pea, and dusty miller.
Stroll through this quiet, mystical forest on your own, or take a guided tour with a National Parks Service ranger during the summer. There are several rest areas along the boardwalks with benches where you can sit and relax. Be sure to stay on the walks, and wear shoes, pants, and long-sleeved shirts during mosquito season.
Take the Sayville Ferry to Sailor’s Haven. Private boats can dock in the Sailor’s Haven marina with advance reservation, and inter-island water taxis stop here. There is a snack bar, souvenir shop, public phones, picnic tables, outdoor grills, rest rooms, and showers.
The National Parks Service has a visitors center here, with exhibits, information, special events, and lectures. Tours of the forest begin here from May — October. You can take a guided tour with knowledgeable and friendly Rangers, or explore on your own any time of year. School tours run through June, then guided tours are open to the public. A visit to this unique nature preserve is truly magical.
Call 631-597-6163 for more details and reservations.
Sleep under the stars with the calming sound of the ocean in Watch Hill National Seashore, the only area on Fire Island where camping is allowed. You’ll need a permit and reservations are accepted on a first come first served basis.
For more information click here
Not the “rough it” type? Go Glamping in comfort under a tent with many amenities. Get more information here
Boaters can overnight or for the season at the watch Hill and Sailor’s Haven Marinas. Get more information here
Watch Hill is located on the western edge of the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness, directly across the Great South Bay from Patchogue. It is accessible by Watch Hill Ferry, private boat, and foot only.
