Freedom, diversity, and fun characterize this town. The rules are relaxed here, and residents enjoy the freedom and the laid back lifestyle.
The eclectic mix of families, groupers, artists, professionals, and day-trippers mingle happily with retirees and partygoers.
The architecture reflects the personalities, from the ship-shaped and kite-shaped Geller homes to the old-fashioned beach bungalows, nestled together along the narrow walks. Many new homes have been built or renovated in recent years.
Ocean Bay Park consists of 10 streets, 5 of which are named for the Great Lakes – Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan and Superior. Three streets are named for Native American nations—Cayuga, Seneca and Oneida.
The town center on Bay Walk has a pizza shop, restaurants, grocery store, bike rental and services.
Have a few beers at Flynn’s, famous for its happy hour and bar scene. Dine on the bay at The Schooner Inn and enjoy Reggae nights and a DJ till 4 AM.
Places to stay include The Inn Between on Bay Walk, the Fire island Hotel with Hurricanes Bar and Grill located on Cayuga Walk. Many rentals are available.
Like many other Fire Island towns, Ocean Bay Park developed around a restaurant. The Flynn family opened their casino and restaurant on the bay in 1937, and Flynn’s still remains one of the island’s most popular places to have a few beers, watch the sunset and dine.
Later, they opened a hotel with buildings salvaged from the Coast Guard stations at Point O’Woods and Forge River, put together with an old army barracks. Other hotels, motels, restaurants and shops soon followed, as did scores of day-trippers.
