It’s Never too Early to Plan a Summer Getaway: How to Spend Summer on Fire Island

Does the cold and snow have you feeling down and dreaming of warmer days of sun and fun? Well, while summer may seem like a lifetime away, it will be here before we know it and it is never too early to plan those summer weekend getaways.  For Long Islanders, New York City residents and anyone in the tri-State area, a Fire Island beach rental is the perfect summer getaway, whether for a weekend of the entire summer.  Fire Island is a barrier island approximately 4 miles, at its furthest point, off the coast of Suffolk County.  It is a booming tourist destination from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  If you have never been to Fire Island and are interested in a beach rental on Fire Island, there are some things you should know before traveling.

Fire Island is a 32-mile long destination with many different neighborhoods and cultures.  Although mostly residential and known for its beaches, Fire Island also has several areas with shopping, restaurants and downtown nightlife.  It is important to know the differing areas before you book your Fire Island getaway so that you choose the area that is most conducive to your needs.

Ocean Beach is the most populated area of Fire Island with the most bustling downtown, making it the most popular destination for weekend travelers.  Ocean Beach provides a large span of oceanfront that provides lifeguards through the summer. When the sun gets too hot, or you need a refreshing drink, Ocean Beach has a strip of restaurants, bars and boutiques to cool off and relax. 

Fire Island National Seashore is a wilderness destination, spanning nearly the entirety of the island, from the Fire Island Lighthouse to the wilderness preserve.  The highlight of the national Seashore is Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness, an eight-mile stretch of natural untouched beach that’s the only federally designated wilderness area in New York State.  Another beautiful location is Sunken Forest, an extremely rare 300-year-old maritime holly forest.  Some areas along the National Seashore allow for camping; Watch Hill, a popular campground has lifeguarded swimming, a restaurant and a bar.

At the west end of Fire Island is Robert Moses State Park; and at the east end of Fire Island is Smith Point County Park.  Both of these parks span over 5-miles of sandy beachfront that serve as popular tourist destinations.  These areas are the easiest access to Fire Island as they are reachable via car; the parks provide all of the ideal summer activities, such swimming, surfing, picnicking and fishing.  Despite how populated this area is, wildlife such as deer and foxes can often be seen. Accessible on foot from Robert Moses State Park is Kismet, another Fire Island neighborhood with a small downtown area and a couple of restaurant options. Kismet is most well known for its annual clam shucking competition and its spectacular views of the Fire Island lighthouse.

There are many other neighborhoods in Fire Island that you can get a summer rental including Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines, known for their LGBTQ-centric communities, and Davis Park and Fair Harbor, quaint and quiet locations, and residential Fire Island, where the locals call home.  If you are looking for a summer rental home on Fire Island, it may be time to consider the right destination now as there are many options with different things to offer.