Fire Island NY is located off the south shores of Long Island and runs parallel. Long and narrow, the island stretches for 32 miles but is only 500 feet wide in places it totals little more than 9.6 square miles of land area. Bridges from the main land make access to and from the island as easy as traffic will allow. It is the largest of the outer barrier islands and, along with all the other barrier islands, acts as a buffer when major storms and hurricanes approach New York City and the boroughs within it.
Visitors come from Memorial Day to Labor Day to enjoy the cool breezes and sunny skies. Considered to be one of the most unique vacation getaways near “the city”, Fire Island offers warm sandy beaches without a hint of pretention. Nestled in between the Great South Bay and Atlantic Ocean the Island has been a haven for generations of beach-goers, outdoor enthusiasts, and water sport lovers. Free of the chaos that comes with city life; this beautiful Island seems like a world away from reality.
A week or even a weekend at Fire Island allows you to get back to nature. There is biking, hiking, swimming, surfing, beach volleyball, kayaking, and tennis to mention a few strenuous activities waiting for you if you’re up to it. If that’s not what you call a vacation, you lie out on the beach under an umbrella and sip a cold one with your spouse or significant other. With over 100 miles of coastline, there are lots of places to enjoy the sun without feeling crowded.
Bear in mind that there are areas for families and there are areas that are more appropriate for adult vacationers. There are no paved roads and autos are not allowed. If you bring small children it may be a trek to navigate the sand and luggage and carry a little one.
Something else to bare in mind(pun intended) is that there are several nude beaches as well as topless beaches that allow visitors to really work on a tan without worrying about those tell tale tan lines. If you live an alternate lifestyle, The Pines is a small beach community that caters primarily to gay males.
Remember that Fire Island, NY consists of over 18 small communities; some are visitor friendly and some are not open to tourists looking for souvenirs and generally disrupting their daily lives. Some of these communities cater to straights and families and some offer their services to gay men and women.
Know what to expect when you visit Fire Island. Do your homework and plan on a fun vacation that is very convenient to the boroughs of New York City. Come as you are and you will be welcomed..
See ya!