Fire+Island

= = =Fire Island Transportation=  **Fire Island Ferry Schedules **There is nothing like a ferry ride to help you relax for your vacation or weekend retreat. Fire Island has ferries leaving to and from various [|destinations] on the island and the mainland. Follow the links to find out timetables and other passenger information. The ferry ride currently costs $12.50 for the round trip and takes approximately 30 minutes. You can purchase a book of ferry tickets (20 round trips) for approximately $195. [|Cherry Grove Ferry Schedule] [|Cherry Grove Weekend Schedule Ferry Schedule] [|Dunewood Ferry Schedule] [|Fair Harbor Ferry Schedule] [|Fire Island Pines Ferry Schedule] [|Fire Island Pines Weekend Schedule Ferry Schedule] [|Kismet Ferry Schedule] [|Ocean Bay Park Ferry Schedule] [|Ocean Beach Ferry Schedule] [|Sailors Haven Ferry Schedule] [|Saltaire Ferry Schedule] [|Seaview Ferry Schedule] [|Sunken Forest Ferry Schedule] [|Water Island Ferry Schedule] || || = =
 *  [|Atlantique Ferry Schedule]

The Fire Island Lighthouse is the oldest and most significant landmark associated with Fire Island history. This magnificent lighthouse was built in 1857, when its flashing light alerted ships that land was near. In 1974, the Fire Island Lighthouse light stopped spinning, as it was taken out of service. In 1987, the Fire Island Lighthouse was re-opened as an observatory and museum; it has since been restored to Fire Island prominence and enjoyed as a New York travel destination landmark. The Fire Island Lighthouse has summer hours of 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily, during which guided tours are available. The Fire Island Lighthouse observatory offers amazing views of Long Island, the Atlantic Ocean, the Great South Bay, and Fire Island beaches. On a clear day, the Fire Island Lighthouse offers views of the New York City skyline – a truly spectacular vista that must be experienced to be believed. For more info Visit the links below:
 * [|History of the Fire Island Lighthouse]
 * [|Fire Island Lighthouse Area]
 *  [|Fire Island National Seashore]

The Sunken Forest on Sailor’s Haven is one of the few remaining maritime forests on the eastern seaboard. It features trees that have been twisted and shaped by the constant salt spray, freshwater marshland, and abundant wildlife. Fire Island’s Sunken Forest is a perfect place to get out of the sun and take a peaceful stroll. Guided tours are available during the summer months. Maintained by The Fire Island National Seashore, Sunken Forest earned its name because it appears lower than the surrounding water. The forest is not actually below sea level -- the high surrounding sand dunes that protect this environment create the illusion of being lower than sea level. || The Sunken Forest spans approximately 40 acres, so there is plenty to see. You can walk for miles up and down the roller coaster boardwalks that carry you over two rows of sand dunes. The Sunken Forest consists primarily of American holly, sassafras, and shadblow. Some trees are estimated to be well over 200 years old. Serious hikers, bird watchers, and ecologists find this part of Fire Island to be absolutely fascinating. With several ecosystems, there is plenty of diversity in the flora and wildlife. While walking through the forest, be sure to look up -- the twisted canopy is the forest's most intriguing attribute. Sunken Forest is located next to Sailors Haven, a great Fire Island day trip destination. For more on Sunken Forest and Sailors Haven click on the links below.
 * [[image:http://www.fireisland.com/admin/images/uploads/2_1_todo.jpg]]

Sunken Forest is located in Sailors Haven, a great Fire Island day trip destination. For more on Sunken Forest and Sailors Haven click on the links below.


 * [|Sailors Haven]
 * [|Review of Sunken Forest]
 * []

= =

What would a visit to Fire Island beaches be without diving into the Atlantic or Great South Bay? After basking in the hot sun on Fire Island beaches, plunging into cool Atlantic waters is incredibly refreshing. Of course, swimming always carries some risk, so it is strongly recommended that people swim within designated locations where lifeguards are on duty. Point o’ Woods, Ocean Beach, Atlantique Town Beach, Dunewood, Fair Harbor, and Saltaire are all Fire Island communities that offer lifeguard service on both the ocean side and bay side of Fire Island. Kismet, Watch Hill, Fire Island Pines, Cherry Grove, Sailors Haven, and Ocean Bay Park all offer lifeguard service on the ocean side of Fire Island only. Swimming is not permitted in fishing areas, marinas, or near boat traffic. Please use discretion and take care to only swim in areas with lifeguard service, especially on the ocean beaches, where riptides and rough seas can take even the most experienced swimmers by surprise. Don’t feel like doing the backstroke? There are many other refreshing, exciting water activities to partake in on Fire Island beaches. Brightly-colored sea kayaks are increasingly seen off Fire Island ocean beaches and in the Great South Bay. These versatile paddle-propelled personal craft can be taken for a high-intensity workout cruise (usually on the ocean side) or a relaxed cruise exploring the bay’s calm waters. Windsurfing is also gaining momentum as a popular Fire Island water activity, as any given day will see the bay dotted with many windsurfing sails. Water skiing is popular with Fire Island visitors and Fire Island rental tenants; many, however, prefer more serene, low-impact water activities for their Fire Island vacation. For the adventurous Fire Island souls, there is what many consider to be the ultimate Fire Island water activity = = = =

Surfing
Fire Island is a barrier island that creates great surfing, especially during the hurricane season when the waves have been known to exceed ten feet. A series of sandbars and jetties enable variations in the island's surf conditions. Sandbar breaks can be found in Atlantique, Point o' Woods, and Smith Point. For a steeper, faster wave, surfers head to the ocean beach jetties. There is an east and west jetty, both with quality waves and a fantastic section in the middle of the two. The middle section is only surfable before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. when lifeguards are off duty. The outer areas are reserved for surfing -- when the swell is good, it's the place to be. When visiting Fire Island beaches, it's best to bring a few boards since the wave conditions change rapidly. A longboard, fun shape, or fish is a necessity when the waves are small (3' and less) since the waves in the summer tend to be on the small side make sure you have the appropriate board. When Fire Island waves get big and break on the sandbars, a 6'4”+ surfboard will do the trick. Water temperature in the summer ranges from 50 to 68 degrees. This is when you will find local surfer belly up at the CJ’s bar telling stories of the good days of past September, as the summer bring long irritating flat spells, overprotective lifeguards, and weekend warriors. You will get a few better than average days of swell but its pretty much a crap shoot. Water temperatures rise into the 60s in June and peak around 70 during July and August.
 * The best breaks**
 * [[image:http://www.fireisland.com/admin/images/uploads/12_1_todo.jpg]] ||
 * Surf Seasons:**
 * SUMMER**

This is the time most local surfer wait all year for. Like Christmas morning, Mother Nature will bring in the gift of frequent and exceptional swells as the pleasant autumn air caresses clean tubes accompanied by comfortable water temps warm enough for surf trunks. This is the unofficial, "Hurricane Season" which stretches from June 1 to November 31 with best surf seen in August and September. Hurricane swells, have mixed emotions on Fire Island. They have been known to bring in epic surf while at the same time destroying homes and aiding in the erosion problem that this barrier island is in constant battle with. If you are a surfer this is the time to visit Fire Island New York. [|Check out more info on hurricane season surfing here].
 * FALL**

This is the season for die hard surfers. You will have to face air temps that dip down in the low 20’s and water temps in the bone chilling, teeth numbing 30’s. However, surfers who venture out will be rewarded with consistent groundswells and uncrowned lineups. A sealed 4/3 with gloves, boots and hood are required.
 * WINTER**

Not known for its great surf the spring is more about brushing the dust off the board and getting your arms ready for the fall paddles. This season brings warm air and dramatic weather changes. It is not uncommon to be surfing in sunny 70 degrees air one day, followed by overcast nasty 30 degree air the next. The water temperatures are still chilly and its best to keep the gloves and booties nearby until May. Best tide: mid Best swell direction: SE Best size: head-high Best wind: NW Bottom: sand
 * Spring**
 * Surf FAQ**

=Dining & Bars=  There are some really great bars and restaurants on Fire Island, however the hot spots are Ocean Beach and Cherry Grove. Cherry Grove is a predominately gay community on the east end of the Island. Ocean Beach on the other hand is more diverse with all ages, types, and well known for its mix of family and 20-30 something's time share groups. The bar scene is made up of predominately straight single young professionals. **Cherry Grove: **  For listings and reviews of cherry grove dining check out: [|CherryGrove.com] ** Fair Harbor : **

**The Dock**  Friday and Saturday evening people gather at the dock for an event dubbed "The Sixish." Bring the cocktail of your choice and watch the sunset while you socialize on the dock that leads out to the Bay. If you want to dine while watching the sunset, visit the Dock restaurant. We recommend: grilled sushi-grade tuna in ginger lime broth with coconut rice and coconut curry tiger shrimp. Wonderful seafood, steak, chicken and pasta dishes. Dance all night to the DJ that spins every Friday and Saturday nights. Phone: 631-583-5200 Davis Park: The Casino -631-597-6150 ** Kismet: **

**Kismet Inn & Marina**  For 25 years the wooden building in which the restaurant is located has been considered a Fire Island landmark. A mix of locals and tourists hang out on the giant wooden bay side deck and enjoy the sunset. Phone: 631-583-5592

**The Out** The Out offers a full selection of typical steak and chicken dishes, but seafood is the specialty here. Specials are offered every Monday through Thursday night (shrimp, lobster, local fish night, and a clambake). Live bands and DJ s are featured on weekends. [|Click here] to read a review of The Out. Phone: 631-583-7400 ** Ocean Bay Park: **

**Flynn's**  The crowd at this huge restaurant on the bay is casual, relaxed and diverse. At dinner, there are families, couples, and singles eating and watching the sun set over the Bay and at night there is a younger, sometimes rowdy, crowd drinking and dancing at the last bar before the fence at Point O' Woods. The hard-core party crowd seems to flock here from all other towns and DJs liven up the dance floor on Friday and Saturday nights. Reggae music is featured early Sunday evening. We recommend the grilled tuna with soy-ginger glaze and cucumber relish. [|Click here] to read a review of Flynn's. Phone: 631-583-5000

**Hurricane’s Bar and Grill at the Fire Island Hotel and Resort** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You absolutely must come and savor the delectable fresh cooked seafood and chops at this wonderful restaurant in Ocean Bay Park. After going to this restaurant, we would say that it is among the best Fire Island has to offer. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University– the Chef, Melissa Dodici, has what it takes to prepare a meal made just for you that you will remember for many years to come. They use only the freshest ingredients and herbs to create culinary masterpieces and they have smashed potatoes anyway you may want them. With a varied nightly menu, the entrees can include Dijon encrusted rack of lamb with garlic smashed potatoes, sesame seared tuna with frizzled leaks and wasabi smashed potatoes or cashew encrusted salmon with horseradish and lemon smashed potatoes. Everything is a gourmand’s delight, including Prince Edward island mussels over linguini in a spicy marinara sauce and honey glazed French chicken with portabella mushroom. You are guaranteed a wonderful dining experience. Phone: 631-583-8000

**Schooner's** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">631-583-8498

**The Inn Between** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">631-583-0111

**The Pizza Place** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">631-583-351 <span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 0);">** Ocean Beach : **

**CJ's** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">CJ's is the only bar and restaurant open all year. During the off season, it is where the locals go to socialize, and in the summer, the crowd is a healthy mix of locals and weekend warriors. The restaurant has typical bar food, but the drinks, especially the Rocket Fuels and Hang Gliders Rain Vodka, are what people come here for. On weekdays, they often have a lobster special that is inexpensive and good. This place gets very crowded and noisy on weekend nights and there is often a line to get in, so get there by 10 PM if you want a seat at the big wraparound bar. CJs is also a good place for a drink while waiting for the ferry. They have a monitor of all boats coming and leaving, so you can't miss your ride back to the mainland. Darts. Phone: 631-583-9890

**Albatross** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Great place to start and end the night. One of the mainstays in Ocean Beach, this family-run restaurant has an upstate-cozy bar feel inside and a wonderful porch outside for people watching. Whether for lunch, dinner, pre-dinner or late-night cocktails, this bar-restaurant always gets a crowd. The “Tross” as it is affectionately called, is a relaxing spot for drinks and steamers or drinks and burgers or drinks and pasta. The menu always has nightly specials, including seafood, steaks, and a little of everything. Some of their signature dishes are the steamers, Cajun calamari, French onion soup and the tuna steak sandwich and the burgers are great.. When nothing else is going on anywhere else, you can always be assured of a friendly crowd here. It is worth stopping by late night just to watch the bartenders in action But remember, the bar scene doesn’t start until after 10 PM. and whatever you do, “Don’t Swing The Lights.” Dart board in back gets a lot of play. Phone: 631-583-5697 [|Read A Review of The Albatross]

**Bocce Beach** meat-eater, this is the place to go. Although they serve chicken, pasta, and seafood dishes nightly, there are often good value specials, such as rib night and their chops are excellent as well as reasonably priced. This place rocks on weekend nights after dinner, especially on Sunday nights. You will find pool tables, darts, dancing and of course, lots of imbibing in a loud, fun environment. Although it gets a mostly 20-something crowd late in the evening, you can find people of any age in the mix. Has an ATM, pool table and darts. Phone: 631-583-8100 ||  || <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Large restaurant with bar scene later in the evening. If you are a

**The Hideaway - at Housers** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> This is a cut above the rest, featuring nouvelle cuisine with meals as good as any restaurant in Manhattan. They grow their own herbs on the beautiful deck facing the Great South Bay and use these herbs to create beautiful and delicious meals. Signature dishes include Seafood pasta, Long Island Duck with a savory raspberry sauce, stacked skirt steak, wonderful vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes. Try the shrimp stuffed baked clams as an appetizer. Everything on the menu is truly outstanding. Also has a lovely and delicious weekend brunch (Lemon Ricotta pancakes, melt in your mouth French toast, and magnificent omelets.) You can sit on the deck facing the bay or indoors, or on the front patio. Whether we go for brunch or dinner, we are never disappointed – in fact, we can’t wait to get back to savor yet another meal there. Low-keyed bar at night where you can actually hear yourself talk! Hotel upstairs. Phone: 631-583-7805 housershotel.com

**Houser's Bar and Grill**
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> A long time favorite among locals. We thought about leaving it off this listing so we could keep that way, but it's so good we had to share it. Houser’s has a limited, but interesting menu for lunch and an early light dinner menu, (be there by 8:30), with burgers, franks, fried clams, quesadillas, etc. It also has charming, although rustic, outdoor seating in the back with a view of the bay. What you will find after dinner are people playing pool, darts and classic rock blasting from the speakers. The crowd is a mix of young and old, locals and renters. There is often a live band and dancing. No night is complete without a visit to Houser’s. || [[image:http://www.fireisland.com/admin/images/uploads/10_diner.jpg]] ||

**Island Mermaid** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> There is always something happening here. The Mermaid is a wonderful spot right in town with a deck overlooking the Great South Bay and the Ferry dock. They call their fare New American Cuisine and they have an eclectic menu. Try the Black Mangrove Honey Glazed Lamb Chops, Thai Teriyaki Salmon, Sweet Potato Ravioli, Mermaid Peking Duck, and our favorite, Espresso Dusted Shrimp. They have an expansive Children’s menu, where everything is $8.00, including a soft drink. There is usually a theme most weeknights, and this year they have added Wednesday Night Wine and Poker, where you can explore wine “flights” with guest sommeliers while learning Texas Hold Em. The Monday Night Sampler night (with specially priced entrees) should not be missed. On certain nights, they have reggae and jazz after dinner and karaoke. And we can’t forget Saturday evening Happy Hour, where you can watch the sun set while having cocktails produced by the bartender and local surfing guru Jamie Raguso. Make sure you have at least one drink made by this master of the bar and maybe he will even tell you an old school surf story. After dinner, they serve cocktails on the deck veranda and there is dancing indoors. Specialty catering, ATM. Phone: 631-583-8088. http://www.islandmermaid.com/

**Maguire's** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> On the West Side of town on the bay, this is the place to enjoy an early dinner while taking in a fabulous sunset, or cocktails and disco late night. The sunset from the deck is spectacular and diners often applaud the setting of the sun. The restaurant, while large, manages to make you feel at home. Whether dining on the deck or inside, try their Signature Salad, the Seared (Ahi) Tuna, the “drunken” Pork Chops or the Alaskan King Crab Legs, Lobster or Steak and you will not be disappointed. Thursday nights are Lobster Palooza Night. The staff will do everything they can to make your dinner and late night carousing an experience you will not forget. Post-dinner, this place becomes a night club with dancing. You can sit at tables outside on the deck and people watch, hang out around the big horseshoe bar and socialize and dance. Maguires gets quite crowded late night around 1 AM. It is the place to go to see and be seen. Sit out on the deck while lunching and all your cares will melt away. Catering Hall and Special Events. Phone: 631-583-8800

**Matthew's Seafood** specially priced raw bar tasties and other delectables. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle on the weekends, the bar here is the place to relax, have a drink and unwind. If you sit at the bar after dinner, you will surely find what Fire Island was like 40 years ago. Matthews also has a fish market located on the premises, with superb fresh fish, including flounder, salmon, lobster, etc. In addition, they have the best take-out lunches – fried chicken and sandwiches, with chips, packaged in little carrying cases for the beach or home. Private docking facilities. Phone: 631-583-8016 http://www.matthewsseafood.com/ [|Read A Review Of Matthews] || || <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For 30 years this family-owned and run restaurant has been a Fire Island classic. With an intimate setting right on the bay, Matthews is best known for its seafood. They serve a wonderful lunch and dinner and also have a special bar & patio menu. There is a catch of the day and you can choose at least 7 different ways to cook your selection, from teriyaki or Cajun to Mediterranean or Cucumber and dill. Their baked clams are fabulous, as well as their raw clams, oysters and steamers, seafood bisque and wonderful homemade cornbread. There are four different types of shrimp entrees – try the Crispy Shrimp with Honey Mustard or the Coconut Shrimp. For poultry and meat eaters, they also serve baby back ribs, New York Strip steak and varied chicken dishes. Their lobster is the best on the Island. Salad and potatoes or rice and vegetables come with your meal. Although their vegetable medley is sorely lacking, we are still trying to figure out why their baked potatoes are the best we have ever tasted. The place is packed on Thursday nights for Margarita Madness. The Margaritas are served in fish bowl sized glasses and there is a live band or disco for dancing. Sunday late afternoon, early evening they hold the Bay Bash— choose from a wonderful array of

**Michael's Ristorante and Pizzeria** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> A gourmet pizza place and Italian restaurant where you can bring the kids and enjoy yourself while you people watch. Located on a corner in town slightly away from the hustle and bustle, this is a great restaurant to sit back and have good old fashioned plate of spaghetti and meat balls, ravioli or Penne a la Vodka with a glass of Italian wine. Their stuffed eggplant rollatini is among the best we have ever tasted. It is open late night – until 4 AM most weekend nights – serving any type of slice that suits your fancy. Most nights you can find Michael, the owner and head chef, making the pizzas along with his wonderful staff. His special crust is unlike any other you have tasted. Try the marinated tomato or the eggplant pizza. Phone: 631-597-6555

**Rachel's** [|Read A Review Of Rachel's] Phone: 631-583-9552 || || <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
 * <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Rachel’s is known for its very late night bakery and delicious breakfasts and coffee to go. What people don’t know, is that this is a wonderful place for lunch and dinner – yes, dinner. Most people know Rachel’s for the chocolate chip cookies, brownies, tarts and cakes that are served until dawn. Since the bakery is open until 4 AM or so on weekends, Fire Islanders come here for munchies all night. What people don’t know is that this restaurant serves great meals at great prices for dinner. Rachel is an actual person, who is continually reinventing this restaurant. She has the most extensive menu on the Island, from varied dinner choices to breakfast entrees for dinner and large salads and also decent chops and seafood. If you have never had dinner here, you must try this wonderful restaurant, where everything truly tastes like home cooking. A long time fire islander, who frequents Rachel’s at least 3 times a week, turned us on to the Jerk Chicken. This dish is so outstanding, that we can’t wait to get back to the Island to savor it again. If you are in the mood for a home cooked dinner, such as meat loaf or chicken or a large salad, monte cristo or even matzo brie, go to Rachel’s. Having lived in Santa Fe, she also has many southwestern dishes on the menu. She has it all and then some. Though it is tough keeping up with throngs for breakfast on a given Sunday, the service has vastly improved and the dinner service is wonderful. Try Rachel’s for dinner and we know that you will return. Rachel also has a restaurant in Cherry Grove, as well as a new restaurant at Hunter Mountain.

**Town Pizza** <span style="font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> In addition to their famous pizza, Town Pizza has excellent eggplant rollatini, baked ziti, and other entrees. Try the pizza encrusted hot dogs, which are heavenly, hot heros, calzone, Jamaican patties, fried shrimp and wonderful Caesar salads. Open until 4 AM weekends and late night weekdays during the summer. You will always see a crowd hanging outside eating a slice between 3 – 4 AM. Deliveries. Phone: 631-583-7774