FIRE ISLAND FAMILY ADVENTURES: Our Favorite Escapes & Tips for Visiting
When I decided to start this blog, there was zero debate in my mind about where I’d begin. Fire Island. Our favorite weekend escape, the place that’s practically become part of our family tradition.
Fire Island isn’t just a place. It’s a vibe. It’s that rare combo of wild and peaceful, chill but fun, sandy but not too touristy. It’s car-free, carefree, and once you go, you’ll wonder why you dealt with beach traffic anywhere else.
So, What Is Fire Island, anyway?
Fire Island is a barrier island just south of Long Island, stretching about 32 miles. It’s known for its stunning beaches, vibrant small communities, relaxed atmosphere, and most famously: no cars allowed (except for emergency vehicles and residents). That means kids can run free (within reason), and you get to remember what it feels like to walk without looking both ways for 3-ton SUVs.
There are 17 communities (yes, 17!) scattered along the island. Some are more lively (like Ocean Beach), others more serene (like Kismet or Saltaire), and a few have their own unique character (looking at you, Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines).
When to Go: Timing Is Everything
We’ve found that late spring and early fall are the sweet spots. The weather is still beautiful—warm enough for the beach without the intense summer crowds—and everything feels just a bit more relaxed. Shops and restaurants are still open, the ferries run frequently, and you don’t have to fight for a seat at your favorite ice cream spot. Peak summer (late June through August) is of course gorgeous, but it’s also when the island is most crowded and the ferries fill fast. If you’re okay with a little chill in the air, September might be our favorite month—the ocean is still warm, and the sunsets are unreal.
Getting There: Options, and Tips
You’ve got a few ways to reach Fire Island, depending on your mood, patience level, and how many beach bags you’re carrying:
1. Train + Ferry (The Classic Combo)
Step 1: Take the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to Bay Shore, Sayville, or Patchogue.
Step 2: Hop on a ferry to your destination village—like Ocean Beach, Kismet, or Saltaire.
Bay Shore ferries go to Kismet, Ocean Beach, Seaview, and Ocean Bay Park.
Sayville ferries serve Cherry Grove, Fire Island Pines, and Sailors Haven.
Patchogue ferries go to Davis Park and Watch Hill.
Ferry ticket info:
Round-trip adult fares are usually around $22–$25, depending on the route and operator. Kids (ages 2–11) are typically half-price, and under 2s ride free. If you’re bringing a wagon or stroller, that can be an extra $1–$5 depending on size. Some ferries are cash-only at the terminal, so check ahead or bring both card and cash just in case.
Hot tip: Check ferry schedules ahead of time. They’re not running every 10 minutes like a city subway. You don’t want to be the sweaty family sprinting from the LIRR with six bags and a cooler.
2. By Car + Walking (The Family Survival Plan)
Our personal favorite, especially with kids and a suspicious number of snack bags.
Navigate to: Robert Moses State Park, Parking Field 5. It’s on the western end of the island, and from there, you can walk across the bridge to the Fire Island Lighthouse area.
From the parking lot: It’s a flat and scenic 15-minute walk to the lighthouse via a stunning boardwalk trail.
From here, you can access the beach or head into Kismet if you’re up for more walking or biking.
Parking tip:
Parking at Robert Moses is $10 per vehicle (more during holiday weekends), and it’s free if you have an Empire Pass.
Pro tip: Get there early on weekends. Parking fills up fast, and no one wants to start their beach day with a parking lot meltdown.
Fire Island Lighthouse: Coastal Eye Candy
One of the island’s crown jewels is the Fire Island Lighthouse—tall, historic, and oddly photogenic. Built in 1858, it’s one of the first things immigrants saw when arriving in America, kind of like the Statue of Liberty’s chill little sister.
You can climb to the top (182 steps if you’re feeling ambitious) for an epic panoramic view. Or just stay grounded and soak in beauty from below. Either way, it’s must-see.
The Boardwalk and Wildlife: Sand, Sun, and a Side of Deer
The boardwalks around the lighthouse and the nearby Sunken Forest are pristine, stroller-friendly, and drama-free—unless someone drops a juice box, then all bets are off.
You’ll likely spot deer wandering nearby, totally unbothered by humans. They’re cute, a little bold, and occasionally photobomb your family pictures. Fire Island is also a designated National Seashore, so keep your eyes open for birds, turtles, and yes, even the occasional fox.
Some of our faves:
Ocean Beach: The busiest village, with restaurants, boutiques, and a real “town center” feel. It’s where you go when you want a lobster roll, a cold drink, and people-watching.
Kismet: Quiet, family-friendly, and great for kids.
Cherry Grove and The Pines: Known for their artsy, welcoming, and LGBTQ+ friendly vibes. Super colorful and fun.
Saltaire and Seaview: Quieter, residential, great for peaceful strolls.
Note: no cars mean bring a wagon or rent bikes. You’ll thank yourself later when you realize your toddler’s legs gave up five minutes into exploring.
What To Pack (Besides 300 Snacks)
Fire Island is not the place to “wing it” unless you’re really into suffering. Here’s what we always pack:
Sunscreen. And then more sunscreen.
Refillable water bottles
Snacks (because our kids eat like they’re in a constant growth spurt)
Beach blanket, sand toys, and shell-collecting bags
Bug spray (especially if you’re visiting the Sunken Forest or staying into the evening)
Cash (some places don’t take cards)
Swimsuits, backup swimsuits, and possibly a third pair if your child finds every wave possible
Photoshoots, Waves, and Deep Thoughts
We love this spot so much, we picked it for our last family photoshoot. Sure, the wind had its way with our hair, and the kids were done about six minutes in—but the photos? Absolutely worth it. Some of our all-time favorites.
The beaches are often wavy (surfers, rejoice!), so it’s not the classic “nap on a towel for three hours” kind of spot. But it’s perfect for building sandcastles, collecting shells, and letting your kids lose their minds in the surf while you pretend to read a book.
Final Thoughts: Fire Island, Forever on Our Minds
Every time we visit, I get that little ache in my chest when it’s time to leave. The kind that whispers, what if we just moved here and lived on iced coffee and seashells forever?
Until that fantasy becomes reality, we’ll keep packing the car, wrangling the kids, dodging deer, and making more sandy memories.
Go to Fire Island. Just maybe don’t tell everyone about it. We’d like to keep this magic going for a while longer.
