Fire Island Travel Guide, Long Island, New York, USA: Fire Island Lighthouse, Tour and Vacation

Fire Island Travel Guide, Long Island, New York, USA. Fire Island Lighthouse, Tour and Vacation. Fire Island is the ultimate Vacation and Summer destination not only for New York but also many visitors from Europe and other continents. The mix of nationalities, backgrounds, and languages gives Fire Island a special international flair. That combined with our glorious sandy beaches makes for the ingredients for a wonderful Summer vacation experience for you and your family, no matter whether you decide to visit for a week, a month, or the whole summer. Fire Island seems to have it all: gorgeous beaches, quaint communities, outdoor dining and waterfront hotels, boating, camping and hiking, even an historic lighthouse. It's the perfect vacation destination for families, whether it's for a quick day trip, a weekend getaway, or an extended stay. Unless you've been here before, you've never experienced a place quite like Fire Island. This small barrier island off the south coast of New York's Long Island is home to two thriving gay resort towns: Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines. Getting here is half the fun: take the Long Island Rail Road to Sayville, a shuttle bus to a 30-minute ferry ride, then walk. There are no cars here, just wooden boardwalks and people pulling little red wagons full of their groceries. The two communities each have their own vibe: The Pines feels more like New York's Chelsea: pretty party boys and gay professionals; the Grove is more diverse and down to earth (and attracts a younger AND an older crowd). Between the two towns is a small strip of forest affectionately known as the "meat rack" just about one of the friskiest places on earth. Be sure to get a feel for the "schedule" when you are there, almost everyone follows the crowd from low tea to high tea, from dinner to dancing. Just ask a friendly passerby (or at least a cute one). About 31 miles long and 1,300 feet across at its widest point, Fire Island is a skinny sandbar between Babylon and Center Moriches. At its western end is Robert Moses State Park; Smith Point County Park is at its easternmost point, and in between lies Fire Island National Seashore. Cars are not allowed on Fire Island only bicycles and little red wagons which adds to its laid-back vibe. With 17 distinct communities, there is always something going on. Here are some of our picks for the top things to do while you're there