Weekend Getaway to Fire Island, NY
It’s a great destination point both in summer & winter (I have some pictures to prove that!).
The origin of Fire Island’s name is not certain. It appears for the first time on a deed in 1789. While the western portion of the island was referred to as Fire Island for many years, the eastern portion was referred to as Great South Beach until 1920, when widespread development caused the whole land mass to be called Fire Island.
In 2012, Hurricane Sandy once again divided Fire Island into two islands, so now they are often called Fire islands.
Summer
How to get there
The most convenient way is to go there by car. The island is accessible near each end: via Robert Moses Causeway on its western end, and by William Floyd Parkway (Suffolk County Road 46) near its eastern end. From our home in Queens it’s around 50 miles.
Last summer we wanted to find a nudist beach in Long Island, and the Lighthouse beach happened to be the best in the area but not long ago officials enforced the state to prohibit any nudity there. Now, violators who ignore the ban face up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
If you like lighthouses you should visit one on the Fire island and enjoy stunning 360 degree view. The first Fire Island Lighthouse was built in 1825 and was replaced by the current lighthouse in 1858.
Seriously, I’ve been to Cape Cod, which is considered to be one of the best beach options on the East coast, and I have to say that I love Long Island beaches so much more.
This bottle has a cork with a Fire island lighthouse in miniature. I bought it at the souvenir shop, located at the lighthouse. I hate all souvenir shops with the exception of this one :) They sell amazing things.
Winter
This winter we didn’t have much snow here in New York.
Ok, we had blizzard “Jonas”. The first day we stayed at home, baked pumpkin bread and played cards. On the second day, we decided to go outside and drove all the way to Fire islands without any issues (the roads in Long Island were pretty clean, which was quite impressive).
And we were not the only ones who enjoyed the nice walk and then stunning sunset at the beach there. I wish I could see the view from the lighthouse but it was closed.
There are a few other islands which fall in the Fire Island National Seashore Jurisdiction, such as Pelican Island, Hospital Island, and Money Island. BTW, one of my newest discoveries is the quantity of islands in New York state (!).
I definitely recommend Fire Island as a weekend destination.
