On a tower tour, available throughout the year, you may enjoy a spectacular view from the Fire Island Lighthouse gallery.

The steep climb up a spiral staircase with 156 iron steps and two small ladders takes you to the top of New York's tallest lighthouse. 

For decades, the first evidence of land for travelers crossing the vast Atlantic Ocean from Europe was the Fire Island Lighthouse. Completed in 1858 near the site of its 1826 predecessor, the current Fire Island Light is still a beacon attracting thousands of people each year. With a focal plane of 168 feet above the level of the sea, can be seen more than 20 miles away.

The Fire Island Lighthouse is on the western part of Fire Island National Seashore, adjacent to Robert Moses State Park. The Fire Island Lighthouse area offers exhibits, a nature trail, interpretive programs and curriculum-based fourth grade education programs (school groups by reservation only). There is walking access to the Lighthouse Beach (no lifeguards).

The Fire Island Lighthouse is operated by the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society under a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service. The light, still owned by the United States Coast Guard, is now maintained and operated by the Society as a private aid to navigation.

FILPS conducts annual fundraisers to help support its work throughout the year.

Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society

On November 1, 1858, the light in the new Fire Island Lighthouse was lit for the first time. 

The original lighting apparatus in the 1858 Fire Island Lighthouse was a magnificent first order Fresnel lens. That artifact-now more than 150 years old-is now back home and on display in the new Fresnel Lens Building.

• Return of the First Order Fresnel Lens
  

The Lighthouse is currently lit by a DCB-224 Aero-Beacon, with two 1000-watt bulbs, which rotates in a counter-clockwise direction. The rotation gives the appearance of a flash every 7.5 seconds.

This light is currently maintained by the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society as a private aid to navigation. The Society periodically offers Behind-the-Scenes Tours and other special programs to help you learn more.

Sunset Tower Tours provide an opportunity for a unique view of the Great South Bay and Fire Island Inlet. 

Things To Do:

• Interpretive Programs/Guided Tours
• Education Programs
  conducted by Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society
• Special Events
• Maritime Museum
• Beachcombing
• Birdwatching
• Nature Trail
  

The Fire Island Lighthouse is a South Shore Estuary Reserve Bayway Destination.

How To Get There

The Fire Island Lighthouse is a short ¾-mile walk via boardwalk from Robert Moses State Park's Field 5 parking lot, or about a 1-mile walk from the Kismet ferry dock.

Parking for Fire Island Lighthouse is available at Robert Moses State Park, Field 5, where a fee is charged seasonally.

Important Phone Numbers:

Fire Island Lighthouse
Robert Moses Causeway
Bay Shore, NY 11706
631-661-4876

GPS Coordinates:

Latitude, 40° 37' 53" North
Longitude, 73° 12' 51" West

Historic view of the Fire Island Light Station as it appeared when the power generation building stood beside the foundation of the first Fire Island Lighthouse. The new Fresnel Lens Display Building was constructed over this foundation.

Learn More

History of Fire Island

History of the Fire Island Lighthouse
Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society

Lighthouses of Long Island
Long Island Chapter, United States Lighthouse Society

Lighthouses to Visit in Other National Parks

National Park Service
Maritime Heritage Program