• Miles of uncrowded white sandy beaches extend to the horizon, separating the clear blue ocean and undulating grass-covered dunes.

    Fire Island

    National Seashore New York

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  • More Park Facilities Reopen During May 2013

    Watch Hill and Sailors Haven marinas open May 10. Limited ferry service from Sayville to Sailors Haven resumes May 13 and ferries from Patchogue to Watch Hill start on May 18. Remaining park facilities to reopen by May 25, 2013. More »

Fire Island Lighthouse

Fire Island Lighthouse with its Fresnel Lens Building along boardwalk.
Your journey to the Fire Island Lighthouse now includes the opportunity to see its original 1858 first order Fresnel lens, on display in its own new building. The specially designed Fresnel Lens Building was donated from the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society to the National Park Service on July 22, 2011.
 
Lighthouse tower tour participants stand along rail of gallery near the top of the Fire Island Lighthouse, under the glass-enclosed lantern room and within the uppermost black daymark of the structure. 

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.

 
Flashing graphic of Fire Island Lighthouse.

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.

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.

 
Standing along the black iron railing, several people gaze at pink and orange reflections in the water as the sun sets over the Great South Bay.

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

Things To Do:

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

 
Map showing roadways and bridges to Robert Moses State Park and Fire Island Lighthouse.

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.

 
Aerial view of parking lot and winding two-lane roadway, with Robert Moses State Park water tower in background.

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

 
Fresnel Lens Building Plans and historic image.

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

  • Lighthouse Hours Lighthouse Hours

    Fire Island Lighthouse is open all year, but hours vary by season. Read More

  • Explore Fire Island's History Explore Fire Island's History

    A fascinating story of maritime history is preserved within Fire Island National Seashore. Read More

  • Fire Island Multimedia Fire Island Multimedia

    Photos, videos and official social media sites help you discover more about Fire Island National Seashore. Read More

  • Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society

    Learn more about the park partner operating the Fire Island Lighthouse. Read More

Did You Know?

Piping plover on beach.

The piping plover is a federally threatened and New York State endangered species. It may be delisted when a total of 575 breeding pairs can be maintained in New York and New Jersey for five years. Fire Island National Seashore is currently the home of 15 - 20 nesting pairs of these shorebirds. More...