• 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 »

Sailors Haven Visitor Center

The Sailors Haven Visitor Center museum should be the first stop on your way to the Sunken Forest. Here you may pick up park brochures or a Junior Ranger Activity booklet. Watch the Fire Island National Seashore orientation film. Stop by the Touch Table to discover some of the seashells and other ocean life that have washed ashore. Meet the latest inhabitants of the aquarium. Learn a little more about the trees of the maritime forest, the wildflowers of the dunes and swales, the birds and wildlife that you may see on your walk through the Sunken Forest.

At the Eastern National sales outlet, you may purchase books about the history of Fire Island, field guides to the native plants and animals, and interesting items for kids of all ages.

During the summer, you may participate in one of the ranger-conducted tours or other activities. Seaside Stories and Crafts has been a favorite program for children. Guided Sunken Forest Walks are offered on weekends.

 
  • Discover the Sunken Forest Discover the Sunken Forest

    A good way to explore the maritime holly forest at Sailors Haven is to take a guided tour. Read More

  • Sailors Haven Programs Sailors Haven Programs

    Special interpretive programs are offered at Sailors Haven and in the Sunken Forest during the summer. Read More

Did You Know?

Group watching birds near marsh and trees.

You might get to observe a number of  birds on a ranger-guided walk at the William Floyd Estate: a blackburnian warbler perched on a tree branch, a woodcock flushed from the fields, or a bald eagle chasing an osprey with a fish over the salt marsh! More...