• 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 »

Traffic & Travel Tips

On sunny summer weekends, anticipate a high volume of traffic getting to beach parking areas and ferry terminals. If parking lots are filled, you may have to make alternate arrangements or reschedule your trip to the beach.

Be sure your vehicle is in good condition before attempting a road trip. You may want to carry bottled water and a light snack in case you get stuck in a traffic jam as you cross Long Island. Pack a hefty quantity of patience and enjoy the ride.

Various State of New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority web cams are located at major portals to Long Island (see webcam.mta.info/mta3).

 
If you're uncomfortable driving through New York City to get to Long Island, you may be able to reach the island by taking the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson vehicle ferry from Bridgeport, Connecticut to Port Jefferson, NY. Route 112 then crosses Long Island to Patchogue, usually less than an hour's drive south.

The Cross Sound Ferry links New London, CT with Orient Point, NY, on the easternmost end of Long Island. Allow at least 2 hours to drive from Orient Point to Patchogue or Sayville.

Did You Know?

PWC passes a green channel marker in bay near wooded shoreline and salt marsh.

The use of personal watercraft (PWCs or JetSkis) is restricted within the boundaries of Fire Island National Seashore. While not permitted at National Park Service facilities or near shorelines, PWCs may use the marked channels to access some of the Fire Island communities. More...