Fire Island is a barrier island off the southern coast of Long Island. No cars are allowed on the Island during the season, except for utility and emergency vehicles. The primary means of transportation on the island are bicycles, and, of course, the ubiquitous "red wagon". Every house comes equipped with a red wagon for transporting groceries, your belongings from the ferry, and for kiddie rides. Access to the island is via ferry. There is also a lateral ferry service on the island, and several water taxi services.

The Sunken Forest is a part of the National Parks Service. It is rich in vegetation, and it is below sea-level, ergo the name "Sunken Forest". This is about an hour’s walk from Fair Harbor, or a 15 minute water taxi ride will take you to the near end of it. Also famous is the Fire Island Lighthouse, which offers a small museum. This is on the western-most tip of the island, and is also part of the National Seashore. Here there are public beaches that can be reached from the mainland via causeway. You can walk to the Lighthouse from Fair Harbor in about 20 minutes or so.

Fire Island is 32 miles long and supports a variety of communities and life-styles. Infamous for the artsy & gay communities is The Pines and Cherry Grove, where there is a lot of nightlife, restaurants, and shopping. This is too far to walk from Fair Harbor, but can be reached by a 20 minute water taxi ride to the east.

Ocean Beach, the "big metropolis", is a 10 minute easterly water taxi ride, or a 45 minute walk, and has more stores, shops, restaurants, and several bars that cater to a younger crowd. Also catering to primarily young singles is Kismet, a 15 - 20 minute walk to the west of us.

Of course, there are a lot of communities in-between, all residential. Part of the fun of Fire Island is walking around & exploring.

Because there is limited access, dress on the island is very casual. There’s only so much you can carry on the ferry!