Contact Information
120 Laurel Street
Patchogue, NY 11772
631-289-4810
Fire Island National Seashore provides a magical time-slip into the wild, primeval era of a now highly urbanized region. One hour east of New York City, the 32-mile-long barrier island protects Long Island's populous south shore from the open Atlantic. As well as the national seashore, the island supports a state park, a county park, many communities, and a seven-mile stretch that is the only federally designated wilderness area in New York State.Fire Island is a quick-change place. Its sand-dune beaches are the main lure for the city's eclectic diaspora of nude, gay, and straight sunbathers. Body surfers and surf casters relish the tidal delight of crashing waves that pound the coast. In the winter, harbor seals are one of the few creatures thick-skinned enough to ride the Fire Island surf. You owe it to yourself to step inland and explore the island's other environments. Beyond the dunes, the forest offers shady respite from the glare of the beach and a change in wildlife: shorebirds give way to songbirds, and you might surprise a deer. Continuing on, in a few minutes you emerge from the forest into the vibrant marsh, chattery with birds and rustling grass. Beyond the marsh is the (usually) placid Great South Bay, populated with all manner of small watercraft, from sea kayaks to Tony Soprano-class powerboats.
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