Fire Island

Fire Island is not a city in the classic sense, but a narrow, car-free sandbar off the south coast of Long Island. For decades, it has been considered one of the most famous queer summer resorts in the USA. Those who come here swap roads for wooden boardwalks, hectic for dunes and sea. From New York City, it's only a train and a ferry ride. Nevertheless, the island feels like a world of its own.

Trendy district

Queer life is concentrated in two neighboring places: Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove. The more glamorous, somewhat more formal part is the Pines, with modern architecture and a predominantly gay clientele. Cherry Grove is older, more colorful and historically closely connected to the queer community; lesbians, gays and drag culture have been mixing here for generations. Between the two places there is a section of dunes, which you cross on foot. For many, this path is an integral part of the island ritual.

Nightlife

Going out on Fire Island starts early, often in the afternoon. The Tea Dance has cult status: You celebrate "Low Tea" at the harbor and later "High Tea" at sunset before it continues. Well-known addresses are the Sip n Twirl and the Pavilion in the Pines. With its famous mosaic dance floor, the Blue Whale has been part of the island's history since the 1960s. The nights are short because the next beach day is calling early.

Beaches

The long sandy beaches on the Atlantic side are the real center of the island. In front of the Pines and Cherry Grove, the queer community meets directly on the water during the day; sunbathing and swimming are part of the daily program here. Between the two places stretches the famous dune section, which has always been known as an informal cruising and nudism spot. If you are looking for peace and quiet, you will find it on the more secluded beach sections further away from the hustle and bustle of the harbours.

Best time to visit

The season runs from the end of May to September, reaching its peak in midsummer. July and August are crowded, glamorous and expensive, but that's when the most energy prevails on the island. A fixed date in the calendar is the 4th of July with the "Invasion of the Pines", in which drag queens have been storming the harbour by water taxi since 1976. In June and September, things are quieter and more relaxed, and the weather usually remains pleasant.

Arrival

You don't need your own car, because the island is completely car-free. From New York City, you usually travel with the Long Island Rail Road to Sayville and from there with a short shuttle to the ferry dock. The Sayville Ferry ferries connect the mainland with Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove. On site, you can walk the boardwalks or take the small handcart that many use for their luggage.

Safety & LGBT Rights

Fire Island is part of the US state of New York, where same-sex marriages are recognized and anti-discrimination laws apply. For a long time, the island itself has been a queer shelter where open appearance is part of everyday life. As everywhere in the USA, good travel health insurance is recommended because medical treatments are expensive. Also note the current entry requirements for the USA, such as the ESTA registration before the flight.