Gay bars on Fire Island are concentrated in the two ports of Cherry Grove and The Pines, and the distances in between are covered by ferry or water taxi. In Cherry Grove, the most famous address is the Ice Palace, a multi-level dance club at the Grove Hotel, which has been part of the island for decades and is known for its drag shows and pool parties. The atmosphere here is colorful and cross-age, with a lot of cabaret tradition. If you like it a little more sociable and less tidy, the Grove is the place to be.
In The Pines, the nightlife takes place around the harbor. Sip n' Twirl is the gathering place for DJ sets and dancing into the early hours, with pool deck below and one level above. During the day, the Blue Whale on the water is a restaurant, and in the late afternoon it becomes the scene of the Tea Dance, the island's fixed social ritual in which everyone gathers at the harbor before dinner. Both places are close to each other and can be combined in one evening. The audience in the Pines is predominantly gay and ready to party, the tone more relaxed than in a big city club. A first evening is best started with the Tea Dance and moves on from there.