The story goes that in 1653, Isaac Stratford established a whaling station on the barroer island across the bay from his home in Babylon. Crews would carry their whaleboats from the bay side to the ocean side and build alook-out to watch for the whales.
It remained just a useful fishing spot until 1825 when the Federal government constructed a lighthouse. For many immigrants, the Fire Island Lighthouse was the first to greet them upon arrival in America.
Around the 1920s, Fire Island became a popular vacation and day trip spot for the rich and famouse coming from the Western regions of Long Island and Metropolitan New York. The real estate market in Fire Island is now one of the most robust in our country with one week rentals hovering between $10,000 and $15,000 (for an average bungalow).
Fire Island Communities:
Davis Park
A boaters’ community built around it's massive 250-boat marina.
Dunewood
A residents only family community.
Fair Harbor
NYC getaway and popular among other Fire Island visitors as a shopping locale.
Fire Island Lighthouse
Built in 1857, and now rebuilt as a museum and observatory.
Fire Island Pines
A 700 home community also with a strong gay culture
Fire Island Summer Club
Exclusive and private.
Kismet
Popular Party spot with nightlife and house parties. Also walkable from the Robert Moses Beach
Lonelyville
One of the first communities - nothing but houses here - no stores at all.
Ocean Bay Park
The party atmosphere can be found here all night long.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach has the most bars, restaurants and shops on Fire Island.
Point o' Woods
The oldest and most private community on the island, with a massive fence bordering Ocean Bay Park and no bars, shops or restaruants can be found here.
Robins Rest
Walk in from Ocean Beach and enjoy the solitude and some great restaurants.
Sailors Haven
Perfect place for a day-trip.
Saltaire
A family spot.
Seaview
An excellent community to visit on foot.
Smith Point
Here you will find the only surfing competition on the Island.
Sunken Forest
See Fire Island's wildlife and do some bird watching in this magnificent forest.
Watch Hill
Camping, trails, nature walks can be found here.
Water Island
Very Private and secluded.
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