People coexist peacefully with animal life, in part because there are no roads on the island. Boardwalks connect 17 small, private communities with each other and the separate sections of the national seashore. This 20,000-acre island has long served as an escape from the bustle of car-congested New York City. Swimming and boating are favorite water activities, while boardwalks invite leisurely strolls. In 1964, Congress reserved 6,200 of these acres as a national seashore in order to preserve both wildlife habitat, rare on the East Coast, and a car-free environment for citizens.

What to see and do. Except for bridges at either end of the island, which lead to state parks, the only other way over is by private boat or ferry. Both Watch Hill and Sailors Haven offer boatslips for rent.

On the western end of the National Seashore, the first Fire Island Lighthouse was built in 1826; the present 166-foot tower was completed in 1858. At the Fire Island Lighthouse visitor center, ranger programs and exhibits will introduce you to the lighthouse's history and how the keepers lived before automation. After climbing 192 steps to the top for a splendid island view, walk the self-guided nature trail at the base for a close-up view.

Another daytrip could take you to the Sunken Forest at Sailors Haven. A deep hollow in the dunes shelters a dense hardwood miniforest of sassafras and holly trees, some of them 200 years old. Because the trees can't grow above the dune tops due to salty winds, they remain short, with forest growth concentrated near the ground. Take a guided tour along the 1.5-mile boardwalk, or explore the inner reaches of the Sunken Forest yourself, keeping your eyes peeled for deer or fox.

Visitors are advised to wear shoes when walking on any boardwalks and to stay on the walks. Dunes are particularly vulnerable, and several pairs of feet can undo years of natural work. You'll also be safe from the prevalent poison ivy.

Eight miles east of Sailors Haven, the Watch Hill Nature Trail provides a good view of a salt marsh and other barrier island ecosystems. Between the Watch Hill Visitor Center, where there's a campground, and the Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center lie seven miles of wilderness area. At Fire Island Wilderness Visitor Center, be sure to walk the short nature loop. During the spring and fall migration seasons, bird-watching becomes the wilderness area's main attraction. Situated on the Atlantic Flyway, Fire Island's marshes and dunes attract songbirds, shorebirds, and raptors.

Across the bridge on Long Island, the National Seashore includes the William Floyd estate. The estate includes a large home and several outbuildings which the Floyd family used for over 250 years.

Fire Island is primarily a summer destination. Services are limited during the winter, and the Sailors Haven and Watch Hill visitor centers are both closed. Camping facilities are limited, but cottages and rooms are available for rent in the several small communities. All camping is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Pets: Leashed pets are permitted.

Activities and Services

•	Beach
•	Bird Watching
•	Fishing
•	Food Service
•	Gift Shop
•	Guided Tours
•	Hiking/Nature Trails
•	Historic Sites
•	Motor Boating
•	Museum/Exhibits
•	Non-motor Boating
•	Picnic Sites
•	Programs/Talks
•	Self-guided Tours
•	Swimming
•	Visitor Center
•	Wildflower Viewing
•	Wildlife Viewing

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