Fire Island Lighthouse on a Cold Day

When people think of Long Island, they always mention how crowded it can be, about the traffic, and about the expense of entertainment.

Last week I took a drive out to the Fire Island Lighthouse. 

This is part of the boardwalk which crosses through the park and over the dunes to the waterfront.  For the history of the lighthouse click here.

Dunes are peaceful and wonderful.  The plants that grow there are sculpted by both wind and the salt air.

Phragmites grow very tall in the wetlands of this park, and sway in the wind.

 

 As you walk around the park, the lighthouse comes into many views.  You can see the light keeper's cottage.

 

You look at the  changing clouds,

 

 

rolling waves,

 

 

 people far off in the distance, walking west,

the view to the east,

the surf making a wet print on the sand.

 

Walking to the top of the lighthouse is an adventure.  It can be windy on top, but the views are amazing.

Tower Tours

• Tower tours given whenever possible during the week.
• Lighthouse tower tours available until 1 hour before closing
• fall, winter and spring (weekends), summer (daily).
• Flat footwear suggested
• Children must be 42" tall
• Fee:
  
  
  • Adults $6
  • Seniors $4 (65 & Older)
  • Military Personnel $4 (Active Duty With ID)
  • Child $4 (12 & under)
  • Members $2

Hours of Operation

April through June - 9:30 am to 5 pm Daily
July 1st to Labor Day - 9:30 am to 6 pm Daily
Labor Day to mid-December - 9:30 am to 5 pm DST/4 pm EST Daily
Mid-December to March Weekends & Holiday 12 noon to 4 pm - Weekdays 10 am to 4 p

 Directions

• From 495 take exit 53s to Sagtikos Parkway to Southern State Parkway (2 exits)
• From Southern Parkway take exit 40 south
• From Sunrise Highway take exit 41S Robert Moses Causeway
• 
  
  
  The Fire Island Lighthouse is located at the western end of the Fire Island National Seashore, just east of Robert Moses State Park. Take Robert Moses Causeway south to the end. At the Robert Moses water tower proceed east to Parking field #5. There is a parking fee at certain times of the year. Please note that on busy summer days there can be a delay getting to the park due to the high volume of traffic. Park on the east side of the parking field and follow the boardwalk right to the lighthouse.
  
  GPS Coordinates:
  
  
  
  

• Latitude, 40° 37' 53" North
• Longitude, 73° 12' 51" West

 If you like the idea of walking around on a sunny Fall or Winter day, bundle up with a hooded jacket, and visit the Fire Island Light House.  You might even see some deer.