3 Best Sights in Fire Island, Long Island

The 168-foot-tall lighthouse—Long Island's tallest—marks the western end of the Fire Island National Seashore. The black-and-white-striped beauty, built in 1858, replaced the original 1826 lighthouse which, at 74 feet tall, was deemed too short to be effective. Tours of the tower are offered; call for tour times and reservations. On clear days Manhattan skyscrapers are visible from the top of the lighthouse, a climb up 192 winding steps. Many events are held here throughought the year, including family adventures and scavenger hunts, nature walks, ghost tours in October, and flying Santa in December. To get to the lighthouse, park on the east side of Field 5 of Robert Moses State Park and then walk ¾ mile following the marked trail.

Stretching 32 miles from the Fire Island Lighthouse, the seashore is accessible via a boardwalk from Robert Moses State Park in the west to Smith Point County Park to the east. A barrier island on Long Island's South Shore, Fire Island National Seashore offers endless opportunities for sightseeing, hiking, and wildlife viewing on nature trails as well as sunbathing or swimming on its long stretches of pristine sandy beaches. Barrett Beach/Talisman, a quiet, secluded beach around the midpoint of the island, is accessible by private boat or charter.

Take a 1½-hour sightseeing cruise around the Great South Bay on this 149-passenger paddlewheeler. The boat features an air calliope with player piano, so you can cruise with a tune. Reservations are recommended.