We visit this lighthouse annually on our fire island trip. Volunteers are so friendly and love to talk about the history of the lighthouse. The walk up to the top, 182 steps is very doable! A few platforms to stop and catch your breath. The view at the top is unbeatable. Take the extra few steps up and you can see the light turning at the top! read more

Fire Island LightHouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ocean Beach, New York

If you haven't been to Fire Island's landmark lighthouse, have you REALLY been to Long Island?? Well, I grew up on LI and truthfully never made it over here til I started having out of town visitors. Lately though, as a semi-landlocked refugee from Ohioooooooooo, I make it a point (ha!) to get over (and up!) here every chance I get!! The beach is beautiful, (any/every season) the boardwalk hike (from Parking Lot 5) is VERY easy and scenic (look for deer!!) and the view from the top of this historic lighthouse is priceless!! There's a lighthouse museum next door to the lighthouse itself, which is worth a visit (very friendly/informative info/volunteers) but if you're in a rush (esp. toward the end of the day/sunset) head right over the lighthouse itself and get tickets for that climb/money shot!! If I'm able to do the climb with only minimal huffing and puffing (!!) you should be able to as well, and the AMAZING 365 degree view you'll find will be more than worth the "struggle!!" DO IT, L.I.!!! read more

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Need a quick getaway from the busy city, Fire Island is a great place to visit. Personally fascinated by the history of lighthouses. Fire Island Lighthouse is a must see attraction. There are no cars on the island, taking the ferry is a great way to visit. If you want a quiet, relaxed visit definitely visit during the off season, which is before Memorial Day weekend. The actual lighthouse was closed for my visit but there was ship wreckage on display. In addition to skull of baby whale that washed ashore. The current Fire Island Lighthouse was completed in 1858, with a state-of-the-art revolving first order Fresnel lens produced in France by the Henry-Lepaute company. It was equipped with a first order hydraulic lamp, with 5 concentric wicks, and used Colza oil or whale oil. The 16-foot-tall, beehive-shaped glass and brass apparatus was rotated by means of a clockwork mechanism with flying pendulum. It emitted a 5-second flash once every minute. With a focal plane of 166 feet above sea level, this light could be seen from ships at least 21-23 nautical miles at sea. This original first order Fresnel lens served as a beacon to mariners from the top of the Fire Island Lighthouse from 1858 through 1932. In 1933, it was taken out of service and displayed at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia until 2000. For history buff's I am providing information on the Savannah ship wreckage below: The sea brings us many gifts. One that recently arrived at Fire Island Lighthouse is a 13' x 13' piece of wreckage, possibly a remnant of the last voyage of the ship Savannah. This was no ordinary ship that came to grief on our shores. The Savannah was the first steam-powered ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean.On May 22, 1819, she left Savannah Harbor and sailed across the Atlantic Twenty-nine days later she arrived at Liverpool to the cheers of thousands who came to see the smoke and sparks bursting from her single stack. Under steam for about 80 hoursof her voyage, her notoriety caused quite a sensation in Europe, where she visited many ports, including Stockholm, St. Petersburg, and Copenhagen.Returning to Savannah in November 1819, she failed to attract passengers and cargo because steam technology was still considered dangerous and unreliable. She was sold and converted to full sail, then carrying cargo between Savannah and New York.On November 5, 1821, during a terrible storm, she missed New York Harbor and wrecked off the shore of Fire Island where she remained buried for more than 200 years.Tropical Storm Ian uncovered the piece of her wreckage that began its journey westward with the tides, where it was pulled from the beach east of Robert Moses Field 5.On November 17th, 2022, National Park Service staff delivered the wreckage to the Lighthouse. Currently, N. P. S. staff is conducting research to positively identify the wreckage, including evident construction particulars and other anecdotal evidence of size, circumstance, and location of the wreck. The historic impact of the transatlantic voyage of Savannah will never be overlooked. Memorialized by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933, he designated the day that the Savannah began its historic transatlantic voyage, May 22nd, as National Maritime Day.The sea has presented us with an extraordinary gift, delivered right to our doorstep: a remarkable piece of Maritime Heritage, now on view at the Fire Island Lighthouse for all visitors to appreciate.Angela ReichAuthorShipwreck of Hopes read more

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A nice experience here- if you go on a nice day the view from the top is very scenic. It's $10 per adult and $5 per kid to get in- parking is free in the winter but extra in the summer. You can't park right there; it's a bit of a hike- maybe a brisk 10 min walk from the parking lot, though it is pleasant being near the beach. They had lots of knowledgeable volunteers giving you good info about the light house. The climb is 182 steps; we were the only ones there early morning in November, but I'd imagine it gets a lot more crowded in the warm season. The top is not that big so it could be a little bit of a cluster; perhaps makes most sense to visit in the off-season. The also have a very small museum with some other artifacts in it. Overall, a worthwhile visit. read more

Approximately a 20 minute brisk walk from Field 5 in Robert Moses State Park or the hamlet of Kismet, The LightHouse is open all-year round but for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, according to staff. The landmark is also accessible by water taxi from any of the Fire Island towns. Yesterday, a friend of mine and I took a water taxi there from Ocean Beach. We purchased our $30 round-trip tickets, using the Uber and FI mTickets apps, both respectively. Two docents provided a free historical recount of The Lighthouse, emphasizing that this is NOT the original Lighthouse. The original one was built in 1826 and was dismantled by 1858, when the present-day Lighthouse's construction was completed. All materials from the first Lighthouse were recycled into the new one. However, the foundation of the old one can be viewed, right next to the tower. We also viewed the original Fresnel Lens, which was taken out of service in 1933 when it was replaced by a higher speed bulb that flashes once every 7.5 seconds instead of once every 60 seconds, according to our two storytelling docents. The artifact is in The Fresnel Lens Building, and viewing is free of charge. There was also the annual Columbus Day weekend Craft Beer Festival yesterday, on the terrace of the former Keepers' Quarters. Wedding ceremonies are held there throughout the year. Visit fireislandlighthouse dot com or call 631 583 5901 for more information. Mask use is enforced in The Lighthouse and The Lens Building. We did not have time to climb to the top of the tower, which would have cost us $10 each. It would have been ideal to stay to see the spectacular sunset, but we had to rush out to do our walk to Kismet, where we would take the last water taxi of the day to Ocean Bay Park. The captain told us on the way to The Lighthouse that dangerously rough waves were forecast for that evening and that 5 o'clock would be the last departure. I hope to return to The Lighthouse for The Winter Solstice, just to see the spectacular sunset on the shortest day of the year. I will drive out to Robert Moses State Park and park on Field 5 because water taxi season ends on Columbus Day. I also plan to climb to the top next Spring or Summer after the season resumes. Every Long Islander should visit The Lighthouse at least once. It is an amazing adventure for families, friends and couples. You will definitely be entertained. read more

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Beautiful lighthouse with a rich maritime history. The volunteers and staff are knowledgeable and friendly. Make sure you stop inside the fresnel lens building right by the lighthouse. The two docents inside that day, John and Ernie are a treasure trove of information and make you feel like you're in kindergarten again during storytelling time. Beautiful displays filled with artifacts and descriptions of the history of fire Island makes for great reading. During Covid the lighthouse is limiting the number of people in the building and entrance to the lighthouse. So if you plan to go to the top of the lighthouse be patient. They are only allowing people from the same group to go up and down together. Other groups need to wait until they are finished before being allowed in. Remember, not all areas and exhibits are opened due to Covid and some exhibits charge a small fee. Don't forget to park at field 5, there is no parking closer to the lighthouse and if you miss field 5 you will have to loop around and come back. There is a fee for parking during the regular season. read more

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Fire Island lighthouse Great place to visit for locals and tourists alike. Climb to the top and your views of fire Island can't be beat. The lighthouse is a short hike from the parking lot. There's a fantastic lighthouse Museum right next door. The volunteer that was working there was the most informative about lighthouses I've seen anywhere. Lighthouse staff and all other customers were strictly complying with covid-19 safety standards. Hand sanitizer everywhere. read more

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I'd been meaning to visit for as long as I remember and finally find time for a visit. The trail to the light house from the parking lot is about less a mile. The mgt makes the way to the house interesting ... lots of friendly animals like rabbit, deer are visible and trees, plants and flowers can be seen. Due to Covid 19 , the museum is closed but the gift shop is open. We went around the light house and it's nearby vicinity. The lighthouse is so beautiful and it's color is a very significant sight. Do not miss to swing by the dock and shore area if you will visit. Kismet is another mile walk from the light house if you want to stroll and browse the community. Will get back once it is re-open for visit. . read more

Fire Island LightHouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ocean Beach, New York

Amazing views and great staff! Will definitely be back! Nice adventure away from the city.

The fire island lighthouse is absolutely beautiful and I think it is a must to get on the top at least once. The view from the top is so beautiful. It gives a 360 degree view to the island. During pandemic, they have limited to 10 people max to get on the lighthouse each time. There is a height requirements to get up the lighthouse. The fee to get up is $10 per adult and $5 per kid, ticket is sold inside the gift shop. read more

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The Fire Island Lighthouse history extends from 1826 as a 74 foot tower, which was later replaced with a 180 foot stone tower Lighthouse. It's a noticeable landmark on the Great South Bay on the western end of Fire Island. What I found interesting is that the lighthouse was built it on the edge of Fire Island Inlet, which was considered at the time the western end of Fire Island. However through the buildup of parallel currents of the south shore of Long Island, Fire Island has extended itself through accumulating sand the lighthouse is now nearly five miles from the western end of the island. We definitely enjoyed our walk on the beach and the wild life of the western part of Fire Island. I highly recommend a leisure walk on a warm day in the autumn. read more

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Wonderful visit here in October. The lighthouse was built in 1858 and is 168 feet tall. There are a number of trails around the lighthouse leading to the beach and the parking lot. The walk up to the top takes a few minutes and is narrow in some places. The views on top are spectacular ! You are on a barrier island (Fire Island); one side is the Great South Bay and the other side is the Atlantic Ocean. Bring your binoculars! The staff were so welcoming and you are escorted to the top by a member. There is a small museum that explains the interesting history of the site. There is also a gift shop that has a nice collection of keepsakes and books. It's a nice outing that brings you outside. There is also some great bird watching in the area as well. read more

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The volunteers are so nice and knowledgeable! Such a pleasant experience! Gorgeous view when you make it to the top! read more

Fire Island LightHouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ocean Beach, New York

Anyone visiting the southern coast of Long Island should definitely make a stop at the Fire Island Lighthouse. Whether you get tickets to climb to the top of the lighthouse, or even just make a stop at the education buildings, this was most definitely a highlight of my visit to LI. All of the staff are so kind, so informative, and really make sure you get the most out of your visit :) read more

Fire Island LightHouse - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Ocean Beach, New York

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The Fire Island Lighthouse is a must see if you are on the island and the weather is nice. It's an easy walk from Field 5/Robert Moses state park. And it's a beautiful lighthouse!! You can walk up to the top of the lighthouse for a a small fee ($10). Due to COVID, they did limit the number of people permitted inside to seven. There's also a gift shop attached to the lighthouse and a small museum which features the "lightbulb" but it was closed at this time. It's alsoan easy walk to Kismet, the first village on Fire Island. This time of year everything is closed but if you wanted to walk there, you could. Or you could just walk to the beach and just marvel at the great Atlantic Ocean. I prefer coming to the lighthouse in the Fall or Spring versus the Summer. On a mild winter day, it's also probably very beautiful. If you live on Long Island, you should at least visit the lighthouse once. If you are coming from Manhattan or Queens, I recommend taking the Ocean Parkway for a beautiful scenic route. From the city, it's probably a 45 to 55 minute drive. read more

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It is a wonderful little museum. I also love the restored Fernell lens from the early 20th century lighthouse. The volunteers are knowledgeable and helpful. It's definitely a place to go and I would recommend it to anyone in the area! read more

This place should have reviews and photos! I will be sure to return just to add some photos. I visited the Fire Island Light House some years ago with my best friend for his birthday; it was one of the most telling adventures I've ever had. One I will always remember. The only negative this is that you have to park your car about a mile away and walk the rest of the way which isn't bad, especially if the weather calls for it. The best time to go is during a sunset, the ocean is on one side and the sun is reflecting off of everything in sight; perfection, if you ask me. This is a place that is great for wedding/engagement photos! Amazing scenery that adds a flare to romance; you will have exceptional photos! I plan to visit this place again in the near future. You should also; you will thank yourself for the adventure! read more