Welcome to post-season, the best time of year. By now, most people are getting their pumpkin spiced lattes and buying their new fall scent candles. The summer crowd has moved out and their beach days are gone. But this is the absolute best time of year to take a trip to Fire Island. The Ocean is warm, the island is quiet, the restaurants are open.
For anyone who does not know what/where Fire Island is, it’s an island parallel to the south shore of Long Island filled with beach cruises and wagons in these small, quaint towns. Bikes are the primary form of transportations since cars aren’t allowed. My bikes are my babies. I am so in love with them. They are from Priority bicycles. The quality of them is unreal, but they also make me feel so cool and cute when I’m riding. If you’re looking to buy a beach cruiser for Fire Island, I highly recommend getting a Priority bike. Anyone in Fire Island knows how quickly the salt water damagers a bike, but these are specifically designed to fight the sand, salt, and water. And they are BEAUTIFUL.
I’ve been riding my bike to Fire Island since I was a kid with my mom and sister from Robert Moses. Riding through each town, I always dreamed of what it would be like to have a Fire Island summer. So three years ago, I decided to work and move to Ocean Beach and live out that fantasy. And as amazing as July and August on Fire Island is, September is still my favorite time of year. The crowds are gone, the sun is hot, the ocean is warm, the nights are cool and cozy, and the sunsets feel like they are yours alone to witness. Its a time I always look forward to.
I love to bike through all of the towns, but you can walk them as well or take a ferry from Bay Shore. I park at Robert Moses field 5. There is a $8 parking fee on weekends if you don’t have the pass. It is free on the weekdays, but if you’re going to do this during the week make sure to pack water, snacks, and lunch in your basket.
Here are a few of favorite things to do:
Fire Island Lighthouse
I come here year round, for sunset and sunrises, on days where I want to be alone and need some clarity, or sometimes when I just want to do something fun with my friends. There is a boardwalk you can walk on from the entrance of Robert Moses, but if you’re on a bike there is a dirt road you can ride on to avoid pedestrians.
The lighthouse is open daily, year-round, 10am-4pm for $8 if you want to climb to the top.
Surf’s Out in Kismet
Surf Out is on the bayside in Kismet, the first town in Fire Island. As soon as you get off the sand, make the first left. If you’re unsure there is a sign that says “town” with an arrow pointing left. The Surf’s Out is open Friday-Sunday noon-9pm (call first if the weather is questionable). They have sushi that everyone raves about (I don’t eat sushi), but it’s a great spot with good food and good vibes.
Le Dock in Fair Harbor- Open weekends through Labor Day
Le Dock is owned by Jean-Georges Vongerichten, a world-famous chef. It’s also a perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Great South Bay. Even in the off season, you can watch from the window and it’s beautiful.
Have a Wine & Cheese on the Beach
Whether you bring a bottle and blanket or have a whole dinner on the beach, no one will bother you. You can pack a picnic and enjoy a night with your friends in any town outside of Ocean Beach (the Land of No). You’re okay as long as you’re not bothering anyone. I spend most of my sunsets here with my friends. Riding our bikes down to the beach to watch the sky changes colors over the ocean or going for a swim while the ocean is still warm. If you’re in Ocean beach, ride outside of the town lines to Seaview or Corneille and you will be fine.
The last stop before you hit sand is Lonleyville. You can NOT ride your bike to Ocean Beach. Your options are to walk your bike across the sand (I don’t recommend), lock your bike up in Atlantique and walk the rest of the way, or take a water taxi with your bike. You can NOT get not on the ferry with your bike so you have to take a water taxi back and then ride back to Robert Moses. The walk is about 25 minutes along the ocean from Lonelyville.
Maguire’s Bayfront Restaurant for Sunset
I might be biased because I’ve worked there for a couple of years, but Maguire’s will always be my favorite restaurant on Fire Island. It’s the best place to watch the sunset on the island. Every night during summer, the dock will be filled with people watching the sun go down. But in post season, with a cozy sweater and a glass of wine, the sky is yours. The food is great and the staff are the best people on Earth.
And lastly, enjoy some time for yourself
I like to spend a lot of time on my own and in the quiet to read, journal, and connect with myself. So post season is heaven for me. The best days are always the ones where I ride my bike through the empty streets, only listening to the sounds of birds and ocean waves, sun on my face, calm and at peace. It’s a day of therapy that I think everyone deserves to enjoy. 
I hope you go and enjoy the rest of the good weather.
XOXO,
CK
