Waterfront day trips
10L Beach Bag
Keep day-trip items together near the shore; do not assume submersion protection.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into ISP, drive to Fire Island
48 min drive26 milesNo entry permit
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- ISP
Airport drive- 48 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 2–3 days
Reservation demand- Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes- Vehicles are prohibited on most of the island. Park your car at the mainland terminal and rely on ferries, water taxis, and walking for the duration of your visit.
Your route
ISP
Long Island MacArthur Airport
Fire Island
About 48 min · 26 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to ISP
Compare fares into Long Island MacArthur Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at ISP
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Fire Island. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at ISP
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Fire Island
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
Monitor National Seashore Ferry and Camping Schedules
There are no general entry fees for Fire Island National Seashore, but ferries are privately operated and require tickets. Watch Hill camping and Otis Pike High Dunes wilderness permits must be reserved through Recreation.gov, often opening six months in advance. Because the island is car-free, all logistical planning must center on ferry schedules which vary by season and weather.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
June – September
Your route
Day 1 · Sunken Forest and Sailors Haven
Sunken Forest → Sailors Haven Beach
Day 2 · Lighthouse and Wilderness
Fire Island Lighthouse → Otis Pike High Dunes Wilderness
Day 3 · Watch Hill and Great South Bay
Watch Hill Nature Trail → Watch Hill Marina
Viator
Tours & experiences near Fire Island
Explore guided activities around Fire Island. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Fire Island
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Travel documents & cards
Crossbody Card Holder
Keep cards close on sightseeing days; check dimensions for what you want to carry.
Uneven walking trails
Adjustable Trekking Pole
An optional support on uneven walks. Check trail rules, pole length and airline baggage rules.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Fire Island?
Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from ISP to Fire Island?
Roughly 48 min (about 26 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Fire Island?
There are no general entry fees for Fire Island National Seashore, but ferries are privately operated and require tickets. Watch Hill camping and Otis Pike High Dunes wilderness permits must be reserved through Recreation.gov, often opening six months in advance. Because the island is car-free, all logistical planning must center on ferry schedules which vary by season and weather.
Keep planning
Full guideStays, 3-day plan and route map for Fire Island
