Fire Island Heats up New York
The Perfect Gay and Lesbian Beach Travel Destination
Endless miles of sandy beach line the shores of Fire Island, a truly gay travel destination only hours from the frantic heart of New York City.
When the temperature rises in New York City, thousands of its gay and lesbian population head to Fire Island to cool off – or heat things up.
Located a mere 60 miles east of NYC, Fire Island offers miles of coastline, sandy beaches and natural surroundings , as well as scores of hot men to sizzle your summer afternoon.
This federally protected area, officially known as the Fire Island National Seashore, packs sand dunes, white beaches, camping, hiking trails, hotels, restaurants, nude beaches as well as several drinking holes into its 32 miles. Popular with naturists, families and scores of gays who come to check out the view.
Gay Resorts on Fire Island
While this tiny island contains several rustic villages and a break from downtown traffic (most of the island is car free) its claim to fame stems from two infamous gay resorts that attract hundreds of hot bodies all summer long.
The Pines and Cherry Grove lead the way to gay beach adventure but each resort attracts a different animal. Cherry Grove inhabitants consist mainly of buffed Manhattan men with bulging muscles and wallets, while The Pines caters to the rest of the pack including lesbians. But it doesn’t really matter anyway since both sides are equally comfortable seeking out a bit of action in the middle forest area – a tree covered labyrinth of trails called the Meat Rack - for obvious reasons.
Day trips to Fire Island are common but to get a true experience, spend a night and enjoy the lively nightlife at The Pines. Low Tea or The Tea Dance begins at 5pm at The Blue Whale. Enjoy cocktails and great company before heading to the balcony above Pavilion for High Tea – more drinks and a DJ infused summer party or dance all night at any of the multiple parties that occur on the island all summer long such as the Ascension Party. Just remember to bring some extra cash as these parties can cost a fortune to attend. Also bring a compact flashlight to navigate the island in the dark.
In the morning enjoy a relatively quiet stroll along the boardwalks that make up the extensive highway connecting the many Fire Island rental houses or bask in the beauty of the beach. More than likely you’ll be the only one there since most residents sleep away the morning after a night of partying. Early morning is the best time to relax and refocus as waves crash in, pounding the beach in a heartbeat rhythm.
Getting to Fire Island
For around $14 round trip, The Long Island Rail Road connects Manhattan with Sayville and Bay Shore. From there, hop aboard the summer shuttle which brings you directly to the Fire Island Ferry. Tickets cost an additional $14 and are collected on the return trip.
More Gay-Friendly travel
If you love Fire Island but seek out other gay-friendly destinations in the North East United States, take a trip to beautiful Provincetown, Massachusetts.
