Fire Island Lighthouse

About the Fire Island Lighthouse

As you reach the eastern end of Robert Moses State Park, the Fire Island Lighthouse towers over the dune landscape. The black and white striped tower is a visible landmark on the Great South Bay and a popular sightseeing spot. It is part of the Fire Island National Seashore and home to the Fire Island Light Station which houses the light, keepers quarters, the lens building and a boat house. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

About the Lighthouse

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When you climb to the top of the Fire Island Lighthouse you will be rewarded with stunning views of Fire Island to the east and the NY skyline to the west. On a clear day, of course.

It is the tallest, but not the oldest lighthouse on Long Island among more than 20 structures. At 168 feet, the Fire Island Lighthouse stands more than 50 feet taller than the one at Montauk.

There are 182 steps to the top where you can see 360-degrees in every direction from the gallery platform.

There are many landings along the way to ease the climb with lots to see from the windows on the way up.

There is no restaurant here, so pack a lunch or go east about a mile to Kismet.

It costs $8 ($4 for kids, seniors and veterans), which goes to the Lighthouse Preservation Society.

Events are held year-round, including evening tours and the tree lighting ceremony. You can get married here, but no receptions are permitted. See events here

The lighthouse and surroundings have appeared in films and TV, including The Following and Men in Black II.

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History of the Lighthouse

The current lighthouse is not the first built on this site. In 1826, the first tower was built with Connecticut River blue split stone. The octagonal tower was 74 feet tall, and its light could be seen for about 10-14 nautical miles out to sea.

Today’s lighthouse was completed in 1858, and is 184 feet high. Its remarkable 16 foot tall revolving Fresnel Lens could be seen for 20 miles. It was replaced in 1932 with the electric light we have today.

What to Do at The Lighthouse

For school groups

Call 631-661-4876

School groups are welcomed at the Fire Island Lighthouse weekday mornings during the school year. The program is designed to accommodate 4th grade Common Core Curriculum guidelines. Group size is limited to a maximum of 50 students.

There are 3 45-minute segments, including:

1. Tower climb
2. US Life Saving Service lecture and demonstration
3. Forces of Nature (Nature Walk, Lens Building and Boathouse)

Trained volunteers conduct the tower tour and USLSS portions of the program. Find out more here

Special Tours

Special tours can be arranged for groups including sunset tours. Call 631-661-4876 to make arrangements.

Take a walk

Explore the nature trails, the bay and ocean that surround the Fire Island Lighthouse. Bring lunch and relax.

Visit the exhibits

Learn about the demanding life of a Lighthouse Keeper and how the Lighthouse works in the exhibit area.

Visit the gift shop

Support the upkeep of the Lighthouse and bring a meaningful gift home.

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Directions and Contact Info

Fire Island Lighthouse
631-661-4876

Directions by car:

From 495 take exit 53 South onto Sagtikos Parkway to Southern State Parkway (2 exits)
From Southern Parkway take exit 40S to Bay Shore
From Sunrise Highway take exit 41S to Robert Moses Causeway
Take Robert Moses Causeway south to the end, then east to Parking field #5. There is a parking fee at certain times of the year. Park on the easternmost end of the parking field and follow the boardwalk right to the lighthouse.

Directions by train:

Take the LIRR to Bay Shore. Take the ferry to Kismet, then walk west about a mile, or in season, take a water taxi.

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