Fire Island Pines is often described as a gay playground — a sanctuary for community, debauchery, and occasionally, relaxation. Since the island is not a typical travel destination, we polled Fire Island veterans and first-timers on what people should know about Fire Island before you go.
Have fun, stay hydrated, and don’t miss the ferry!
1. Mosquitoes are everywhere — and you will get eaten alive. Bring bug spray!
2. Open container laws ARE a thing. You will get a ticket for walking around with a red solo cup at the harbor. Cops abound.
3. The island operates around an unspoken schedule of High, Middle, and Low Tea — if you don’t follow it, and try to go out, it won’t be surprising if you end up in a completely empty bar. And people move extremely fast from place to place, a bar will go from 500 people to 0 people in 10 minutes flat. See our guide below, and if you have any questions — just ask a bartender where you should go (or go next) — they’ll give you the tea.
Low Tea: At The Blue Whale from around 4:00PM – 8:00PM
Middle Tea: After The Blue Whale is Middle Tea around the Tryst Pool Deck
High Tea: The evening closes out (before night time officially kicks off) at Pavilion on the outdoor upper floors, as well as at Sip N Twirl
4. A heated pool changes the game — your 4am afters will be much more enjoyable.
5. While Fire Island Pines has historically been a New York City-area destination, due to popularity (whether from Instagram, the Bowen Yang movie, or the gay grapevine), Fire Island Pines guests are from all over — from LA, London, Chicago.
6. The Island welcomes everyone — you don’t have to be “hot” or have a supermodel body. The Island is a glorious mix of everyone.
7. The Meat Rack is just… a forest trail. If you don’t like the woods, bugs, or roaming through a forest in the dark, take the water taxi. You’ll thank yourself later when you head to Cherry Grove for dinner, a drag show, or the Underwear Party.
8. Lots of places don’t have AC. You have been warned.
9. Being friendly is encouraged, but like any group of people, you’ll encounter an unfriendly person or two. Don’t take it personally if someone gives you an attitude.
10. A noon alarm sounds like The Purge every day — but fret not, it’s a test of the fire department’s alarm system.
11. Every drink you buy will probably cost over $15. New Yorkers won’t be surprised by this, but it may shell shock visitors from afar.
12. While all ages are on the island, the crowd leans toward folks in their 30s, 40s, and 50s and beyond.
13. Bring cash for the shuttle between Sayville and the ferry.
14. It’s sometimes cheaper, yet way easier, to return to the city if you reserve an uber from the ferry station with 3 friends and have it drop you off in the city.
15. And finally – BE SOCIAL! Talk to the person at the pool, next to you at Pavilion, or even walking down the boardwalk. You never know who you’ll meet!
