Hotel at a Glance: The Palms Hotel Fire Island
Ferries glide through the water near the private beach outside the Palms Hotel Fire Island. The hotel makes sure you’re equipped for a fun beach stay: you can borrow an umbrella to sit on the sand and listen to the waves, or rent a kayak to go paddling through the waves. In the evening, you can grill out in the courtyard and unwind with a cocktail from the onsite restaurant.
- In-room amenities: flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, free WiFi
- CJ’s Restaurant & Bar: Savor fresh seafood and craft cocktails.
- Cruise the waterfront on one of the hotel’s rental bikes.
- Award-winning service helped the hotel earn TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2014.
Fire Island, New York: Car-Free City with Clean Beaches and Vibrant Nightlife
Fire Island is just 5.5 miles off the south shore of Long Island and has a population of fewer than 300 residents, yet its clean beaches and quaint, cottage-lined streets have made it a popular East Coast vacation spot for nearly a century. Every summer, thousands of visitors come to Fire Island to escape the heat of New York City and relax by the beach. The area has long been a favorite destination for LGBTQ vacationers. The in-season vibe is relaxed and social, especially in the larger towns, such as Ocean Beach. You’ll probably want to rent a bike while you’re here: cars are banned all over the island, lending it an old-fashioned vibe.
When not lounging on the beach, many tourists make a day trip to the whimsical Sunken Forest, a maritime forest nestled into a large sand dune. Fire Island Lighthouse is also worth visiting for a history lesson and a great view. Climb its 192 winding steps up to the top to get a panorama of the island, then head back down to check out the museum housed in the old keeper’s quarters.