At Fire Island [1]’s westernmost end is the 1,000-acre Robert Moses State Park (off Robert Moses Causeway, 631/669-0449, dawn–dusk, $6–8 parking), one of only two sections of the island that you can drive to. A public beach since 1898, the park feels like a smaller, less crowded version of Jones Beach [2]. Run by the National Seashore, it’s equipped with bathhouses, shops, and snack bars.
At the park’s western end is the black-and-white-striped Fire Island Lighthouse (631/661-4876, www.fireislandlighthouse.com; 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. daily Apr.–June; 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. daily July 1–Labor Day; 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. (or 4 p.m. after daylights savings) daily Labor Day–mid-Dec; 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Mon.–Fri. and noon–4 p.m. Sat.–Sun. mid-Dec.–Mar.), first built in 1827 to help put an end to the many shipwrecks that had occurred here.
The current lighthouse dates back to 1858, and at its base is a visitors center (631/661-4876, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. daily July–Sept.). Tower tours (adults $6, seniors and children $4) should be reserved in advance.
To reach Robert Moses State Park, take the Robert Moses Causeway off the Sunrise Highway (Route 27) or the Southern State Parkway.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-city-long-island/long-island/the-south-shore/fire-island
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-city-long-island/long-island/the-south-shore/jones-beach