Fire Island

A car-free barrier island off Long Island and, in summer, the best-known gay holiday destination on the US East Coast. The scene centres on two villages: Cherry Grove, with queer history dating back to the 1940s, and Fire Island Pines, with tea dances and big parties.

The scene

In the Pines, life revolves around the harbour: Low Tea at the Blue Whale, then High Tea at the Pavilion and later Sip-n-Twirl. In Cherry Grove, Cherry’s on the Bay with drag by the water and the Ice Palace at the Grove Hotel are the fixtures. A water taxi runs between the two villages.

When to go?

  • Season: Memorial Day (late May) to Labor Day; outside this period almost everything is closed
  • 4 July: Invasion of the Pines, the drag flotilla from Cherry Grove (for the 51st time in 2026)
  • September: Spartacus weekend at the end of the season in Cherry Grove (on 19 September in 2026)

Tours & activities in Fire Island

See all tours and activities in Fire Island on GetYourGuide

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Practical tips

  • Travel by LIRR to Sayville, then take the ferry; cars are not allowed on the island
  • The last ferry back leaves early and is packed on party nights
  • The water taxi between the Grove and the Pines costs around 10–15 US dollars

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Please check event dates with the organiser each year.

Map

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Places in Fire Island

Nightlife

Karaoke & Drag BarCherry’s on the BayDrag bar & restaurant · Fire Island Cherry GroveBar and restaurant with a deck on the Great South Bay in Cherry Grove. In season there's drag almost every night.ClubSip-n-TwirlGay club & lounge · Fire Island Fire Island PinesLounge and dance bar in the Pines harbour area. This is where the dancing continues when the Pavilion quietens down.BarThe Blue WhaleGay bar & tea dance · Fire Island Fire Island PinesBar and restaurant right at the Fire Island Pines harbour. This is considered the birthplace of the tea dance: the first one…ClubThe Ice PalaceGay club · Fire Island Cherry GroveDance club in the Grove Hotel at the Cherry Grove ferry dock, under this name since 1970. Known for drag shows, DJ…ClubThe PavilionGay club & tea dance · Fire Island Fire Island PinesThe big club at the Fire Island Pines harbour, rebuilt in 2013 after a fire. High Tea runs here every evening, followed…

Stay

GuesthouseBelvedere Guest House for MenGay guesthouse (men only) · Fire Island Cherry GroveMen-only guesthouse on the bay in Cherry Grove, built in 1957 in the style of a Venetian palazzo with towers, domes and…HotelThe Grove HotelGay hotel · Fire Island Cherry GroveHotel at the Cherry Grove ferry dock with a pool, restaurant and bar. The Ice Palace club belongs to it.GuesthouseThe Madison Fire Island PinesBoutique guesthouse · Fire Island Fire Island PinesModern adults-only guesthouse in Fire Island Pines with a heated pool and roof terrace, close to the harbour and the Pavilion.

Food & Café

RestaurantIsland BreezeRestaurant & tiki bar · Fire Island Cherry GroveSeasonal bar and restaurant with a tiki deck above the Cherry Grove ferry dock. Known for burgers, seafood and cocktails.RestaurantPines BistroRestaurant & martini bar · Fire Island Fire Island PinesFirst-floor restaurant above the Pines harbour with Italian-inspired continental cuisine and a martini bar. Popular for dinner before the Pavilion.CaféThe CanteenCafé & snack bar · Fire Island Fire Island PinesCasual daytime spot on the Pines Harbor Walk, part of the Waterfront at the Pines complex. Known for coffee, breakfast and sandwiches…

Culture

Arts Project of Cherry GroveQueer theatre · Fire Island Cherry GroveNon-profit LGBTQ+ cultural organisation, founded in 1948 with the Cherry Grove Follies. Its venue is the Community House & Theatre, which is…

Beaches & Nature

Gay BeachCherry Grove BeachGay beach · Fire Island Cherry GroveAtlantic beach of the car-free village of Cherry Grove, one of the oldest queer resorts in the USA.Gay BeachFire Island Pines BeachGay beach · Fire Island Fire Island PinesAtlantic beach of Fire Island Pines, reached via a short boardwalk from the harbour. Known as the summer catwalk of visitors from…

FAQ: Fire Island

Which gay bars and clubs are there in Fire Island?

The Atlas currently lists 5 bars and clubs in Fire Island, including Cherry’s on the Bay, The Ice Palace, The Blue Whale and Sip-n-Twirl. Each listing has the address, opening hours and our take on the place.

Is there a gay sauna in Fire Island?

There is currently no gay sauna listed for Fire Island in the Atlas. Know one? Let us know via the contact form.

Which gay-friendly hotels are there in Fire Island?

Recommended options include Belvedere Guest House for Men, The Grove Hotel and The Madison Fire Island Pines.