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If you’re going to make a visit to Fire Island you have to visit the beautiful community of Ocean Beach, which is the largest town on Fire Island. Ocean Beach was incorporated as a village in 1921. It stands as a popular destination on Fire Island for its street festivals, shops, pubs, restaurants, nightlife, and the tranquil beach.
The barrier island runs 32-miles long and since no cars are allowed on the Island, people get around by walking, biking, and lugging wagons to transport heavier items. In fact, there’s a wagon parking lot next to the ferry dock.
A visit to Ocean Beach is an opportunity to relax and clear your mind because it is in many ways like a water paradise resort. You’ll find yourself in a timeless vacation world because there are no cars around you – only beautiful homes, birds chirping, bicycle bells ringing, and the sight of tranquility in the sea. You will be left with nothing but the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate all that is around you.
Traveling to Ocean Beach
Making your way to Ocean Beach can be done in several ways:
If you’re already on Fire Island, just take a water taxi ride over or you can also reach it by foot or bike on the inland walks.
If you’re on Long Island, make your way to Bay Shore where you can catch a ferry ride across the Great South Bay for a half-hour.
If you’re traveling from Manhattan, it’ll take you about an hour to catch the LIRR to Bay Shore and hop on the ferry from there.
Things to Do
From its sandy beach, tranquil waters, restaurants & pubs, boutiques & shops, to the endless outdoor activities, there’s something to do for everyone! The liveliness during the day is equally as lively at night, too!
Ocean Beach Community House
It houses a theater where you can enjoy plays and movies.
Boardwalk Promenade
Walk down the boardwalk promenade and enjoy the view of the bay. The boardwalk is also lined with benches so you can sit down and take a break along the way.
Beautiful Sunrise and Sunset
Whether you’re an early riser or like to start fun later in the day, you’ll have the chance to catch the glorious sunrise and sunset view from Ocean Beach.
Main Street
A walk through Main Street can be fun for kids and adults with its many mom and pop shops, boutiques, and even local children selling painted seashells souvenirs from their wagons.
Jet Skiing and Dinghy
Adventure awaits at the Ocean Beach Marina where you can jet ski or dinghy.
Children’s Playground
For the little ones who want to take a break from building sandcastles, take them to the children’s playground located in front of the community center for swings, slides, and other fun park equipment features.
Other water activities include swimming, fishing, surfing, boating, and wind surfing.
Sports
Hit the tennis court and baseball field to add sports to your day.
Dining Options
Dining options are plenty whether you’re visiting Ocean Beach as a family or for great nightlife adventure.
Maguires
One Bay View Walk, Ocean Beach, NY 11770
This Bayfront restaurant features lunch and dinner as well as the late night crowd. It makes for a perfect destination to enjoy the sunset while dining to dishes like lobster, clam chowder, and late-night drinks since it’s right on the bay.
Michael’s Ristorante and Pizzeria
786 Evergreen Walk, Ocean Beach, NY 11770
Offering fine Italian cuisine there’s something to suit adults and kids. Select from seafood pasta, chicken steaks, to pizzas of different varieties at this family-friendly restaurant.
Albatross
320 Bay Walk, Ocean Beach, NY 11770
Many come here for its steamers, but its burgers are just as popular. Enjoy the nightlife at this American bar and grill restaurant.
Matthew’s
935 Bay Walk, Ocean Beach, NY 11770
Enjoy fresh fish as this seafood restaurant house. Outside seating is also available as well as a full bar, so enjoy lunch or an early dinner, and come back for nightlife music fun.
CJ’s
479 Bay Walk, Ocean Beach, NY 11770
This landmark bar is located at the Palms Hotel. The American bar restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
Rachel’s Bake Shop
325 Bay Walk, Ocean Beach, NY 11770
Need a place to catch breakfast, brunch, or dessert? Head here – it’ll be a hit with kids and adults. Find everything from muffins, pancakes, chicken tenders, omelettes, to brownies, cookies and cakes.
The Sandbar
470 Bay Walk, Ocean Beach, NY 11770
This is where you need to head for live music and entertainment. The pub and grill offers theme nights and you can order up wraps, sandwiches, and burgers.
Not So Ordinary Village Rules in “The Land of No”
After going over some of the local laws below, you’ll see why Ocean Beach came to the nickname of “The Land of No.” Even so with such a nickname, many come back year after year to enjoy all that it has to offer.
No bicycle riding through the village
No food on its beaches
No late night noise
No ball playing on the beach
Other tip: Bring cash because ATM machines may be hard to come by and many businesses accept cash only
Places to Stay
If you decide to extend your stay, there are several places to unwind for the evening and get rest.
Palms Hotel Fire Island
168 Cottage Walk, Ocean Beach, NY 11770
The boutique hotel offers standard rooms, suites, and bedroom cottage living quarters. Guests may also use its bicycles, wagons, beach chairs and umbrellas.
Clegg’s Hotel
478 Bayberry Walk, Ocean Beach, NY 11770
This bed and breakfast waterfront hotel offers guest rooms and furnished suites. Enjoy a stay facing the Great South Bay with continental breakfast.
Blue Waters Hotel
642 Bayberry Walk, Ocean Beach, NY 11770
The hotel offers guest a complimentary breakfast daily. Guests can also enjoy the beautiful garden sun deck, a roof top deck with chairs, and restaurant on site.
If you're looking for fun things to do in other great places on Long Island, check out our other Guides for Sag Harbor, The Hamptons, Fire Island, Montauk, Freeport, Northport, Greenport, Port Jefferson and North Fork!
Featured Photo By Nadine Wegner, via Free Images.