Day trip to Fire Island

Hi! I'm sad to say i've lived on LI my entire life and have only been to FI one time YEARS ago! Now I live in Bay Shore not far from the ferry and I still haven't gone.

Soo, I'm looking to take a day trip with my hubby and little one, who's only 1 yo. Based on my google searches i'm thinking Ocean beach would be best since there little shops and restaurants.

Does anyone know if there are restrooms on the beach or if it's a pain the butt finding one? Also is it easy to find a shady spot on the beach? Parks near by? Any other suggestions or warnings that this could be a total mess are greatly appreciated :)

Thank you!

Re: Day trip to Fire Island

Ocean Beach is adorable. Cute shops and restaurants. there are public restrooms in the town, I don't remember any on the actual beach, but I believe a few of the entrances may have had restrooms nearby... But either way, the walk from beach to town isn't that long. No shady areas on the beach or parks that I can remember in Ocean Beach. I did a house there for a few summers. It's really nice though!

Re: Day trip to Fire Island

Thank you!!

Re: Day trip to Fire Island

There are restrooms at the beach now in Ocean Beach but you won't find them unless you ask someone (ask a lifeguard). I think they closed at about 4pm or 5pm last summer. There really isn't any shade on the beach. It's worth it to take a beach umbrella out there.

Re: Day trip to Fire Island

we went with the kids last summer, and crossed our fingers and said we'd play it by ear. we werent going to be on the beach all day since we werent staying there and would have had no place to change, etc.

we took the ferry, and walked around. cant remember the name of the place, it was near a ferry stop, maybe it was ocean beach? or something Grove ? it was an adorable inground KIDDIE pool overlooking the water. we asked if we can use it. they said if we werent staying (renting) on fire island, that we could pay $20 for the family for the day! so we did that. it was awesome. the kids had a blast !! and we ate nearby and walked around some more. i loved it.
hope that helps.

Re: Day trip to Fire Island

Thank you everyone!! I'm going to see if I can figure out where that kiddie pool is :)

Re: Day trip to Fire Island

Darn, I wish I could remember where I read this but there was a beach club or place on FI where non-members could pay a small fee for the day to use the places amenities, like the bathroom. I ope you find it and let us know! I am spending a week over there next month and I would love to know!

Re: Day trip to Fire Island

I was wondering about the bathroom situation. My friend said they waited like 30m for a bathroom in a restaurant.
That doesn't sound like fun!