This is a very long and narrow island with many beaches. It runs east-west under Long Island. Apart From Robert Moses (left side of map) and Smith Point (right side of map) there is no car access.
Here are 4 nude beaches-
Lighthouse Beach
This is not easy to get to without a car. Its about a mile walk from either Kismet or Robert Moses. Walk along the beach until you are just east of the lighthouse. This is one of the most popular nude beaches. There is a small area in front of the lighthouse that is not nude.Kismet
transport- LIRR to Babylon and bus to Robert Moses
by car- State Pkwy to R.Moses Causeway (Exit 40) south. Go to end, follow R.Moses State Park signs. Bear left at traffic circle, park in Field 5. Walk 1 mi. on boardwalk nature trail or dirt rd to lighthouse.
Turn right (west) when you get to the beach at Kismet and walk about 5 minutes towards the lighthouse until you see a big sign "Beyond This Point You May Encounter Nude Sunbathers". It's basically Lighthouse Beach East. It's quite large and not crowded.
On the bay side there are two bars that serve food and a general store.
transport-
LIRR to Bayshore ($12? return) and Ferry to Kismet . When you get to Bayshore take one of the waiting "Davis Bros. Taxis" to the ferry (cost:$3 about 12 minutes) . The Ferry is $11 for a return fare (20 minutes).David Bros. Taxis also go direct from manhattan (631) 665-4800 $18 (or $21 Sundays and holidays)
Cherry Grove
Cherry Grove has many shops, a few restaurants and 3 large bars with dancing. It's a very tolerant mix of gay women and men and a few straights. The beach is a recognized nude beach. Probably less than half go nude but no one seems bothered either way. If you turn left at the beach and walk east you will see groups of nude people. Walk for about 30 minutes and you will be at the Pines.
transport-
LIRR to Sayville and Ferry to Cherry Grove When you get to Sayville take one of the waiting taxis to the ferry (cost:$3 about 12 minutes). The Ferry is $11 for a return fare (20 minutes).
The Grove Hotel is a popular place to stay.
This is about 90% gay male. Of course its the prettiest part of Fire Island. There is an inlet on the bay side for boats and it has many shops and some bars. The beach is about half nude and nearly all male.
transport-
LIRR to Sayville and Ferry to The Pines When you get to Sayville take one of the waiting taxis to the ferry (cost:$3 about 12 minutes). The Ferry is about $11 for a return fare (20 minutes).
$33 includes ferry and bus fares. -
This is a commuter ferry. A very large and luxurious catamaran. Tickets are sold as you get on the ferry.
I haven't been on this ferry for a while. Email me if you have any info. Last time I went during the week and caught a waiting shuttle bus. Now the web site says weekends only.
phone: 1-800-BOATRIDE (they might not answer)
Wiki Travel- Fire Island, Sandy Hook