Watch Hill

Another National Seashore interpretive center (631/597-6455, seasonal hours), similar to but larger than the one at Sailors Haven [1], is located at Watch Hill, at the eastern end of Fire Island [2]. Remote and lonely in feel, Watch Hill is filled with windswept dunes and an often-unpopulated beach, while adjacent to it is a national wilderness area that visitors are welcome to explore.

Fall and spring are especially good times to come, as Fire Island is on the Atlantic flyway, a major avian migratory route. At the center of Watch Hill are bathhouses, a snack bar, nature trails, and the interpretive center.

Ferries operated by the Davis Park Ferry Co. (West and Division Sts., Patchogue, 631/475-1665, www.davisparkferry.com [3], adults round-trip $16, children round-trip $10.50) run May–November.