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Thinking of tossing a Frisbee or sipping a seltzer on the sand? Not so fast — Fire Island’s got rules. Lots of them. So know before you go.
Fire Island National Seashore may be a summertime dream, but if you don’t know the rules, your weekend escape could come with a hefty fine.
Fire Island is home to 17 different communities, but only two incorporated villages — Ocean Beach and Saltaire. And each has its own code enforcement and village court.
Everywhere else — like Kismet, Davis Park and Cherry Grove — falls under federal oversight through the Fire Island National Seashore, and also under either the Town of Brookhaven or Town of Islip, depending on the location.
The towns focus mostly on permits, construction, vehicle access and dune protection. They’re not going to fine you for playing catch on the beach or sipping a LaCroix.
But Ocean Beach and Saltaire will — and they’ve got the local laws on the books to back it up. So here’s your guide to navigating Fire Island like a seasoned local, because that baggie of Goldfish snacks for the kids could end up costing you $300.
Ocean Beach: The Land of No
This village is legendary for its strict code. And, yes, we know ‘the land of no” term is tired, but it’s really the best way to describe the place.
Here’s what to watch out for:
Only water in a plastic bottle
In Ocean Beach, you’re only allowed to have plain water in a clear plastic bottle on the beach, walkways and overpasses.
- No flavored drinks
- No iced coffee
- No cans, cups, metal bottles or tumblers
- Just plain water, in a clear plastic bottle
Anything else is considered an open-container violation and could cost you $300, according to the Ocean Beach Justice Court. The fines were just increased on Jan. 1, 2024.
No food on the beach
You can’t eat on the sand, the boardwalk or any of the overpasses. The only place food is allowed is in the commercial district. Or, of course, in your house or rental, or that of a friend’s — if you should be so lucky.
To be sure “consumption of food” also carries a $300 fine.
No beach games
That includes:
- Ball playing
- Frisbee
- Kite flying
- Any games of catch
If it looks like fun, it’s probably banned.
And the village means it. Locals might remember when Spikeball Inc. helped pay off the hefty fines that two teenager received in 2022 for playing on the beach.
Don’t let this happen to your boys.
Not so bike friendly
In Ocean Beach, summer biking is limited — and strictly enforced. So if you’re planning to bring a bike on the ferry from Bay Shore, that’s fine, but if it’s a summer weekend, don’t waste your time. This is from the village code:
- No bikes on weekends or holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day
- No bikes on Bay Walk at any time
- All bikes must have a bell or horn, and children under 14 must wear a helmet
Violating any of these can result in a ticket.
And yes, they do hand them out.
Quiet after 10 p.m.
If you’re staying the night, then noise must stay within your property line.
That’s not a figure of speech — if someone hears your music outside your rental, you could get fined.
Saltaire is slightly less strict
Saltaire’s rules are similar but a bit less intense than Ocean Beach.
Still no drinks — except water
- Only plain water is allowed on the beach
- No sparkling water, no Gatorade, no kombucha
- The fine can be up to $250, depending on enforcement
Food is also banned beachside
Just like Ocean Beach, Saltaire doesn’t allow food or snacks on the sand — unless you’re in a permitted picnic area.
Games? Depends where
Frisbee and ball games are not allowed in designated swimming areas or if they endanger others. But if you’re well away from swimmers and not bothering anyone, you might be OK. There are probably some gray areas to be careful of, because the code is gray, probably by design.
Biking
Saltaire allows bikes but has its own quiet-time rules and signage restrictions. Always dismount near ferry terminals and walking-heavy zones, especially during high season, the village code indicates.
The Towns: Brookhaven and Islip
If you’re outside of Ocean Beach or Saltaire — say, in Atlantique or Fair Harbor — you fall under:
- Town of Brookhaven (eastern Fire Island)
- Town of Islip (western Fire Island)
- And always, the National Park Service
The towns don’t have bans on food, drinks or beach games. But they do regulate:
- Dune setbacks
- Decks and patios
- Permits for building, fencing, and boats
- Driving access (winter only, with permits)
Everything must also comply with federal zoning rules, and certain permit violations could even result in federal land condemnation — not fun.
Tale of the Tape: Ocean Beach vs. Saltaire vs. the Rest
| Rule | Ocean Beach | Saltaire | Town/NPS Areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water only on beach | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No rule |
| Must be in plastic bottle | ✅ Yes | ✅ Implied | ❌ No rule |
| No food on beach | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No rule |
| No games (Frisbee, etc.) | ✅ Fully banned | ⚠️ Restricted | ❌ No rule |
| Noise restrictions | ✅ After 10 p.m. | Not specified | ❌ No rule |
| Fine amount | 💵 $300 standard | 💵 Up to $250 | — |
Final Tips
- When in doubt, assume it’s not allowed in Ocean Beach
- Saltaire is a little looser, but still strict. Don’t make assumptions here either.
- The rest of Fire Island is more chill — but don’t mess with dunes or drive without a permit
- Always pack plain water in a plastic bottle, and keep the cooler shut until you’re back on your deck
More guides
Top photo: In this Monday, May 20, 2019 photo, a group of beachgoers play spikeball on the beach in Belmar, N.J. Coastal experts say a mild winter and recently completed beach replenishment work have left New Jersey’s beaches in great shape heading into the summer tourism season. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry)
