Fire Island National Seashore - Times to Visit: Spring (U.S. National Park Service)

Two deer, which appear to interrupt their grazing, are seen among thick shrubs of beach plum covered with white blossoms.

In May, the white blossoms of beach plum divulge the abundance of this dune and swale shrub. Take a closer look, and you may catch a glimpse of deer browsing among the native vegetation.

Yellow flowers on low-growing beach heather cover the swale beside boardwalk.

The interior of the island comes to life as the vibrant yellow flowers of beach heather blanket the dunes and swale each spring.

Before Memorial Day, the air can still be chilly and the weather is somewhat unpredictable so dressing in layers is recommended. Ferry service to Sailors Haven and Watch Hill does not begin until mid-May, but you can easily walk in from nearby communities where ferries are operating on a limited schedule.

School groups are venturing out to the park and education programs are underway at park sites. The Watch Hill campground opens mid-May and offers family sites as well as one organized group site.

Well camouflaged in their habitat, the late-March arrival of piping plovers is a sign that spring has arrived on Fire Island.

Now is the time to catch spring wildflowers and the annual spring migration of birds.

Piping plovers, one of Fire Island's threatened and endangered species, usually arrive on the ocean beaches by early April. Please respect all signs and postings regarding endangered species and their habitat.

Small group of birdwatchers under sparsely leafed trees.

One of the best places to catch the spring bird migration is at the William Floyd Estate. Watch for special guided tours and other pre-season programs.

Facilities Open:

Fire Island Lighthouse
Sailors Haven (mid-May - mid-October)
Watch Hill (mid-May - late-October)
Wilderness Visitor Center
William Floyd Estate (late-May - late-October)

Special Events and Programs