Fire Island Lighthouse

OCEAN BEACH. Since the 1820s, a lighthouse has stood on Fire Island's southwestern end, guiding ships – many of them full of immigrants yearning for new lives – as they made their way to New York Bay. The present, 168-foot brick tower dates to 1858 and was on "active duty" until December, 1973. Through the combined efforts of community groups and the National Park Service, the Fire Island Lighthouse was restored to its 1939 condition and, on Memorial Day of 1986, officially reinstated as an official navigational guide. Reservations for guided tours are encouraged.