One of the most obvious car-free getaways from New York City is the one that doesn’t even allow cars: Fire Island National Seashore. This 31-mile long barrier island stretches along the southern coast of Long Island, offering easy access from multiple LIRR stations. Once you arrive on the island you’ll understand why this has long been a getaway for the famous, from John Lennon to Tina Fey. Quiet streets and small bungalows create an intimate environment and the lack of cars communicates the slower pace of the island.
Get Outdoors:
Get Outdoors:Fire Island is a perfect place to grab a bike and explore. Head to the Ocean Beach Hardware Store to rent bikes for a day of cruising around the island ($30/day, bring your ID).
Or set your sites on the eastern end of the island where you’ll find Sunken Forest, home to hiking trails and 300-year old American Holly trees. Note: since there are a few private communities between Ocean Beach and Sunken Forest you won’t be able to bike directly, instead head to the beach for an hour-long walk on public land.
Eat & Drink:
Kurt BauschardtFor the best views and delicious garden-to-table eats, head to Maguires where the seating offers direct views of the water and the epic Fire Island sunsets. Their set menu options range from clam chowder to lobster, or sample their rotating specials of fresh creations made with produce from their own garden. If you can’t manage to snag a reservation at Maguires, head to The Hideaway for a casual atmosphere, a myriad of local seafood options, and live music.
Stay Here
Stay HereWhile Fire Island does have traditional hotel options such as historic bed & breakfast Clegg’s (starting at $160/night), renting directly from the owner keeps the authentic, small town vibe. Most homeowners will list their spaces on VRBO, where you can rent everything from a full house to a cottage to a bungalow. Plus, local rentals usually include bicycles.
How to Get to Fire Island:
Take the LIRR to Bay Shore ($26.50 round trip). From there you can walk directly to the Fire Island Ferry that goes to Ocean Beach ($19 round trip). Once you arrive on Fire Island you can walk or bike everywhere.
Note: It is notoriously difficult to arrange for your bike to travel on the Fire Island Ferry so plan to rent or borrow one on the island.
Photos by author and Kurt Bauschardt
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn -based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin.
Sarah Knapp is a Brooklyn based entrepreneur whose love for the outdoors and community building led her to the October 2013 creation of OutdoorFest. She has a BA in History, is a Wilderness First Responder and a NY state hiking, camp and boating guide. Her proudest achievement to date is reading the Aeneid in Latin. 
Allison was one of our first top writers and Chief Editor but is no longer working with offMetro. Allison is a native New Yorker, who has lived in Rome, Tuscany, Melbourne, Toronto and Los Angeles. She frequently contributed travel pieces to Family Travel Forum, using her own children as guinea pigs as they travel the globe. She never missed a chance to sample local delicacies, as her love for travel goes hand-in-hand with her love for food and wine. 
Josh Laskin is a freelance travel writer and photographer based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. When he is not at work or on the road, you can find him in the mountains snowboarding, climbing, hiking, fly fishing, mountain biking, and eating bagel bites.
Annie is a travel writer, environmentalist, and surfer based in Venice, CA. She heads up our West Coast team, keeps our grammatical errors in check, and makes sure our California writers always have a plan for their next adventure. Follow Annie’s travels @annelisemcb.
Carly Pifer is a freelance writer who has been known to follow whims inspired by romantic movie scenes or colorful street style shots to India, Japan, Tunisia and Argentina. After stints living in Seoul, Boston, Paris and Los Angeles, writing and searching for something intangible, she landed somewhat steadily in Brooklyn and has begun to find inspiration in her more immediate surroundings. 
Kate E. O’Hara is a New York based freelance writer and photographer who loves all things food—especially the people who make it and market it. Her writing aims to capture the essence of the food experience; the stories that go well beyond a plate of ingredients. In addition to her love of food, Kate is also known to have a hankering for red wine and craft beer. You can also find Kate on Instagram