What is the Gay Neighborhood in Fire Island?

Fire Island is unique among LGBTQ+ destinations because it isn't a neighborhood within a larger city — it's an entire community. Two adjacent hamlets on this car-free barrier island have been gay havens for nearly a century: Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines.

Cherry Grove

Cherry Grove is the older of the two communities, with LGBTQ+ residents arriving as early as the 1930s when Manhattan's theater crowd began escaping to the island during Prohibition. In 2013, the Cherry Grove Community House and Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places for its role in what historians call America's first gay and lesbian town. The Grove is diverse, welcoming gay men, lesbians, trans and non-binary visitors, and families. Key spots include The Ice Palace (bar and performance venue), Cherry's On The Bay (waterfront restaurant and drag brunch spot), Cherry Grove Beach, and the Arts Project of Cherry Grove community theater.

Fire Island Pines

Just east of Cherry Grove, the Pines emerged in the 1950s–60s as an upscale gay male enclave. It's known for striking modernist beach houses, a vibrant pool and party culture, and world-famous circuit events. The commercial harbor area is home to Pavilion (the island's premier dance club), The Blue Whale (famous for its daily Tea Dance), Pines Bistro, and Pines Pizza.

The Meat Rack

Connecting Cherry Grove and the Pines is The Meatrack — a stretch of sunken forest and sand dunes that serves as both a nature trail and a historically significant cruising area. The roughly 20-minute walk between the two communities passes through this protected wilderness area.