“New York's barrier island escape: wide Atlantic beach, bay-side communities, Sunken Forest — a unique maritime holly forest. A counterculture history and contemporary summer energy. Just 50 miles from Manhattan.”
About This Location
Fire Island National Seashore, just 50 miles east of Manhattan, protects a 26-mile stretch of barrier island where no cars are permitted in most communities — creating an unusually timeless beach environment despite its proximity to New York City. The seashore's most visually unique feature is the Sunken Forest: a dense, stunted maritime forest of American holly and shadblow trees growing behind primary dunes, its canopy shaped by wind and salt spray into a gnarled, otherworldly tunnel. The Fire Island Lighthouse provides an iconic 1858 beacon structure. Atlantic beaches are wide and undeveloped within the seashore boundaries. NPS commercial filming permits required; the permit office is reachable at 631-687-4750. Car-free logistics mean crews need ferry access and equipment transport by wagon or hand. Ideal for productions seeking East Coast Atlantic seashore visuals within easy reach of New York City's production infrastructure.
Color Palette
Location
📍 Open in Google Maps →Permit Information
Permit Required
Type
NPS Commercial Film Permit
Fee
Varies – NPS location fee + cost recovery
Contact
Fire Island National Seashore – Permit Office
Contact Permit Office
📞 631-687-4750Most island areas car-free — gear transport by ferry and wagon. The Sunken Forest and Fire Island Lighthouse are signature locations.
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