Kismet
(Fire Island, Long Island, NY)
Kismet is one of my favorite towns on Fire Island. It’s small, easy to get to, and has a good mix of singles, couples and families. This is where I go when I want to relax, but still enjoy a little night life.
As the westernmost town on Fire Island, Kismet is easily accessible from Robert Moses State Park and the Fire Island Lighthouse.
This makes it the perfect place to visit if you want a taste of Fire Island without the expense of riding the ferry.
You can also get to
Kismet by private boat. Docking is available at the 40 slip Kismet Inn marina on a first
come, first serve basis, or you can anchor out and wade to shore like I do.
The $40 daily and $100 overnight marina fees are fully redeemable at the restaurant,
just ask the dock master for a voucher.
The town center overlooking the bay hosts two restaurants, a pizzeria and a small grocery store with ATM—all within feet of each other.
There are benches around the flagpole and along the grocery store wall so you can rest your tired feet or sip your favorite drink at sunset.
The heart of Kismet. Grocery on the left. The Kismet Inn to the
right.
Dining in Kismet is a breeze. The Kismet Inn and The Out are right next to each other, their menus are conveniently posted outside and both restaurants have outdoor dining areas.
The Kismet Inn serves breakfast, lunch and dinner while The Out serves lunch and dinner only. Both restaurants have bars and The Out features a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights and occasionally live music on Sundays.
Waterfront feasting is expensive so be prepared to spend a few bucks. This soft shell crab
sandwich with fries and coke cost me about $14.
The food is good, but what you’re really paying for is the ambiance. (By the way, a Fire Island minute is a lot longer than a New York minute, so don’t expect fast service. You’re here to relax, remember?)
The beach at Kismet is family oriented and well protected by lifeguards. Crowds are rare here so you won’t have to rush to find a good spot for your blanket.
If you’re the adventurous type a 7 minute walk west gets you to the nude beach at Robert Moses State Park.
There are no public bathing or bathroom facilities in Kismet, so for that stuff you’re on your own.
If you like tennis there are a couple of public courts right behind The Out. Next to the courts is a children's playground, so the kids can play when you play.
Tennis courts with children's playground.
I was almost run
over by this guy on the unicycle. I have to give him credit though for avoiding me (he
almost fell and then made an amazing recovery) and doing such an excellent job
navigating Kismet's bumpy roads.
Do you have a favorite Kismet story you'd like to share? Send it in and I'll post it right here.
Getting Here
From the east end of Robert Moses Field 5 just follow the signs to the Fire Island Lighthouse.
When you get to the lighthouse keep walking about 1 mile east and you'll end up in
Kismet.
From the Bay Shore ferry see the Kismet ferry schedule.
Back to Fire Island Lighthouse
Kismet Inn & Marina
631-583-5592
The Out Restaurant
631-583-7400
