Fire Island Inlet Bridge
The Fire Island Inlet Bridge carries the Robert Moses Causeway across Fire Island Inlet, connecting mainland Long Island with Robert Moses State Park and the western end of Fire Island. The bridge is one of Long Island’s most scenic roadway crossings, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Great South Bay, the Fire Island Lighthouse, and the surrounding coastal landscape. For many visitors, crossing the bridge marks the beginning of a beach day, fishing trip, boating excursion, or visit to one of Long Island’s most popular oceanfront destinations.
About the Fire Island Inlet Bridge
The Fire Island Inlet Bridge spans the channel separating Fire Island from the mainland near Babylon. Opened in 1964 as part of the Robert Moses Causeway, the bridge provides the primary highway connection to Robert Moses State Park while allowing recreational and commercial vessels to travel between the Atlantic Ocean and Great South Bay.
The bridge’s elevated design provides panoramic views in every direction. Looking east, travelers can often see the historic Fire Island Lighthouse, while westward views extend across the inlet toward Jones Beach Island. On clear days, boat traffic, fishing vessels, and seasonal wildlife make the crossing one of the most memorable drives on Long Island.
A Scenic Drive
Many locals consider the drive across the Fire Island Inlet Bridge one of Long Island’s most beautiful roadways. The bridge rises high above the inlet before descending toward Robert Moses State Park, creating unobstructed views of dunes, beaches, marshes, and open water. Sunrise and sunset are especially popular times for photography, as changing light reflects across both the Atlantic Ocean and Great South Bay.
The crossing is also a favorite route for visitors exploring Long Island’s South Shore, with convenient access to beaches, fishing areas, boating facilities, and nearby attractions such as Captree State Park, Robert Moses State Park, and the Fire Island National Seashore.
Gateway to Robert Moses State Park
The bridge serves as the main entrance to Robert Moses State Park, one of New York’s most visited oceanfront parks. Once across the bridge, visitors can reach several beach fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, fishing access points, and the trail leading to the Fire Island Lighthouse.
During the summer months, thousands of vehicles cross the bridge daily as beachgoers head toward the Atlantic Ocean shoreline. The Robert Moses Causeway also provides access to nearby boating facilities and connects with Ocean Parkway, allowing travelers to continue west toward Jones Beach State Park.
Fishing and Boating
Fire Island Inlet is well known among anglers and boaters. The inlet supports striped bass, bluefish, fluke, weakfish, blackfish, and other saltwater species throughout the year. Charter boats, recreational fishermen, and commercial vessels regularly navigate beneath the bridge while entering or leaving Great South Bay.
Nearby destinations such as Captree State Park and the many marinas on Long Island make the bridge an important transportation link for the region’s boating community.
Wildlife and Coastal Views
The waters surrounding the Fire Island Inlet Bridge are part of an active coastal ecosystem. Ospreys, gulls, terns, cormorants, and other shorebirds are commonly seen throughout the year. Dolphins occasionally appear offshore, while migrating birds use the surrounding coastline as an important stop along the Atlantic Flyway.
The bridge also offers views of shifting sandbars, tidal currents, and barrier island dunes that continue to shape Long Island’s coastline through natural coastal processes.
Fire Island Inlet Bridge
Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Robert Moses Causeway between mainland Long Island and Fire Island |
| Opened | 1964 |
| Primary Purpose | Vehicle access to Robert Moses State Park and Fire Island |
| Waterway Crossed | Fire Island Inlet |
| Notable Views | Atlantic Ocean, Great South Bay, Fire Island Lighthouse, and barrier beaches |
| Popular Activities Nearby | Swimming, fishing, boating, photography, hiking, and lighthouse visits |
| Connects To | Robert Moses Causeway and Ocean Parkway |
| Best Time to Visit | Year-round, especially at sunrise, sunset, and throughout the summer beach season |
The Fire Island Inlet Bridge is far more than a transportation crossing. It serves as one of Long Island’s iconic gateways to the Atlantic coast, providing access to beaches, parks, boating, fishing, and one of the region’s most recognizable lighthouses. Whether arriving for a day at Robert Moses State Park or simply enjoying the panoramic coastal views, the bridge offers one of the most memorable drives anywhere on Long Island.
