The harbor
The arrival point and the social center of the Pines. Meet the ferry, pick up groceries, and see where the evening takes you.
Explore the Pines ↗Fire Island Pines
Your place
in the Pines.
Beach, Tea, or a walk through the trees.
It all starts at 337.
Beach · ~3 minTea · ~8 minMeatrack · ~18 minOpen walking map ↗
Approximate walking times · illustrated guide, not to scale
Approximate walking times · illustrated guide, not to scale
01 · Welcome to the Pines
Smile on Boardwalk.
It’s a Pines tradition. Smile at the people you pass on the boardwalk—you never know where you’re going to run into them again ;)
Between the bay and the ocean, beach days and house dinners share space with a long history of LGBTQ+ community, creativity, and nightlife.
02 · Around town
Meet you
at the harbor.
Pines Pantry
The local grocery stop for produce, meat, deli supplies, and the things you forgot. Check seasonal opening hours before your trip.
Visit Pines Pantry ↗Low Tea
The late-afternoon gathering that brings everyone back together after the beach. The Blue Whale is the historic home of the Pines tea dance.
Current events & updates ↗The Pavilion
High Tea and late-night dancing at a Pines institution. Check the venue’s current programming and seasonal status.
The Pavilion ↗Sip · n · Twirl
Cocktails, DJs, and dancing. Another reason your evening plans might stay flexible.
Sip · n · Twirl ↗Pines Care Center
The community medical center at Whyte Hall, 577 Coast Guard Walk. Check current service availability; call 631-597-6160. For emergencies, call 911.
Medical information ↗Businesses and nightlife are seasonal. Check the linked venue pages for current openings, construction updates, and events.
03 · Getting here
Train. Ferry.
A short walk.
LIRR to Sayville
Plan your train journey to Sayville using MTA TrainTime. Connections and transfers vary by departure station and service.
MTA travel guide ↗Station to ferry terminal
Take a taxi or shuttle from Sayville station to Sayville Ferry Service at 41 River Road. Allow time for the transfer and boarding; FIPPOA recommends allowing 20 minutes for the shuttle transfer before departure.
Ferry to Fire Island Pines
Select the Pines service, rather than another Fire Island destination. Coordinate your train with the current ferry timetable; schedules change by season.
Pines ferry schedule ↗Walk to 337 Shell Walk
The house is less than a ten-minute walk from the ferry. Your arrival instructions will include the route to the house and check-in details.
Find the house ↗04 · Pines history
A little history
with your Tea.
John Whyte introduced the Pines tea dance at the Blue Whale in 1966. That late-afternoon gathering became an enduring social ritual, bringing people together for music, drinks, and dancing—and inspiring similar gatherings far beyond the island.
Today, Tea is part of the rhythm of a Pines visit: the moment a day at the beach becomes an evening with everyone.
The Invasion of the Pines
In 1976, drag queen Teri Warren was refused service at the Pines’ Botel. That Fourth of July, friends from Cherry Grove, led by Panzi, arrived by boat in drag in a spirited act of solidarity. The Invasion became an annual tradition: a celebration of visibility, community, and the freedom to show up as yourself.