Location
United States
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Cherry Grove
Cherry Grove is a car-free hamlet on Fire Island, the barrier island off Long Island's South Shore, and one of the oldest LGBTQ resort communities in the United States. Its ocean beach is a wide, soft-sand strand backed by dunes and maritime forest, with open Atlantic surf that can be rough. Nudity is not official here but has been customary for decades. Most of it happens toward the western end of the community, west of the Sand Castle restaurant toward the East and Lewis walk, and on the stretch between Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines to the east. Fewer than half of beachgoers undress, especially near the centre of town. The crowd is mainly gay men and other LGBTQ visitors, with some straight couples, nudists and families. The wooded strip between the two communities, known as the Meat Rack, is notorious for cruising and sex; nudists who want a relaxed beach day stay on the sand. Restaurants, bars and clubs cluster near the ferry dock, which is loud at night.
Getting there
Take the Sayville Ferry from the terminal on River Road in Sayville; the crossing to Cherry Grove takes about 20 minutes. Sayville has paid short- and long-term lots. Without a car, take the LIRR to Sayville station, then a summer shuttle van or taxi (about 5 minutes) to the dock. There are no cars on the island; from the dock, walk the boardwalks a few minutes to the ocean beach, then along the sand to the nude-friendly stretches.
What visitors say
Visitors describe a lively, mostly gay beach where nudity is normal toward the ends of the community but not universal, and first-timers feel welcome if they are respectful. The beach itself is wide soft sand, though surf can be rough and there are no restrooms on the sand. Common warnings concern cruising in the Meat Rack woods and noise near the dock at night. Some reviewers find the trip involving train, shuttle and ferry daunting the first time.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
New York State has prohibited public nudity since 1984, and Cherry Grove's beach is not designated clothing-optional. Since February 2013 the Fire Island National Seashore has enforced the state law on federal land (fines up to $5,000), but rangers said the community beaches in front of Cherry Grove and the Pines are policed by Suffolk County, not the NPS. Local historians report little enforcement in the Grove or the Pines since 2013.
Naturism at Cherry Grove sits under United States's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: United States public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 40.6595, -73.0902
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in United States
Frequently asked questions
Is Cherry Grove an official nude beach?
No. Nudity is a long-standing custom, but New York law prohibits public nudity and there is no designation.
Where on Cherry Grove beach do people go nude?
West of the Sand Castle restaurant toward the East and Lewis walk, and along the stretch east toward Fire Island Pines.
How do I get to Cherry Grove?
By the Sayville Ferry (about 20 minutes), reached by car or by LIRR to Sayville plus a short shuttle or taxi.
Are there facilities on the beach?
No restrooms on the beach itself. Restaurants and bars are near the ferry dock.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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