Visiting Fishers Island, New York is like visiting another era. Located just two miles offshore of the southeastern coast of Connecticut, this peaceful and beautiful island is shy about revealing her charms. Life moves at a slower pace here and the year-round population of 235 makes for a laid-back and friendly atmosphere. People passing on the sidewalk greet each other by name. That Fishers Island is a paradise, preserved that way by the absence of a bridge to America, is uncontested; the only way to the island is by ferry or private boat. The population swells to about 2,000 during the summer. Two-thirds of the seven-mile long island is private property, so you must be a homeowner or their guest. Many sailors have admired the spectacular homes along the Fishers shores while passing it to visit Martha’s Vineyard or Block. Today, the island has about 600 homes, one K-12 school, a volunteer fire department, a gas dock, a seasonal hotel and restaurant, a movie theater, café, liquor store, ice cream parlor, post office, and three gift shops and churches. This island is a place well worth discovering as you’ll also find wooded nature trails, several freshwater ponds, and uncrowded beaches where you can have a bonfire (with a permit) or go fishing. It’s also a great place for bicycling; drivers travel slowly as there are no traffic lights. The Fishers Island Club is a country club located near the eastern end of Fishers Island in New York. The club includes an 18-hole golf course designed by Seth Raynor and Charles Banks, which was ranked 9th in the 2009 Gold Digest list of America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses. You’ll find some stunning beaches on the south shore of Fishers, with views of the North Shore of Long Island and Block Island. Isabella Beach is secluded and open to all, and it’s a great place for fishing or spearfishing. The parking area is small and unmarked. To the east, Chocomount Beach and South Beach are also lovely, but you’ll need to befriend a resident to gain access. The waves can be big and there are also no lifeguards, so families with small kids should head for Dock Beach, where there is a lifeguard, soft white sand, and a roped-off swimming area. This is a Tier III beach.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Fishers Island Country Club and 8,000 other beaches.