Always wondered about Fire Island but never been?

For shame, New Yorker!

To remedy this silly situation, we're sending you there on the LIRR (and then the ferry) so you can finally explore this low key, unpretentious playground for New Yorkers in the know. And we're sending you from now till late June, when houses are still available for rent, prices are lower and the chance of relaxation is at an all time high.

Lined with gorgeous sandy beaches, Fire Island in the early season is an extremely tranquil getaway, one where even the most uptight city dweller can kick back and relax. Its lack of cars makes it particularly peaceful - the most traffic you'll see is little kids pulling their wagons full of plastic shovels to the beach. Ditto for the nightlife; save for a few clubs scattered across the island, the only consistent "scene" you'll find on this veritable sandbar is DIY sunset cocktails on the beach.

While every town on Fire Island has its own character and feel, we've picked out four perfectly located rentals for jauntsetters looking to while away a summer weekend (or week) out of the city. Whether you'd like to hole up in your own beach bungalow, or party in a share house created specifically for epicureans, we've got you covered in this week's trip pick.

And make sure to check out our blog daily this week for more entries on where to eat and hang out during the oh-so-quiet - but fun - early season.

xo,

your jauntsetter team

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We especially love Fire Island right around now. In fact, we encourage you to head out in the next couple of weeks, when the houses we list below have plenty of availability and the area is quieter. By Memorial Day weekend (and definitely after the end of June, when public school lets out for the summer) houses book up quickly and prices go up.

Another note: If you can head out to Fire Island during "midweek" (Sunday through Thursday) you'll find that renting a house is 1/3 the price of the cost of renting for a weekend. We did this one summer and loved it. The whole island was quieter, the beaches were less populated, and all in all, it was one of the best vacations we've ever had! Even if midweek prices aren't listed, see if owners are willing to negotiate - they usually are, especially if high season (July and August) gets closer and their houses aren't fully booked.

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Getting from the city to Fire Island takes a little bit of timing but is otherwise totally mindless. Essentially you'll take the LIRR (the Babylon line) to Bay Shore, which will cost you $11. From there, you can either walk (it's about 15 minutes) or grab a cab (about $3) to the local ferry station, where you can buy your ticket ($7) and hop aboard a boat. Thirty minutes later you'll be on Fire Island. Remember, there are no cars on this lovely island, so don't take more than you can comfortably carry to your accommodations!

For a ferry schedule, click here. For a LIRR schedule, click here.

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We highly recommend that if you head out to Fire Island, you rent a house for the duration of your stay. The hotels on Fire Island play to mixed reviews, and their rooms are small and pricey. Plus, when you stay in a hotel, you'll have to spend money on food at the islands few and expensive restaurants.

One note: If you're worried that renting a house is out of your price range for a vacation, we recommend bringing lots of friends to offset the cost of your stay. And remember, hanging out at the beach every day while cooking dinners at "home" at night can cost surprisingly less than a New York city weekend on the town.

To help coordinate getting dates together, we recommend using the super helpful When Is Good tool. And for even more rental options, check out Vacation Rentals or Craigslist.

Budget Friendly for a Foursome: Ocean Bay Park Cozy Cottage

This adorable little cottage in Ocean Bay Park is perfect for two couples, or four close friends, who want to get away from it all for a weekend. With its air conditioner for hot days and gas fireplace for chilly nights, you'll be perfectly comfortable when not at the beach. You'll also be quite content, we're sure, to hang out on this home's spacious private backyard deck, complete with gas grill and inviting hammock. Other house amenities include outdoor showers, beach chairs and towels. By the way, Ocean Bay Park is one of the more "happening" neighborhoods in Fire Island, so you'll be perfectly situated should you feel like checking out the area's restaurants and bars. (You're also within walking distance to Ocean Beach, which has even more dining and entertainment options.) Weekends are $750 and full weeks $2,000. Also available for holiday weekend and monthly rentals. Click here for more info or to book.

Dream Getaway for Design Lovers: Davis Park Mod House

An architect designed this dreamy house, recently built in 2007 and ready for a small group of friends looking for seclusion. Tucked away in a wooded area of the very quiet Davis Park, this rental feels super private. That said, its design is open and airy: there's one spacious living and dining area (with a wood burning stove), vaulted ceilings, plus lots of skylights. It's also got four bedrooms, 1.5 baths, an outdoor BBQ and deck, and an outdoor shower as well (our favorite!). While there's only one store, restaurant and bar in "town," you can get deliveries from the mainland should you run out of supplies for your lovely group dinners. Plus, this is one of the few houses we've found that has WiFi, so if you really must Video Conference, go for it. We'll, however, be at the beach. Sleeps 7. $2,900 per week in June. (Note: the owners seem very open to negotiating with the right parties for lower rates.) Click here for more info.

Upscale Group Escape: Ocean Bay Park Contemporary

This chic Ocean Bay Park modern home has it all: a master suite with a wood burning fireplace, open kitchen, spacious wooden deck, large living room (with another fireplace!), outdoor shower, a stainless gas grill, and best yet - the Atlantic Ocean right next door. With its three bedrooms (it sleeps six comfortably) and two baths, it's perfect for a group of friends who want to get away from it all. It's $1,800/long weekend, and $3,000/week during May. In June, prices go up to $3,500. It's also available for $2,500 for Memorial Day weekend. For more information about renting directly from the owner, click here.

For Beach-Loving Epicureans: The Chance House

While we're normally a little frightened of big "share" houses, The Chance House is different. Located in Kismet (the free-spirited, most hipster-friendly neighborhood of Fire Island), this house is all about eating lots of amazing food by the beach, and apparently, having tons of fun in the process (check out the photos here). We won't attempt to explain The Chance House much more than this. Instead, we direct you to its mention in New York Magazine, as well as its informative website. They've got full shares available for the summer, plus midweek and daily rates as well. If you love food, the beach, and want to meet some new people - definitely check out this awesome looking option! Click here for more info.

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Check back on our blog this week for lots of ideas on what to eat, drink, cook and do on Fire Island!

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