Q: How far is Windows on the Sea from the beach?

Windows on the Sea is just 100 feet from the ocean . You can see and hear the waves from the house, and getting to the beach takes less time than putting on sunscreen.

Question 1

How far is Windows on the Sea from the beach?

Accepted Answer

Windows on the Sea is just 100 feet from the ocean. You can see and hear the waves from the house, and getting to the beach takes less time than putting on sunscreen.

Question 2

How long is the walk from the ferry to the home?

Accepted Answer

The walk from the Ocean Bay Park ferry to Windows on the Sea is approximately 5–7 minutes on flat boardwalks.

We provide a large wagon to make transporting luggage and groceries easy.

Question 3

Do you have a minimum booking age requirement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our minimum age for the responsible booking party is 31 and the responsible party must be present for the entire stay. Our home is designed for families gathering and not a party home.

Question 4

Do you have a minimum stay requirement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. During the peak summer we require a minimum stay of 7 nights (Sunday-Sunday). In the shoulder season we accept bookings for 2 nights or greater. Major holiday stays would typically have a longer requirement during shoulder season.

Question 5

Are there grocery stores near the house?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ocean Bay Park has a local market within walking distance for essentials, snacks, and beach‑day supplies (including delivery).

Many guests also stop at a larger grocery store near the ferry terminal before crossing — both options work well. We have an extensive guide to help you navigate the unfamiliar territory if it's your first time.

Question 6

Is the beach crowded?

Accepted Answer

No. We like to call it our "practically private beach" because it's typically very quiet. No one would come to our block's beach unless they lived on our walk and there are no hotels nearby.

Question 7

How do I get my things from the ferry to the home?

Accepted Answer

Even though it's only 6 minutes from the ferry to our home, when you come for a week you likely have a lot with you. We provide an oversized farm wagon at the ferry depot so you can load it up with your belongings. No need to pack heavy though as we have all the essentials (and then some) for an amazing beach week.

Question 8

Can I drive to Windows on the Sea?

Accepted Answer

No. One of the most special parts about Fire Island is that there are no cars allowed (except for emergency and special vehicles). This makes getting here a little more challenging, but worth it. We have a complete guide that will tell you all you need to know about getting to our home with relative ease.

Question 9

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

If a guest cancels their reservation at least 365 days before the arrival date, they will receive a full refund of their reservation deposit. If the guest cancels their reservation between 365 and 90 days before the arrival date, the reservation deposit will only be refunded if a new guest can be found to book the same dates at the same total rate. If the guest cancels their reservation less than 90 days before the arrival date, the total amount due (minus the cleaning fee) will be forfeited.

Question 10

What are the check-in/checkout times?

Accepted Answer

We provide check-ins at 4pm and checkouts at 10am. Direct guests have priority for early check-ins/late checkouts when possible.

Question 11

How do I make a reservation?

Accepted Answer

You may send us a booking request, with your specific dates via our booking engine here.

Question 12

What payment method do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit cards. They are securely processed through our booking engine via Stripe.

Question 13

Is there a security deposit required?

Accepted Answer

We've recently removed our security deposit requirements and provide a damage waiver instead. As part of our effort to help you relax and enjoy your stay, we have partnered with Safely.com to provide you with protection for accidental property or contents damage. The cost of this protection has been included in your rental rate and fees and covers you for accidental damages during your stay up to $10,000 of coverage. Complete terms regarding the Trust and Safety coverage can be found at https://go.safely.com/apluswprojects10k/

Question 14

Is smoking allowed at the property?

Accepted Answer

No, we do not permit smoking at the home or on the property.

Question 15

Are pets allowed?

Accepted Answer

While we are animal lovers ourselves, we are not permitted to host animals in order to maintain an allergy friendly environment for guests (and particularly our eldest son who has severe asthmatic allergies).

Question 16

Is there parking available?

Accepted Answer

Some of the joys of Fire Island include the fact that we have no cars. You'll be able to park your car on the mainland at one of the lots operated by Fire Island Ferries.

Question 17

Are there additional fees or taxes?

Accepted Answer

We provide all of the fees included in the quote you'll receive when you select your dates. Each of them will have a rental fee, a cleaning fee, a damage waiver fee and taxes for Suffolk county.

Question 18

What is included in the rental?

Accepted Answer

Everything. Truly everything. We provide luxury bamboo linens on all beds, towels for bathroom use, towels for pool use, towels for beach use, 10 adult beach cruisers, 4 children's bicycles, a carrier for the littlest tikes. We have propane for the massive Weber gas grill, unlimited heating for the pool and hot-tub, air-conditioning in each of the bedrooms. You'll have toilet paper, paper towels, hand-soap, body soap, shampoo and conditioner. The kitchen is fully stocked with standards like place settings for 14 people (including kidsware), a blender, toaster, instant pot, waffle maker, electric griddle, coffee bean grinder and a mandolin. This isn't the exhaustive list, but we've continued to add things over the years to make Windows on the Sea truly a home away from home for ourselves and our guests.

Question 19

What happens is something gets damaged or broken?

Accepted Answer

Just please let us know immediately. As part of our effort to help you relax and enjoy your stay, we have partnered with Safely.com to provide you with protection for accidental property or contents damage. The cost of this protection has been included in your rental rate and fees and covers you for accidental damages during your stay up to $10,000 of coverage. Complete terms regarding the Trust and Safety coverage can be found at https://go.safely.com/apluswprojects10k/

Question 20

How can I contact the host during our stay?

Accepted Answer

As a direct guest, you'll have access to us via our booking platform communications in addition to voice calls and mobile messaging. We have on-ground team-members that will be able to assist for immediate items.

Question 21

What ferry should I take to get to Windows on the Sea?

Accepted Answer

We are located in Ocean Bay Park in the greater part of Ocean Beach. You'll take the ferry from Bay Shore and then you're only a 6 minute walk to our home!

Question 22

Is Fire Island good for families?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Fire Island is one of our favorite places for intentional family travel. With no cars in most communities, kids have the freedom to roam safely, ride bikes, and spend their days at the beach while parents actually relax. Ocean Bay Park is especially family‑friendly, walkable, and welcoming.

Question 23

How do I get to Fire Island?

Accepted Answer

Fire Island is accessible only by ferry from Long Island.

Our guests take the Bay Shore Ferry to Ocean Bay Park. Once you arrive, it’s an easy, flat walk to the house.

If this is your first time, don’t worry — we send detailed, step‑by‑step arrival instructions before your stay.

Question 24

Do I need a car on Fire Island?

Accepted Answer

No car needed (or permitted) — and that’s part of the magic.

Fire Island communities like Ocean Bay Park are car‑free. Everything you need is accessible by foot or bike, which makes the island especially relaxing for families.

Question 25

Can I bring luggage and groceries on the ferry?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guests regularly bring rolling suitcases, grocery carts, coolers, and beach gear on the ferry.

Once on the island, our wagon helps you get everything to the house comfortably.

Question 26

Are there restaurants and shops nearby?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ocean Bay Park has several casual restaurants, pizza spots, coffee stops, and small shops all within walking distance.

Ocean Beach — known for its boutiques and dining — is also easily accessible by bike or walking.

Question 27

Is the beach near the house good for kids?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Ocean Bay Park beach is wide, clean, and family‑friendly. It’s ideal for boogie boarding, shell collecting, and long beach days without crowds.

As always, we recommend adult supervision and awareness of ocean conditions.

Question 28

What beach gear is included?

Accepted Answer

We provide pretty much everything you'd need:

Beach chairs for everyone & baby
Beach toys/shovels for the kids & baby
2 Shibumi shades to keep things cool
Beach games (cornhole, Kan Jam, Bocce, and more)
2 Soft-core Surfboards
Boogie boards
4 kayaks for bay exploring
Hard side cooler for beverages
Sand-free quick dry beach towels

Our goal is to help you pack lighter and arrive feeling settled.

Question 29

Do you provide bikes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide custom 10 Windows on the Sea Priority beach cruisers, including one bike with a kid trailer as well 4 children sized Priority bikes, so families can explore the island easily and safely.

Question 30

Is the pool private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The pool and hot tub (a Modpool) are private and exclusive to your stay.

They’re a favorite with families — perfect for morning swims, afternoon downtime, and relaxing evenings once the kids wind down.

Question 31

Is the house suitable for multiple families?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Windows on the Sea is designed to comfortably host multiple families or extended family groups. The ideal configuration is 3 families each with 2 kids.

With five bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and both indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, there’s room to be together — and room to breathe.

Question 32

Are linens and towels included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide:

White Luxury Bed linens
Bath towels (including Turkish hand towels & makeup towels)
Beach towels
Pool Towels

Everything is stocked and ready when you arrive.

Question 33

What’s included in the kitchen?

Accepted Answer

The kitchen is beyond fully stocked for real family meals, including:

Cookware and bakeware
Dishes and glassware
Coffee maker and essentials
Air fryer & Instant Pot
Glass leftover containers
Victorinox knife set
Multiple coffee making options (brewed, French press, Keurig) + a custom blend of ground coffee

If you like to cook while on vacation, you’ll feel right at home.

Question 34

When is the best time to visit Fire Island?

Accepted Answer

Fire Island is a three‑season destination:

June–August: Classic summer beach weeks
September–October: Warm water, fewer crowds, slower pace
May & early June: Quiet, beautiful, and refreshing

Each season offers a slightly different kind of magic.

Question 35

What should I pack for a Fire Island stay?

Accepted Answer

Most guests bring:

Casual clothes and layers
Comfortable walking shoes
Beachwear & bathing suit

We provide many of the beach and household essentials so you don’t have to overpack.

Question 36

Is Windows on the Sea owner‑managed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We’re a family‑run business, and we manage the home ourselves.

That means thoughtful details, personal communication, and a space that’s genuinely cared for — not a faceless rental.

Question 37

How does check‑in work?

Accepted Answer

Check‑in is simple and self‑guided. Detailed arrival instructions are sent ahead of time so you can arrive smoothly and settle in right away.

Question 38

Is Fire Island a good destination if we want to slow down?

Accepted Answer

Very much so.

Fire Island has a way of resetting your rhythm — slow mornings, barefoot kids, sunset bike rides, and evenings that don’t feel rushed. It’s one of the reasons families return year after year.

Questions? We have answers.

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