Nestled in the midst of Federal Seashore wilderness, Robbins Rest is a quiet, low-key beach break with approximately 40 residential houses. The sand dune walkways make Robbins Rest a true barefoot society. Robbins Rest residents treasure their privacy, but frequent Ocean Beach for all its amenities. The rustic nature of Robbins Rest is not for those who desire the pampered beach house with all the comforts of home, but for those who enjoy the seclusion and low-key charm Robbins Rest has much to offer.
The community was established in 1925, founded by an attorney named William Robbins, who was a partner with a prominent law firm in Bay Shore called Robbins, Wells, and Walser. There was a time that Robbins Rest was the home to an impressive hotel with a bar and restaurant known as the Sand Castle operated by a longtime Fire resident by the name of George Phillips. After Phillips passed away the establishment changed hands several times, its latest incarnation is known as Tequila Jacks. Tequila Jacks enjoyed respectable success. However hard-line Robbins Rest residents resented the noise and unrest such a secluded nightspot enticed. In 2007 a group of silent partners purchased the building with the intent of never opening a commercial establishment there again, thus ensuring that Robbins Rest remains a peaceful community and the quiet enjoyment of the residents remain undisturbed.
It is possible to stop at Robbins Rest via water taxi, but there is no direct ferry service to be had. Like the people of Fire Island Summer Club and Corneille Estates reliance on the Ocean Beach ferry line is necessary.
The walk to Robbins Rest is a little further west and lacks paved walkways, but the walk is still not terribly far away, and quite doable for those who are in reasonably good health.