Home Destinations USA New York Hamptons and Montauk Sights Montauk Point State Park

Montauk Point State Park Review

Read our Hamptons and Montauk sights reviews. Or post your own.

Montauk Point State Park

Address: East end of Rte. 27, Montauk, NY | Map It
Phone: 631/668-3781
nysparks.state.ny.us

Category: Parks
Location: Montauk

Write a review

Fodor's Review:

About 6 mi east of the village, the 724 acres of rocky shoreline, grassy dunes, and bayberry-covered moors surrounding Montauk's lighthouse have been so well protected that you might feel as if you're standing at an undiscovered frontier of pounding surf and pristine land. Frequently, a wild riptide (this is not a swimming beach) sets up perfect conditions for exciting surf casting. This is one of the best spots in Montauk to try your luck at catching the "big one." A fishing permit isn't necessary. Other activities include hiking (trail maps are available at the information booth), bird-watching, and beachcombing. Every weekend from early December to late April, weather permitting, naturalists lead two- to three-hour Guided Seal Walks (631/668-5000) in Montauk Point State Park. Hikers are guided to the haul-out sites along the north beach to observe seals and winter birds, and to learn about marine geology. Tours are $5; call for tour times.

The Montauk Lighthouse (631/668-2544. www.montauklighthouse.com), the oldest lighthouse still in operation in the state and a well-known Long Island landmark, is perched solidly on a bluff in Montauk Point State Park. President George Washington signed an order to build the lighthouse in 1792. Climb the 137 iron steps to the top for spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and, to the northeast, Block Island, or take a moment to ponder the touching memorial to local fishermen lost at sea. The museum, in the former lightkeeper's quarters, displays a wealth of photos and artifacts.

Cost: Parking $6
Open: Park daily dawn-dusk. Lighthouse Mar.-late May and mid-Oct.-Nov., weekends 10:30-4:30; late May-early Sept., daily 10:30-6; early Sept.-mid-Oct., weekdays 10:30-4:30, weekends 10:30-5

Find more sights in Hamptons and Montauk »