Montauk

AT THE EASTERN-MOST BORDER of the State of New York, and thus the eastern tip of the South Fork of Long Island, is Montauk Point State Park. It is a heavily wooded area which includes trails for hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or just watching seals sun themselves on offshore rocks. It provides opportunities for some of the best surf fishing in the world, taking a stroll on twisting pathways, or simply observing nature. And, it has picnic areas, a playground, and bridle paths. However, the most striking feature of the Park is the Montauk Point Lighthouse. From there visitors can easily see the converging waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound. The entire Park is a place of astonishing beauty, and it is a great choice as a leisure destination.
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The Park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. It is located 123 miles from Manhattan via Route 27 East. The highway takes travelers directly to the Park entrance. It's possible to fly into Long Island Macarthur Airport at Islip, then travel by automobile on to the Park. This option cuts the road miles approximately in half.
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On the way to Montauk Point State Park, visitors will pass through the village of Montauk. It is a thriving little town with interesting shops, great places to eat, and sights to see - all well worth a stopover. Both the Park and the village of Montauk are located in Suffolk County. The overall area offers miles of unspoiled ocean beaches, five state parks, a county park, and several town parks and nature preserves. Possibilities for lodging go from small motels to large resorts. Just a few miles before arriving at the village from the west, there's a short section of Old Highway 27 which veers off on a scenic route hugging the southern coast of the South Fork. This alternate route offers spectacular views of the Atlantic, and it merges back with the new highway at the Montauk city limits. Opportunities for dining and lodging close to the ocean also make the old highway attractive to visitors. Our family always chooses this alternate route - at least on our trip east as we travel toward the village and the Park.

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The Montauk Point Lighthouse is a historic landmark. It has been a part of Long Island's landscape and seascape for over 200 years, and it is still an active aid to navigation. The Lighthouse was authorized by the 2nd U.S. Congress in 1792 under George Washington. It was opened November 5, 1796 and is the oldest lighthouse in the state of New York.
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On trips to see our son, my wife and I have visited Montauk several times over the years. It is one of our favorite places to go every time we journey to Long Island. We especially have enjoyed the Montauk Point Lighthouse. At it's base, a grassy knoll provides adequate space to sit, relax, and to take pictures. From this vantage point, the water can best be seen sweeping around the Point on three sides. It's here that the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island are visible off in the distance. A statue stands nearby which honors men and women lost at sea over the many past decades. Also, a magnificent museum helps visitors understand the history of the site and the surrounding area. Walking the many steps to the top of the Lighthouse provides climbers an extra reward. And, what a view it is!
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It's possible to get refreshments or a light meal at the Park. Or, food could be brought in and enjoyed at one of the Park's picnic tables. A better alternative might be to eat in the village of Montauk at one of the several cafes or restaurants. Our family has always chosen this third option.
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We've eaten in the heart of the small downtown; we've dined overlooking a small lake called Fort Pond; and, we've had the "catch of the day" as we enjoyed outside tables near a string of fishing boats just returned from open waters with fresh seafood at Gosman's Dock. All of our meals have been excellent.
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For our family, to simply say that we had a good time on our many trips to Montauk would be a gross understatement. In fact, we have received enormous pleasure every time we have visited the village, the Park, or the Lighthouse. And, hopefully, the fact that we have returned over and over again provides persuasive evidence that Montauk is indeed worthy of consideration as a unique leisure destination.

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-- The Montauk Point Lighthouse is pictured above.