Montauk Point State Park
Park Oceanfront state park with historic lighthouse and bluffs
At Long Island’s eastern tip, Montauk Point State Park hosts the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse, Atlantic surf, rocky headlands and seasonal fishing; visitors hike coastal trails, spot seabirds and photograph sunrise over open ocean.
Montauk Point State Park is a state park at the eastern tip of Long Island in the hamlet of Montauk, New York, occupying the headland that separates Block Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. The site is best known for the Montauk Point Lighthouse, an active navigational aid first completed in 1796.
The park offers coastal viewpoints with wide ocean and sound views, rocky shoreline fishing spots, short walking trails and picnic areas; shorebird watching and seasonal whale and seal sightings are common from the headland. The lighthouse includes a small museum and visitor facilities operated on site.
The lighthouse was constructed and first lit in 1796 as part of the early federal lighthouse system; the surrounding headland later became protected as a state park to preserve the shoreline and public access. The lighthouse and its keepers dwellings have been maintained and interpreted for visitors since the 20th century.
The park sits at the easternmost point of Long Island in Suffolk County, within the Montauk community, where the land projects into the Atlantic and Block Island Sound.
- Montauk Point Lighthouse: Contains the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse, first lit in 1796 and one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States.
How to Get to Montauk Point State Park #
Montauk Point is at the end of NY State Route 27 (Montauk Highway). From Amagansett or Montauk village drive east toward the tip; parking is available at the park (seasonal fees may apply). The nearest major rail connection is the Long Island Rail Road to Montauk station, from which taxis or local buses serve the park.
Tips for Visiting Montauk Point State Park #
- Visit at sunrise for dramatic light; afternoons can be windy and crowded.
- Bring layers-the wind off Long Island Sound can be sharp even in summer.
- Combine a lighthouse visit with a walk along the clifftop trails for seals and shorebirds.
Best Time to Visit Montauk Point State Park #
Late spring through fall is best for access and services; fall offers lighter crowds and good wildlife viewing.
Weather & Climate near Montauk Point State Park #
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1149 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (112 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm).
