Montauk Point State ParkAbout Montauk Point State Park
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.
Nearby Attractions to Montauk Point State Park
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -5° - 4° | -6° | 102 mm | - | - | 5.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -4° - 4° | -5° | 90 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -1° - 7° | -1° | 107 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 4° - 12° | 5° | 102 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 9° - 18° | 13° | 91 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 14° - 23° | 18° | 83 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 17° - 26° | 22° | 75 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 18° - 26° | 22° | 98 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 14° - 22° | 18° | 94 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 8° - 17° | 13° | 87 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 4° - 12° | 5° | 112 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -1° - 7° | -2° | 108 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
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.