montauk attractions

The Montauk Point Lighthouse is our best known attraction. Our natural attractions include some of the finest ocean beaches in America, five state parks, county and town parks, and nature preserve areas.

Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum

Located in Montauk Point State Park, the museum showcases the seafaring history of the Lighthouse and offers guided tours. Climb 137 steps to the deck for the most spectacular views of the ocean. The Montauk Historical Society operates the visitor center and grounds. Visit the exhibit, Where Land Meets Sea and Sky: Exploring Montauk History through the Richard T. Gilmartin Galleries. This new, permanent, interactive exhibit features Montauk History. Come see the path the Culloden took before it wrecked, watch archaeologists at work and experience a ghosted image of Montaukett Indians gathering food hundreds of years ago. Lots of fun and interest for all ages. Check for special events throughout the year. Fee: $7 Adults, $6 Seniors, and $3 Children up to 12 years old and at least 41" tall; Children under 41" free, but they cannot go up the tower. Open daily May 9 Ð Columbus Day, weekends into December, weather permitting. Group, wedding, and school tours year-round with advanced reservations. Parking: $6 day. (668-2544)  www.montauklighthouse.com

Fishing

A half-day fishing trip is a quintessential Montauk activity; it requires no experience, the whole family has a good time, and is also quite affordable. You have several boats to choose from, all with experienced captains. Montauk is popular for summer fluke and fall striped bass. Go to our fishing section on page 20 for more information on who to call for a great day on the water.

Seal Watch Walks

Walking tours off Montauk Point held on weekends from late December through April. View these shy creatures on the rocky shores of Montauk Point State Park. New York State observation walks are led by a naturalist explaining seal behavior, bird life, and coastal ecology. Approximately three hours. Fee: $5 Adults, $3 Children under 18, and Children under 7 years free. CRESLI, (631-244-3352) a non-profit organization, also runs seal walks headed by a Marine Mammal Ecologist (cresli.org). Take your camera and binoculars. Call for information and times.

Second House Museum

The second house built in Montauk. First House is long gone, but like Third House, Second House is a 1700Õs farmhouse once built for the East Hampton shepherds. Originally surrounded by pastures, the land features a beautiful rose and herb garden which you can visit: the museum is currently closed for renovations. but will be open for the two craft fairs on July 7-8, and August 11-12. Located 1/2 mile west of the Village on Montauk Highway; Second House hosts numerous events throughout the year. (668-5340)

Birdwatching

A popular activity, particularly at Montauk Point State Park. Many migrating birds on the Atlantic Flyway stop here to rest and sightings of rare birds make newspaper headlines. Yearly visitors include ospreys, bald eagles, ducks, geese, and songbirds. During migrating season, the sea is alive with water birds. Best viewing: at the restaurant overlook at the Point, the sandy bluffs below it, and the rocks and parking lot at the Lighthouse. Best seasons are fall and winter.

Sunset Lighthouse Cruise

A sunset cruise from the harbor to the lighthouse and back will show you a Montauk coast that is profoundly beautiful. Sailing from 7pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Marlin Princess VI with its large comfortable sundeck invites you to bring the kids, but also promises to be couple comfortable. This two-hour cruise sails from Uihlein's marina. Call 668-4700 for more information.

Petting Farm

Rita's Stable has a large petting farm attached to her stable with baby animals, twin goats, Barbato sheep, funny bunnies, baby calves, turkeys, baby pigs, colorful peacocks, and more. She will also take her animals to your home for birthday parties and special occasions. Great for the kids and the whole family. Rita is now open late for the after-the-beach set. (668-5453)

Sailing

Charter the sailboat Northern sun for a sail over some of the most beautiful waters on the east coast. Available for 1/2 day, full day, sunset sails, and overnight sails, this 42 ft. Pilothouse promises to be comfortable way to get out on the water. (668-4002)

Whale and Pelagic Bird Watching Trip

The Coastal Research and Education Society of Long Island (CRESLI) in conjunction with the Viking Fleet and the Whale Center of New England, leads whale and pelagic bird watching trips from Montauk. This year there will be one trip on August 14-16 to the Great South Channel in search of humpback, fin, sei, minke and right whales; common and Atlantic white-sided dolphins; shearwaters, storm petrels, skuas and more. The trip will take 10 hours to reach the whale grounds (overnight) arriving at day break; 30 hours with the whales and then a return trip of 10 hours. CRESLI has had 100% sighting success on these amazing trips to areas rarely reached by other whale and seabird watching vessels. The boat sleeps 60, and is recommended for anyone age 7 and up. Reserve online at cresli.org/cresli/reservations/offshore_res.html