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Looking to land your own monster shark, or something smaller and more manageable, say a bluefish? Montauk boasts about 20 marinas and over 400 charter and party fishing boats, and some of the best captains on the East Coast. Surf-casting, fly-fishing and whale-watching are popular.
Looking to land your
own monster shark,
or something smaller
and more manageable,
say a bluefish?
own monster shark,
or something smaller
and more manageable,
say a bluefish?
Montauk was originally inhabited by the Montauket Indians, but in 1686, a group of settlers came from East Hampton to raise cattle. It’s still home to the oldest cattle ranch in the United States, Deep Hollow Ranch.
In the 1920s, Carl Fisher, a real estate mogul who had developed Miami Beach, envisioned Montauk becoming the “Miami of the North” – but the Great Depression stopped the grand project. Fisher did manage to build such local landmarks as Montauk Manor, an elegant hotel that is now a condominium resort overlooking the Atlantic, and the marina complex at Star Island.
If you’re looking for adventure in the great outdoors, Montauk is the place to go sport-fishing, golfing, seal-watching, horseback riding (on the beach), nature hiking, ocean-front camping, surfing and cross country-skiing and more. There are more than 75 hotels, motels and B&B’s to choose from when planning a vacation or weekend getaway.
And no trip can be complete without a visit to the Montauk Point Lighthouse. President George Washington commissioned the lighthouse, and it was completed in 1796 and is now the oldest operating lighthouse in New York State and the fourth oldest in the country. Tours are available, and you can climb the 137-steps to the beacon. Montauk Point’s rocky beach draws surf-casters, and it’s also a fine place to take a romantic stroll, or to watch the sun rise.
Major Attractions
Second House Museum. A 1746 farmhouse used by early herders. The second house built in Montauk. Changing exhibitions, local history. Open May-October ( 631- 668-5340).
Third House. Montauk County Park. Built in 1747, the Third House was used by Teddy Roosevelt after the Spanish-American War. Displays turn-of-the-century diorama and historic photographs. A new 20-inch research-quality telescope offers a view of the night sky, and star-gazing parties will be available throughout the summer. ( 631- 852-7878)
Montauk Point Lighthouse at Montauk Point State Park. (724 acres). Located at the easternmost tip of Long Island, the 80-foot landmark structure welcomes thousands of visitors each year. This is the oldest operating lighthouse in New York State, commissioned by George Washington and completed in 1796 on a spot where the Royal Navy had maintained signal bonfires for its ships during the American Revolution. Walking tours are available and include a trip up the 137 spiral steps to the top of the tower. The museum exhibit includes the 1903 Fresnel lens used at the Lighthouse until 1987, when it was retired by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Montauk Historical Society operates the Visitor Center and grounds. Open April-December and during the winter on holiday weekends. Surfcasting, five miles of hiking trails, picnic area, café, museum and gift shop. ( 631- 668-2544)
H.M.S. Culloden. A popular Montauk dive spot. Site of an English frigate that sank in 1871. Two to three miles west of the Montauk jetties at Culloden Point.
Parks & Recreation
Camp Hero State Park. Montauk Highway. (415 acres) Diverse landscape with miles of heavily wooded areas, an historic military installation and a long expanse of beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean. Extensive system of trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Wildlife watching and surf fishing with permit. ( 631- 668-3781)
Theodore Roosevelt County Park. (1,185 Acres) Montauk Highway. Hiking, camping, picnicking, saltwater fishing, canoeing, hunting, horseback riding facility, 3.5 miles of nature trails. Site of the historic Third House. ( 631- 852-7879)
Montauk Downs State Park. South Fairview Avenue. (160 acres) Designed by Robert Trent Jones, the 18-hole golf course is rated as one of the top 50 public courses in the nation by Golf Digest magazine. Club rentals, carts, lessons, a driving range, putting green and restaurant. (668-5000) Hither Hills State Park. Old Montauk Highway. (1,755 acres) Campgrounds, hiking/nature trails, picnic areas, 2.5-mile ocean beach, lifeguards, surfcasting, sandcastle building contests, 40-acre lake for freshwater fishing (need NYS license). General store. For reservations and fee schedule, please call 631- 668-7600.
Shadmoor State Park (100 acres) At southwest corner of Route 27 and Seaside Avenue. More than 2,400 feet of ocean beach, bluffs, freshwater wetlands, hiking trails and elevated platforms for bird-watching and shoreline views. ( 631- 669-1000)
Fort Pond. Montauk Highway. Lake with aluminum canoe, Triumph sailboat, sunfish and paddleboat rentals available. Free instruction. ( 631- 668-4473)
Kirk Park Beach. Montauk Highway. East Hampton Town Beach. Ocean beach, picnic areas, restrooms, public parking. ( 631- 324-2417)
Ditch Plains. Off Ditch Plains Rd. Popular surfing beach. Food stand and restrooms. For seasonal permit holders. ( 631- 324-2417)
Gin Beach. East Lake Drive, on Block Island Sound. East Hampton Town Beach. Lifeguards, food stand, restrooms. For seasonal permit holders. ( 631- 324-2417)
Deep Hollow Ranch at Theodore Roosevelt County Park. The site of the nation’s oldest cattle ranch and birthplace of the American cowboy. Trail rides on beach and through Theodore Roosevelt County Park. Horseback riding, pony rides, petting zoo, BBQs. Private lessons, English/Western. ( 631- 668-2744)
For more information call the Montauk Chamber of Commerce at 631-668-2428 www.montaukwchamber.com