Montauk, at Long Island's easternmost point, is the ultimate seaside resort community. With pristine beaches on the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound, world class golf, spectacular fishing, and abundant restaurants and shopping. Montauk offers something for every taste.
Some of the world best fishing is done out of Montauk, where there are more than 20 marinas and over 400 charter fishing boats, many reeling in prize catches of marlin, shark, tuna and over 30 world records.
Montauk, which means "hilly land", was originally inhabited by the Montauket Indians. They sold Montauk in 1686 to a group of individuals from East Hampton who settled there to raise cattle. Montauk still maintains the distinction of being the oldest cattle ranch in the United States.
In 1792, President George Washington signed an order to have Montauk Lighthouse constructed. The lighthouse was built by John McComb Jr., a famous early architect, on a spot where Royal Navy had maintained signal bonfires for its ships during the American Revolution. The Lighthouse was completed in 1796 with a budget of $22,300.
Today, Montauk is a vibrant resort destination welcoming visitors from all over the world. There are over 75 hotels, motels, and guest house to choose from when planning a vacation or a weekend getaway. Numerous recreational activities are available from horseback riding, whale-watching and surfing, to camping, tennis, and golf. And exciting night life, many award winning restaurants, a marineotherapeutic spa, historic attractions and great shopping to add to the scene.
RECREATION
Montauk County Park. (1185 acres) Montauk Highway.
Hiking, camping, picnicking, saltwater fishing, canoeing, hunting, horseback riding facility, and 3.5 miles of nature trails. Site of the historic Third House (852-7878)
Montauk Downs State Park. (160 acres) South Fairview Highway
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, driving range, putting green and restaurant are available.
Hither Hills State Park. (1155 acres) Old Montauk Highway.
Campgrounds, hiking/nature trails, picnic areas, 2.5 mile ocean beach, lifeguards, surfcasting, sand castle building contests, 40 acre lake for freshwater fishing (need NYS license). General store. (For reservations and fee schedule, please call 668-7600)
Fort Pond. Montauk Highway.
Lake with aluminum canoe, Triumph sailboat, sunfish and paddle boat rentals available. Free instruction. (668-4473)
Kirk Park Beach. Montauk Highway.
Ocean, beach, picnic areas, and restrooms. (324-2417)
Ditch Plains. Off Ditch Plains Rd.
Popular beach for surfing. Food stand and restrooms. For seasonal permit holders. (324-2417)
Gin Beach. East Lake drive, on Block Island Sound
Lifeguards, food stand, restrooms. For seasonal permit holders.
Deep Hollow Ranch at Montauk County Park.
The site of the nations oldest cattle ranch and birthplace of the American cowboy. Trail rides on beach and through Montauk County Park. Horseback riding, pony rides, petting zoo, BBQ's. Private lessons, English/Western. (668-2744)
Rita's Montauk Stable. West Lake Drive.
Features 15 horses, 6 ponies, 5 beach/trail rides, half-hour family/child rides, private trail rides and petting zoo. Private lessons. (668-5453)
POINTS OF INTEREST
Second House Museum.
A 1746 farmhouse used by early herders. The second house built in Montauk. Changing exhibitions, local history. Open May-October (668-5340)
Montauk Point Lighthouse at Montauk State Park. (724 acres)
Located at the easternmost tip of Long Island, the 80-foot landmark structure welcomes thousand of visitors each year. This is the oldest lighthouse on Long Island. 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 March-December and during the winter on holiday weekends. Surfcasting, 5 miles of hiking trails, picnic area, cafe, gift shop. (668-2544)
Third House.
Built in 1747, the third house constructed in Montauk. Used by Teddy Roosevelt after the Spanish-American War, Displays turn-of-the-century diorama and historic photographs. (668-5340)
For more information, call the Montauk Chamber of Commerce at 668-2428.