Montauk Point State Park
Montauk Point State Park is New York’s easternmost state park, occupying the tip of Long Island where the Atlantic Ocean meets Block Island Sound. Located in Montauk, the park is one of the island’s most visited natural attractions, drawing anglers, hikers, birdwatchers, photographers, surfers, and sightseers throughout the year. Its dramatic rocky shoreline, panoramic ocean views, and proximity to the Montauk Point Lighthouse make it one of the signature destinations on Long Island.
A Natural Landmark at the End of Long Island
Covering more than 860 acres, Montauk Point State Park preserves one of the island’s most dramatic coastal landscapes. Visitors can explore rugged cliffs, rocky beaches, coastal bluffs, walking trails, and open fields while enjoying unobstructed views of the surrounding water. Because of its location at the meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound, the park experiences constantly changing seas that make every visit unique.
The park sits just beyond the historic hamlet of Montauk, at the eastern end of the Montauk Highway. Visitors often combine a trip to the park with nearby attractions including Ditch Plains Beach, Montauk Downs State Park, and Camp Hero State Park.
Fishing
Montauk Point is internationally recognized as one of the premier saltwater fishing destinations on the East Coast. Anglers fish from the rocky shoreline throughout the year for striped bass, bluefish, false albacore, blackfish, porgies, and other seasonal species. During migration periods, the point becomes one of the busiest surfcasting locations anywhere in the Northeast.
The surrounding waters also support numerous charter fishing boats departing from Montauk Harbor and Montauk Inlet. Visitors planning to fish should review New York’s fishing license requirements before heading out.
Wildlife and Birdwatching
The park is one of the best locations on Long Island for observing migrating birds. Hawks, falcons, songbirds, waterfowl, and seabirds regularly pass through during spring and fall migrations. Harbor seals are frequently spotted along the shoreline during the colder months, while whales occasionally pass offshore during seasonal migrations.
Its location along the Atlantic Flyway has made the park an important destination for birdwatchers from around the world.
Hiking and Scenic Views
Several walking trails traverse the park, offering opportunities to explore coastal bluffs, native vegetation, and rocky shoreline. The elevated terrain provides sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, Block Island Sound, and passing commercial and recreational vessels.
The park is also considered one of the island’s premier locations for photography, sunrise viewing, and storm watching. Visitors looking for scenic destinations can also explore our guides to the best sunset spots, best sunrise locations, and best sightseeing spots on Long Island.
Montauk Point Lighthouse
Although operated separately, the adjacent Montauk Point Lighthouse is one of Long Island’s most recognizable landmarks. Commissioned by President George Washington in 1792, it is New York State’s oldest lighthouse and remains an active aid to navigation. Together, the lighthouse and state park create one of the most photographed locations on Long Island.
Montauk Point State Park
Key Facts & Details
| Location | Montauk, Town of East Hampton |
|---|---|
| County | Suffolk County |
| Park Size | Approximately 862 acres |
| Managed By | New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation |
| Known For | Fishing, coastal scenery, hiking, wildlife, birdwatching, photography |
| Adjacent Landmark | Montauk Point Lighthouse |
| Waters | Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound |
| Popular Activities | Fishing, hiking, sightseeing, birdwatching, photography, seal watching |
| Nearby State Parks | Camp Hero State Park, Montauk Downs State Park |
Montauk Point State Park is widely regarded as one of Long Island’s premier outdoor destinations. Whether visitors come to experience world-class surf fishing, observe migrating wildlife, hike along the bluffs, or simply stand at the eastern edge of New York watching the waves, the park offers a landscape unlike anywhere else on Long Island.
