Learn about New York State’s oldest lighthouse in its museum before climbing to the top for panoramic ocean views.
Montauk Point Lighthouse is a historic structure overlooking the ocean, with spectacular views and a museum. The 18th-century lighthouse has been an iconic part of Long Island’s landscape for more than 200 years and is still active as a navigation tool for seafarers.
Capture photos of the red-and-white tower of the lighthouse, which rises to a height of 110 feet (34 meters). Its light flashes once every 5 seconds. Enter the historic structure and ascend the 137 iron steps to its peak for panoramic views of the ocean and the New York State coastline.
The museum is located in the 1860 Keepers’ House and is full of intriguing trinkets and vestiges from the lighthouse’s past. See the original document signed by Thomas Jefferson and President George Washington to approve the construction of the building. The Second Congress authorized the lighthouse in 1792.
Find out about the rise and decline of the whaling industry in the Gilmartin Galleries. Various temporary exhibits year-round feature topics such as photography.
Enjoy a picnic on the grass with a backdrop of the lighthouse and the ocean. Purchase souvenirs, including small models of the lighthouse, in the gift shop. Weddings and other events are often held at the site, due to its extraordinary setting. School children and other large groups frequently take tours of the historic building.
The lighthouse is open to visitors daily in summer and on the weekends in spring and November. Exact times vary depending on the season. The entrance fee is discounted for seniors and children.
Montauk Point Lighthouse is in the state park of the same name on the eastern point of Long Island in the small hamlet of Montauk in East Hampton. Take the New York City subway to Montauk’s railway to reach the lighthouse in 3 hours. You can also drive east for 125 miles (201 kilometers) from Manhattan to the structure. On-site parking is available for a fee.
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