Montauk Point Lighthouse: The Museum and the Climb
If you've driven to the end of Route 27, you've seen it: the red and white striped tower at Montauk Point. The lighthouse sits on the easternmost tip of Long Island, and the museum and climb are worth your time, even if you've passed it a hundred times.
The Montauk Point Lighthouse was built in 1797 and still operates. The tower is 110 feet tall, and the climb is a real one—you're going up a narrow spiral staircase with 137 steps. The stairs are tight enough that two people can't comfortably pass each other. If you have any discomfort with heights or small spaces, skip the climb. But if you make it to the top, the view is genuine. On a clear day, you see the Atlantic unobstructed, the curve of the south fork, and tanker ships moving across the horizon. It takes maybe five minutes to climb and descend.
The museum occupies the keeper's house and a few outbuildings. You'll find exhibits about lighthouse history, the keepers who lived here, and the maritime life around Montauk. The museum staff knows their material and will answer questions about the light itself, the fog signal, and the mechanics. Nothing is slick or overly produced. It feels like a genuine local museum, which it is.
When to Visit
The lighthouse is open year-round, but hours vary seasonally. In winter (November through March), expect shorter hours and occasional closures in rough weather. Spring through fall, hours are longer. Call ahead if the weather looks uncertain. On weekends in July and August, arrive early or go on a weekday—parking fills up. In February, you'll often have the place nearly to yourself.
What to Bring and Know
There's a small parking lot at Montauk Point State Park, and it's free. The walk from the lot to the lighthouse is short. Wear shoes with good grip for the spiral stairs. Bring a light jacket regardless of season—it's windier at the point than anywhere else in town. The museum gift shop has local books and lighthouse-themed items. There's a picnic area in the park if you want to spend an afternoon.
The lighthouse and surrounding parkland are managed by the Montauk Point Lighthouse Foundation, a nonprofit. If you're interested in organized tours and charters around Montauk, some include a stop here as part of a larger itinerary, though the self-guided visit is straightforward enough.
Local tip: Go during a weekday in late September or early October. The weather is still decent, the summer crowds have left, and the light hits the white sand beaches nearby at an angle that makes them beautiful.
Find a place to stay in Montauk near the point, or plan a day trip from the rest of town—it's about fifteen minutes from downtown.