Montauk : The Best Ocean Views
If there’s one thing that Montauk is known for, it’s having the best views on the island. While many people associate New York, as a whole, with New York City or Upstate, Long Island is sometimes forgotten as a top summer destination. Additionally, while the Hamptons get the spotlight, Montauk is a quieter, more rural alternative to the hustle and bustle of village streets during the peak season.
The Best State Park Views: Camp Hero
A lesser-known park on the East End is Camp Hero State Park, which has a long, and somewhat mysterious, history with Long Island’s East End. The park spans a total distance of 415 acres, meeting up with Montauk’s Bluffs as its ocean side edge. Down below, park-goers will be able to observe a small sliver of a beach, but it’s the expansive views of the Atlantic that have most people in awe. In the distance, one can see the Montauk Point Lighthouse and, on a clear day, many sailboats and fishing boats will dot the horizon. There’s perhaps no better place to witness the deep blue of the ocean from Lond Island’s shores, especially with such a dramatic cliffside.
Inlet Seafood Restaurant
Not only is Inlet Seafood considered to be the ‘last restaurant on Long Island,’ but it also features unbelievable panoramic views of the harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. It also has a reputation for being one of the best places on the South Fork to watch the sunset, so early-evening dining reservations are a must for those who wish to see this stunning spectacle in person.
Featuring a full-service bar, an expansive and creative sushi menu, a broad selection of fish and shellfish dishes, delicious non-seafood options, and hand-crafted desserts, it’s not surprising that this restaurant is one of the best in Montauk.
Top Of Montauk Point Lighthouse
Of course, some of the best views of Long Island’s East End can be taken in from the top of the Montauk Point Lighthouse. While visitors are permitted to explore its grounds, as well as the rocky beach below, the views from the top of the lighthouse are perhaps the most profound. There’s an $8 fee for parking in the lot between 8 AM and 4 PM, along with admission into the actual lighthouse which is as follows:
Adults: $13
Seniors (62+): $8
Children (under 12): $5
After climbing the 137 steps to the tower of the lighthouse, visitors will be treated to spectacular views of the Block Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s well worth the cost of admission, and also allows visitors to experience more than 200 years of maritime history at Montauk’s most iconic landmark.