Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum — Attraction in Town of East Hampton

Before I went to USCG aviation school, I was stationed at the USCG Lightstation Montauk Piunr in 1971 with four other guys. My room was the very last one lowest floor on the left-hand side by the yellow arrow. Our job was to make sure that the radio beacon that was at the light station, was sending out the proper signal so that the airlines coming from Europe could home in on and then go into the airports in New York City. We also had to make sure the fog horn was turned on when it was foggy, and we would have to climb up the stairs each day to make sure the light was functioning properly, and it was clean. It was great duty, but the call of flying search and rescue/medevac helicopters in the US Coast Guard was a stronger draw to me—-but I will never forget The guys I was stationed with – – Smitty( and his wonderful wife Elain!!) Bill Eberlein, William Applebee, Jr and boatswains matefirst class, Bill Conant, and his family. Also, the Park supervisor for Montauk State Park was a very good friend to us and would have us over to dinner with his family on a regular basis – – that was almost 55 years ago for me and I was only 18 years old – – now I’m 73 and remember most of it like yesterday. And for those of you who have, you are correct, in the historical value of the light station – – as well, as the absolutely breathtaking view at the top of the light at sunrise – – or any time actually; I’ll never forget, and remember forever – – when the sun rose, one of the big radio stations in New York City used to play the song “Morning Has Broken”, by Cat Stevens— Who now, for some time goes by some different name – – but anyway—look up the lyrics and you can see what I mean why they played that song it was perfectly befitting, watching the sunrise come up at Montauk Point at the top of the lighthouse. For those of you, who are old time New York, city citizens—-One more interesting fact – – You’ll remember Dick Cavett – – a well-known late night show host on TV in the New York area In the late 60s and mid 70s—lived in Hampton Bay I believe, at the time, and he was an amateur astronomer, and he would call us up and bring his telescope out with him, and we would climb up to the top of the light, and he would look at the stars with his telescope!! When he’d see us in town, he waved to us and shake our hands – – and people would look at you like— whoa you know, Dick Cavett!!!!! also, back then in Montauk, there was a lobster fisherman’s bar called the Shagwon Bar. I believe named after the Shagwon buoy out in, at the time, was called Peconic Bay. And then I believe in Southampton there was a great little bar and dancing place also called “Ye Old Salt.” We had a BLAST during the summer hanging out with all the rich girls that came down from Connecticut and the city to their parents summer homes out on Montauk Point!! I’d love to be able to get back there and walk around some time – – it’s one of the few things in my bucket list I have yet to do. It definitely would be a great walk down memory lane!! And one final thing, I remember – – there was an older lady from the city, who would come out, and she led a group of people that helped to lessen the erosion on the cliff from the...

This place has been on my "to-photograph" list for years and years. I've always hesitated due to the long ride (depending on traffic) from the Bronx and never made it out there. I decided to take a drive. We went on a Sunday morning. Driving out east on a Sunday morning was great up until you hit the far east end. Sunrise Highway (27) is the only main highway going out that way. At one points it becomes sort of a main road driving through some town-like places which is where traffic can really snag. I am sure it is better on a weekday (maybe?) but out ride out there was about 2 hours to get through 90% of the trip, and an additional 1.5 hours driving through the remaining 10% due to the crawling traffic. As you approach the museum, you can park in their lot which costs $8 per car. Again, on a less busier day, this is probably okay, but on a Sunday morning, there is one lane going in collecting $$ (and giving change) which causes another snag. This part took us an additional 20-25 minutes. Keep in mind that after 4 PM, parking is free so I would imagine there wouldn't be traffic going in since they are no longer collecting money at that point. There are lots of parking spots available. We saw people barbecuing in the area. There is a hut for the bathrooms near the parking lot. There is also another common area, which also serves food (I think) near the lower part by the parking lot entrance. You are free to walk around the area at that point, but to enter the lighthouse grounds, the museum, the special exhibit (Jaws) and climb the lighthouse, there is a $12 admission for adults and $5 for children. There is a sign on the front counter of how long the wait is to climb the tower, and at that time, it was an hour. Again, on less busier days, there could be no wait at all. They wisely have staff there limiting the amount of people in the lighthouse. I've been to others lighthouses where people are always running into each other on the long winding staircases which can be madness, so this system was welcomed. The museum was nice, but brief and the Jaws exhibit was small, but interesting. We never made it to the top as the line seemed to grow, but I got my $$ worth in photos. :) The weather was great with a nice amount of cloud cover, making for some nice photos. I shot quite a bit, roaming the ground with my tripod without any hassle from the staff. The grounds are well kept and all the staff there were kind, knowledgeable and helpful. For those planning to go, choose a weekday if possible to avoid the traffic, parking and lighthouse climb waiting snags. Also, for those photographers out there, keep in mind that you can also seemingly get some great shots from the nearby beach off Camp Hero State Park. Views of the lighthouse from any angle are top...

Tips for Visitors:

Arrive Early: To avoid long wait times, try to arrive early in the day, especially on weekends.

Wear Comfortable Shoes: Since the climb involves steep and narrow steps, comfortable footwear is essential.

Check the Weather: Clear days offer the best views, so keep an eye on the weather forecast before your visit.

Bring Water: Stay hydrated, especially if you’re planning to hike the surrounding areas.

Time Your Visit: Consider visiting the museum first to learn about the lighthouse before climbing to the top.

The Montauk Lighthouse is truly a gem along the New York coastline. The museum offers fascinating insights into the history of the lighthouse and its role in maritime navigation. The exhibits are well-curated, showcasing artifacts and stories that bring the area's rich maritime heritage to life. It's important to note that there is no line to enter the lighthouse museum itself. However, visitors should be prepared for a long queue, with possible wait times of up to an hour to reach the top. There is only one staircase for both ascending and descending, consisting of about 137 steep, narrow, and twisting steps, which limits the number of people allowed at a time. Despite this, the experience is definitely worth it. Climbing to the top provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscape.

Overall, a visit to Montauk Lighthouse is a perfect blend of history, education, and natural beauty. Highly recommended for anyone...