An NYC summer escape often delivers the best of both worlds: a scenic, unhurried train ride where you can get lost in a book, map out the day ahead, or simply watch the landscape shift outside your window, followed by a coastal adventure that feels a world away from the city’s pace.
Case in point: at the end of one of the most picturesque Long Island Rail Road journeys, travelers can experience the rugged, maritime beauty of Montauk Point State Park, where the landscape transitions from lush woodlands to rocky shorelines that mirror the jagged coast of Maine.
For those who are itching to trade city sites for coastal sunsets for a day or weekend, we have you covered with a picturesque, unique escape.
The Journey to the “End of the World”
Located at the easternmost tip of Long Island, Montauk (affectionately known as “The End”) offers a dramatic escape from the city’s concrete canyons.
While many visitors flock to the beaches, the park’s trail system provides a wilderness experience defined by salt spray, wind-swept bluffs, and pristine maritime forests.
- By Car: Drive east on the Long Island Expressway (I-495) to Sunrise Highway (Route 27) and follow it to the very end; expect a 2.5 to 3.5-hour journey depending on the notorious Hamptons traffic.
- By Train (LIRR): Take the Montauk Branch from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison for a scenic 3.5-hour ride to the Montauk Station, then grab a 10-minute taxi or Uber to the park.
- By Bus (Hampton Jitney): Board at various Manhattan or Brooklyn stops for a comfortable, WiFi-equipped 3-hour coach ride that drops you in Montauk Village, followed by a short local shuttle or cab to the lighthouse.
- By Sea (Ferry Alternative): For those coming from the North Fork or Connecticut, take the Cross Sound Ferry to Orient Point and enjoy a stunning (though longer) drive down through Shelter Island to reach the Point.
The Trails
Montauk Point State Park offers coastal bluffs, maritime forest, and ocean views centered around the lighthouse.
- Seal haul trail: An easy 1.5-mile round trip through woodland to rocky shoreline along Block Island Sound. Known for harbor seal sightings in winter and early spring. Though it’s not seal season at the moment, this is a great bookmark for later in the year, or a brisk way to see the park.
- Money pond trail: A moderate loop around a freshwater pond with coastal shrubland and occasional lighthouse views.
- Point woods trail: A shaded forest loop with maritime vegetation. Especially scenic in fall and a quiet route toward the bluffs.
- Paumanok path (eastern terminus): The final stretch of a 125-mile trail ending at Montauk Point Lighthouse. A challenging coastal hike with sweeping Atlantic views and a dramatic finish.
The Iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse
No visit to this trail is complete without continuing on to the Montauk Point Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in New York State.
- History: Commissioned by George Washington in 1792, this National Historic Landmark stands as a sentinel over the Atlantic.
- The View: You can hike the bluffs between the Seal Haul Out Trail and the lighthouse for sweeping views of the ocean. On clear days, you can see as far as Block Island, Rhode Island.
- The Museum: The lighthouse keeper’s house now serves as a museum, offering a deep dive into the maritime history of the region and the evolution of the tower itself.
Tips for the Trail
- Dress in Layers: The weather at the point can be significantly cooler and windier than in the city. Even in spring or fall, a windbreaker is highly recommended.
- Pack Binoculars: The seals are best viewed from a distance to avoid disturbing them, and binoculars will give you a clear look at their expressions as they lounge.
- Check the Tides: Visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website or local tide charts to ensure you arrive during low tide for the best seal sightings.
