Montauk Point State Park is where the South Fork runs out. The Atlantic meets Block Island Sound here, and on a calm day you can see the line where the two tides collide. The sun comes up over open water to the east.
This is a park for looking, walking and fishing, not swimming. There is no swimming beach and no lifeguard. What you get instead is surfing, windsurfing, stand-up paddling, hiking trails, food and year-round fishing with a state permit. For a swim, Hither Hills is the state-park option and Ditch Plains the guarded Town beach with waves.
Winter is the second season. Seals haul out nearby, and State Parks runs seal hikes on Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 20 in 2026. Hamptons Year Round explains how to watch seals on the East End, and our off-season beach guide covers what else is worth the cold. Hunting is allowed in season on weekdays, so check the park’s schedule before a winter walk.
The park is open sunrise to sunset all year, with a vehicle fee in season. A 4WD beach permit and night fishing permits are separate, and Hamptons Beach Pass explains both. Driving out from the city? Hamptons Commute compares the ways to get to Montauk.
