Within Montauk Point State Park [1], but not officially a part of it, is the still-operating Montauk Lighthouse (Montauk Hwy., 631/668-2544, www.montauklighthouse.com [2], 10:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. daily June–Sept., call for off-season hours, adults $8.50, seniors $7, children under 12 $4, children under 41 inches tall not admitted to climb tower, parking $6), one of the most popular visitor attractions on Long Island [3].
The striped brown-and-white structure was commissioned by George Washington in 1792 and has been protecting vessels traveling the transatlantic trade route ever since. At one time, the lighthouse burned whale oil. Today it’s automated and no longer requires a keeper.
The Coast Guard still runs the technical end of the lighthouse but leases the building to the Montauk Historical Society.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-city-long-island/long-island/the-hamptons/montauk/beaches-and-parks
[2] http://www.montauklighthouse.com
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/new-york-city-long-island/long-island