Take an Ocean Vacation at Montauk, Long Island

Head to Montauk, where you can wrestle a monster bass through the surf at dawn, watch the sun rise in the East, have lunch on the sandy beach at noon, spend the afternoon walking the miles and miles of open beach, or catch a wave with your surfing buddies.

This paradise is on the eastern tip of Long Island, 110 miles from midtown Manhattan with access to ocean, bay and pond and literally thousands of acres of wooded park land. Montauk is a mecca for the water enthusiast. Hither Hills State Park has facilities for campers and RVs, so visitors can spend the night on the ocean during season. For ten miles, accommodations range from a room with a view to a resort hotel.

Swimmers can test their stamina in the ocean south of Montauk, while long-distance swimmers will try the north side of Montauk in Block Island Sound. The tides and winds provide surf and sailing for all levels of expertise. Lake Montauk has calm waters for those who want a relaxing dip.

Launch your boat from one of many launching ramps. Cast your rod. Montauk is one of the sport-fishing capitals of the world. If you don't have your own sportfishing boat, you can rent or charter one. Check the Montauk chamber of commerce or the local business pages.

Montauk is well known for its shark fishing. The season peaks in late June, bringing a carnival atmosphere to the docks, as tourists snap photos of huge specimens hanging from the gin poles.