
Old Montauk Highway Scenic Drive
A winding coastal road offering breathtaking ocean vistas and a unique, tranquil escape from the everyday.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light for photos

Old Montauk Highway Scenic Drive
Best Time
Magical light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A winding coastal road offering breathtaking ocean vistas and a unique, tranquil escape from the everyday.
"One of the few spots that makes you go "Am I still on Long Island?""

🚗 Take the Scenic Route
Opt for Old Montauk Highway for a more picturesque journey than the main road.
🌅 Chase the Golden Hour
Sunrises and sunsets offer incredible views and photo opportunities.

Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Coastal Vistas
Along Old Montauk Highway
Experience stunning ocean panoramas and unique Long Island landscapes that feel worlds away.
Sunset Spectacle
Various pull-offs along the highway
Witness breathtaking sunsets that transform the sky into a canvas of color over the Atlantic.
Stargazing Opportunities
Darker pull-offs away from town lights
On clear nights, this stretch offers surprisingly good stargazing, far from city light pollution.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scenic Route
Timing is Everything for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Take the Scenic Route
Opt for Old Montauk Highway for a more picturesque journey than the main road.
🌅 Chase the Golden Hour
Sunrises and sunsets offer incredible views and photo opportunities.
🚶♀️ Access Hiking Trails
Hither Hills State Park offers short hikes with great views.
✨ Escape the Ordinary
Experience a unique Long Island landscape that feels like a different world.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Take the Scenic Route
Opt for Old Montauk Highway for a more picturesque journey than the main road.
🌅 Chase the Golden Hour
Sunrises and sunsets offer incredible views and photo opportunities.
🚶♀️ Access Hiking Trails
Hither Hills State Park offers short hikes with great views.
✨ Escape the Ordinary
Experience a unique Long Island landscape that feels like a different world.
🔭 Look Up at Night
Enjoy surprisingly clear stargazing on dark, clear nights.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning coastal views and the feeling of being transported away from typical Long Island scenery. The sunsets are particularly highlighted as breathtaking. Some find the drive a bit short, but appreciate its scenic nature and the opportunity for stargazing.
"Good view of a part of LI's eastern south shore. Decent size parking lot. Hiking trail access from this area."
G
"Gorgeous views all times of the year, not to mention fantastic sunsets. One of the few spots that makes you go "Am I still on Long Island?""
Mark Bain
"Good place for quick visit"
Galyna Shulimova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Old Montauk Highway is accessible from various points as you head towards Montauk. It often branches off from the main Montauk Highway, offering a more winding and scenic path along the coast. Look for signs indicating the scenic route or coastal access points.
No, Old Montauk Highway is a two-way road. However, it's narrower and more winding than the main highway, so drive cautiously and be mindful of oncoming traffic.
Using a GPS or map app is recommended, but also keep an eye out for pull-offs and scenic overlooks. The beauty is in the journey, so don't rush.
There aren't strict 'entry points' like a park. You can join Old Montauk Highway at various intersections as you travel east towards Montauk. It's best to look for it after passing Napeague.
Yes, any standard vehicle can navigate Old Montauk Highway. The road is paved but can be winding, so it's best suited for cars and smaller SUVs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, driving Old Montauk Highway is free and open to the public. There are no admission fees associated with the scenic drive itself.
While the drive is free, some pull-offs or access points near beaches or parks might have parking fees, especially during peak season. It's always good to have some cash on hand just in case.
Old Montauk Highway is a public road and is accessible 24/7. However, the best times to visit for scenic views are during daylight hours, especially sunrise and sunset.
Yes, there are designated pull-offs and scenic overlooks where you can safely stop your vehicle, get out, and enjoy the views. Please use caution when exiting your vehicle.
Hither Hills State Park, which offers hiking access, typically has an entrance fee, especially during the summer season. Check the New York State Parks website for current rates.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for pull-offs with unobstructed ocean views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The winding road itself can also make for dramatic shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting distant wildlife or details. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions like sunrise and sunset.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography along the public road. However, always be respectful of private property and other visitors.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers good views.
Drone usage may be restricted in certain areas, especially near state parks or private properties. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
🎫 🌲 Nature & Hiking
Yes, Hither Hills State Park is adjacent to Old Montauk Highway and offers hiking trails. The trails are generally short but provide lovely views of the dunes and coastline.
You might spot various seabirds along the coast. Keep an eye out for marine life in the ocean, and depending on the season, you might see deer or other small mammals in the wooded areas.
Redditors mention Hither Hills has a 'good (but very short) hike.' It's ideal for a brief nature walk rather than an extensive trek, offering scenic coastal perspectives.
The dramatic coastline, rolling dunes, and the expansive Atlantic Ocean are the main natural attractions. The unique landscape often makes visitors feel like they're not on Long Island.
Yes, there are several beach access points and parking areas along or near Old Montauk Highway, allowing you to combine your scenic drive with a beach visit.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit