Josh G.
Yelp
This is the end. My only friend, the end. Actually, mis amigos are totally not lighthouses (I have actual, human friends, I promise), but the Montauk Lighthouse is a legitimately awesome place to visit.
There's a large chunk of time between my first trip here and the one I took this past summer (some amount over 15 years). My initial venture was in the rain and mildly defeated the glorious views one can gaze at once atop this landmark, but my recent travels showed me the true beauty of Montauk.
Now I don't want to get sentimental here, but it really is breathtaking to climb up this lighthouse and gaze out into the Atlantic Ocean. Knowing you're literally at the end of Long Island is a pretty cool feeling. Taking a pic might help you remember said feels, but it won't be the same as actually being there.
Surrounding those views, you'll get plenty of info and history. Walk around the lower levels of the lighthouse and take in the artifacts and nautical knowledge filling its walls. Do it all for only $11 (not to sound like an infomercial, but it's a respectable price).
Once done, head over to the gift shop and grab a souvenir to show you've visited. Plenty of little items available including clothes, post cards, shot glasses, and bumper stickers. They literally still have the same one my mother got almost two decades ago ("I've seen the light"), but I find that fact nostalgically cool (for some reason).
Overall, the Montauk Lighthouse is an iconic (if not THE iconic) landmark of Long Island and worthy of at least one visit, no matter how old you are. From the views and information, it's definitely a destination that can be repeated more than once (or even twice!). If you've never been, take the trek out east and learn just how amazing a lighthouse can be (no friendship needed).