Best Sunrise and Sunset Points in Long Island
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Long Island’s Sunrises and Sunsets
- Top Sunrise and Sunset Places on Long Island
- Best Time to Visit for Golden Hour
- Suggested Sunrise-to-Sunset Circuits
- Golden Hour Activities and Photography Tips
- Seasonal Events and Festivals
- Sample Itineraries
- Budget and Estimated Costs
- How to Reach Long Island
- Where to Stay
- Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction to Long Island’s Sunrises and Sunsets
Few places on the U.S. East Coast deliver day-to-night drama like Long Island. From Atlantic-facing beaches that catch the first light at Montauk to LI Sound and bayfront harbors that glow at dusk, this slender island gives you panoramic horizons in both directions—often within a short drive. Whether you’re chasing a winter fire-sky, a summer pastel, or the golden light that kisses vineyards and lighthouses, the Island serves up year-round magic for beachgoers, photographers, and romantics alike.
Top Sunrise and Sunset Places on Long Island
East End (Montauk + The Hamptons)
- Montauk Point Lighthouse (Sunrise) – Iconic Atlantic-facing perch. Watch the sun break over the lighthouse and rocky bluffs. Park opens at dawn; museum admission applies during open hours, but exterior viewpoints are free.
- Camp Hero State Park (Sunrise) – Rugged cliffs just south of the lighthouse with wide horizons and fewer crowds. Stay behind fences and heed cliff-edge warnings.
- Ditch Plains Beach (Sunrise) – Surfers silhouetted against first light; great foreground interest.
- Hither Hills State Park (Sunrise/Sunset) – Gentle dunes and sweeping beach; sunrise over ocean, subtle sunset color to the west.
- Gosman’s Dock & Montauk Harbor Inlet (Sunset) – Fishing boats and jetties catch warm backlight as the sun sinks beyond Lake Montauk.
- Shinnecock Inlet & Ponquogue Bridge, Hampton Bays (Sunset) – Strong west-facing views over Shinnecock Bay; bridge lines make striking compositions.
North Fork + Shelter Island
- Orient Point County Park (Sunrise) – Far eastern tip of the North Fork with unobstructed ocean/LI Sound light.
- Orient Beach State Park (Sunset) – Gentle curves, shells, and calm Sound waters for reflective dusk.
- Greenport Waterfront (Sunset) – Harbor masts and Shelter Island ferries in golden-hour glow.
- Shelter Island – Crescent Beach/“Sunset Beach” (Sunset) – As the name promises: wide-open west views, sailboats, and glowing water.
South Shore (Barrier Beaches + Fire Island)
- Robert Moses State Park, Field 5 & Fire Island Lighthouse (Sunrise) – Classic Atlantic sunrise; lighthouse adds a focal point.
- Jones Beach West End 2 & Jetty (Sunset) – West-facing bayside overlooks and jetty silhouettes at day’s end.
- Long Beach Boardwalk (Sunrise) – Pastel mornings over the ocean; later, head bayside (Reynolds Channel) for sunset hues.
- Smith Point County Park (Sunrise/Sunset) – Ocean sunrise; bay-side and inlet angles for sunset color.
- Cupsogue Beach County Park (Sunset) – West-facing Moriches Bay creates mirror-like reflections on calm evenings.
- Fire Island – Watch Hill & Sailors Haven (Sunset) – Boardwalks and dunes with soft, wind-sculpted lines; note ferry schedules.
North Shore (LI Sound + Harbors)
- Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve (Sunset) – Rolling meadows to blufftop Sound vistas; golden-hour landscapes.
- Sunken Meadow State Park & Pier (Sunset) – Big-sky Sound views with a long pier for leading lines.
- Northport – Crab Meadow Beach (Sunset) – Wide flats and grasses glow at low tide.
- Port Jefferson Harbor (Sunset) – Ferries and waterfront create layered dusk scenes.
- Port Washington – Sunset Park & Manhasset Bay (Sunset) – Calm water and moored boats under a warm sky.
- Oyster Bay & Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park (Sunset) – Family-friendly lawns with big west-facing water.
- Bayville (Sunset) – Small-town bayfront with charming piers and classic LI atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit for Golden Hour
- Seasonality: Winter delivers vivid reds/oranges and ultra-clear air; summer brings soft pastels and longer twilights; spring/fall balance color and comfortable temps.
- Weather: Post-frontal days (after rain or a cold front) offer crisp air and dramatic skies. Partial cloud cover (30–70%) is ideal for color.
- Tides: Low tide creates reflective sand flats on south-shore beaches—great for mirror shots. Check local tide charts.
- Timing: Arrive 30–45 minutes before sunrise/sunset to watch the light evolve through blue hour and civil twilight.
Suggested Sunrise-to-Sunset Circuits
Classic East End Circuit
- Sunrise: Montauk Point Lighthouse or Camp Hero
- Midday: Explore Montauk village, Hither Hills trails
- Golden hour: Drive west to Shinnecock Inlet
- Sunset: Ponquogue Bridge or Gosman’s Dock
North Fork + Shelter Island Loop
- Sunrise: Orient Point County Park
- Day: Vineyards and farm stands
- Sunset: Shelter Island’s Crescent Beach or Orient Beach State Park
Barrier Beach Day
- Sunrise: Robert Moses Field 5 / Fire Island Lighthouse
- Day: Boardwalks at Sunken Forest or Watch Hill
- Sunset: Jones Beach West End 2 jetty or Cupsogue over the bay
North Shore Harbor Hop
- Sunrise: Information not typically applicable (coast faces west)
- Golden hour: Caumsett meadows
- Sunset: Sunken Meadow Pier or Port Jefferson Harbor
Golden Hour Activities and Photography Tips
Activities
- Beach walks, shelling, and tidepooling at low tide
- Kayaking/SUP on bays (lighter winds near sunset)
- Vineyard tastings on the North Fork during late-afternoon light
- Boardwalk biking (Long Beach, Jones Beach) outside peak hours
Photography Tips
- Gear: Tripod, wide-angle (14–24/16–35mm), mid-zoom (24–70mm), ND/grad filters, microfiber cloth, headlamp for pre-dawn hikes.
- Compositions: Use jetties, piers, lighthouses, dune fences, and surf lines as leading elements.
- Safety: Watch for rip currents and slippery rocks; keep distance from cliff edges at Camp Hero.
- Regulations: Drones are generally prohibited in NY State Parks and Fire Island National Seashore without permits. Check site-specific rules.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
- Summer beach concerts at Jones Beach and local parks (check seasonal schedules).
- Harbor and clam festivals in North Shore villages (seasonal weekends).
- Winery harvest events on the North Fork in fall, often perfectly timed with golden light.
Sample Itineraries
One-Day Photographer’s Sprint (From NYC)
- Pre-dawn drive or LIRR to Babylon + rideshare to Robert Moses (sunrise)
- Midday brunch in Bay Shore; stroll along the marina
- Afternoon Jones Beach boardwalk
- Sunset at West End 2 jetty
Weekend Escape (East End)
- Day 1: Sunset at Shinnecock Inlet; dinner in Southampton
- Day 2: Sunrise at Montauk Lighthouse; explore Hither Hills; sunset at Gosman’s Dock
Relaxed North Fork Weekend
- Day 1: Vineyards + sunset at Orient Beach State Park
- Day 2: Sunrise at Orient Point; ferry to Shelter Island; sunset at Crescent Beach
Budget and Estimated Costs
- Parking/Beach fees: State/County parks typically charge a seasonal vehicle fee (~$8–$15) during peak hours/months; dawn/dusk can be free but observe posted rules.
- Transit: LIRR off-peak one-way from NYC to popular stations ranges ~$(11–30) depending on distance; ferries to Fire Island/Shelter Island add ~$10–$25 roundtrip.
- Car rental & fuel: ~$60–$120/day + tolls and gas.
- Food: Casual meals $15–$25 pp; seafood dinners $25–$50 pp; winery tastings $15–$30 pp.
- Lodging: Chain hotels $140–$250+; East End inns/hotels $220–$600+ in peak; off-season deals can halve rates.
How to Reach Long Island
- By Air: JFK and LaGuardia (west end); Long Island MacArthur/ISP (central Suffolk).
- By Train (LIRR):
- Montauk Branch for the Hamptons/Montauk
- Babylon Branch for Jones Beach/Robert Moses (connect via bus/taxi)
- Long Beach Branch for Long Beach
- Ronkonkoma Branch for Patchogue/Fire Island ferries
- Port Jefferson/Oyster Bay Branches for North Shore harbors
- By Car: I-495 (LIE), Northern/Southern State Parkways, NY-27 (Sunrise Hwy), Montauk Hwy, Ocean Pkwy for barrier beaches.
- By Ferry: North Ferry/South Ferry to Shelter Island; Cross Sound Ferry to Orient Point from New London, CT.
Where to Stay
- Montauk & Hamptons: Oceanfront resorts, boutique inns; proximity to sunrise viewpoints.
- North Fork: Vineyard inns, B&Bs in Greenport/Orient; quiet sunsets on the Sound/bays.
- South Shore: Long Beach oceanfront hotels for sunrise; easy boardwalk access.
- North Shore: Historic inns near Cold Spring Harbor/Lloyd Neck for sunset over the Sound.
- Camping: Hither Hills (reservations essential), Watch Hill (Fire Island, seasonal, ferry access).
Local Food, Shopping, and Culture
- Seafood shacks: Lobster rolls, fried clams, and chowders glow under late-day light at dockside spots.
- Wineries/Breweries: North Fork tastings are idyllic in golden hour.
- Farm stands: Strawberries (early summer), corn and tomatoes (late summer), pumpkins (fall).
- Museums: Montauk Lighthouse Museum; Sag Harbor Whaling Museum.
- Shopping: Greenport boutiques; Americana Manhasset for luxe browsing.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Families
- Choose lifeguarded beaches in season; arrive early for parking.
- Boardwalks (Long Beach, Jones Beach) are stroller-friendly at dawn.
- Pack layers, snacks, sand toys, and a changing towel for cool mornings.
Honeymooners/Couples
- Plan a Shelter Island sunset picnic; bring a lightweight blanket and bug spray.
- Book a North Fork vineyard stay for soft evening light amid vines.
- Seek low-crowd sunrises (Camp Hero, Hither Hills shoulder areas).
Friends/Groups
- Check beach regulations—bonfires often require permits or are restricted.
- Rideshares thin out late; designate a driver when exploring multiple spots.
- Sunset paddles on calm bays are memorable; rent kayaks/SUPs before late afternoon.
General Safety & Packing
- Headlamp, windbreaker, warm layer, and waterproof footwear for pre-dawn dew.
- Tide/rip awareness; keep distance from jetties in heavy surf.
- Ticks in grassy dunes—use repellent and stay on marked paths.
FAQs
Q: Where is the single best sunrise on Long Island?
A: Montauk Point Lighthouse edges out most spots thanks to its unobstructed Atlantic horizon and dramatic cliffs. Arrive 30–45 minutes early for blue-hour color.
Q: What’s the easiest sunset for first-time visitors?
A: Jones Beach West End 2 or Sunken Meadow State Park. Both have ample parking, clear sightlines, and foreground elements (jetties/pier) for photos.
Q: Can I fly a drone at these beaches?
A: Generally no. NY State Parks and Fire Island National Seashore prohibit drones without special permits. Always verify site-specific rules before flying.
Q: Are beaches open at sunrise?
A: Many parks operate sunrise to sunset, but gates/fees vary by season and time of day. Check posted hours; some county parks have stricter entry times.
Q: Do I need a permit to photograph professionally?
A: Casual photography is fine. Commercial shoots may require permits, especially with props, assistants, or lighting. Contact the managing park or municipality.
Conclusion
Long Island’s geography—open Atlantic on one side, bays and the Sound on the other—creates a rare opportunity to greet the day with an ocean sunrise and close it with a tranquil harbor sunset. From the cliffs of Montauk and the vineyards of the North Fork to the classic piers and jetties of the South and North Shores, you’ll find year-round viewpoints for every style and skill level. Pair the light with local seafood, vineyard stops, and easy coastal walks to turn golden hour into a full, memorable day.
