Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum

MONTAUK. Long Island's eastern terminus is a sliver of land called Montauk Point, and it was here, in 1792, that George Washington commissioned New York State's first lighthouse. In addition to the 110-foot tower (open to the public), the grounds boast a circa-1860 Keeper's House, now a museum whose exhibits include drawings and photos of the lighthouse, old floor plans, and the Fresnel Bivalve Lens that was retired in 1987 after 84 years of service. Lighthouse hours vary from peak to off-seasons, so it's best to call before making the trip east.