Montauk Pioneer - May 1, 2009 -

The top six beaches selected by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce are well known to all who live here, but a review never hurts. First there is Ditch Plains, dubbed as "the surfers' beach," that is two miles east of town. An East Hampton Town Parking Permit is needed. There are lifeguards and bathrooms located at the beach. There are three lots and permits are needed at all three. The scenic bluffs off in the distance in both directions give the beach a Hawaiian feel. For trivia people it actually is Ditch Plain, but now it's called Ditch Plains.

Next is Gin Beach, a favorite of families with small children because it is located at the very end of East Lake Drive. This beach has a tame shoreline where little ones can stand in the shallow water without fear of being crushed by ocean waves. The water is Block Island Sound. Again an East Hampton Town Parking Permit is required. There are lifeguards and facilities as well as great views of the many fishing boats coming and going from Montauk Harbor. This was the beach I brought my own girls to when they were tots.

Hither Hills State Park beach is one where for $8 you won't need a Town Permit to park. Plus the $8 gets you into the Lighthouse parking lot. Located 4 miles west of the village on Old Montauk Highway, the beach is family friendly. People should know that the beach is open to NON-CAMPERS. Lifeguards are on duty Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. To many it is the best kept secret, with many actual Montauk resident never having set foot on this beach.

At the west end of town (IGA) is Kirk's Beach, which has $10 parking so no Town Parking Permit is needed. This beach is close to town, and all the food places. It gets crowded quickly so getting there early is advisable. It has lifeguards and restrooms. It has ocean waves so beware with small children. Next to it at Umbrella Beach, on July 4th this year, fireworks will be shot off at 9 p.m.

Another nice beach for small children is the popular South Lake Beach, but here, an East Hampton Town Parking permit is required to park your car. It is located 1 and 3/4 miles from downtown. There are no waves that harm small children. There are no lifeguards, but there is a rest room.

Finally there is Town Beach or as it is called by so many, "Nick's Beach." This is the popular beach where so many go to be seen, enjoy the waves and again it is close to Nicks so getting a cocktail with a short walk is possible. Those frozen drinks go well on really hot Montauk Summer days. A Town of East Hampton parking permit is required. Many seem to park on Essex Street and others near by lanes. This beach has lifeguards and although still using temporary toilets, full time restrooms are on the planning table of town officials, just not funded yet. It is close by to Town Beach, the bars, the shops, the delis and of course the Catholic Church, hey you never know when you might like to light a candle and pray. Officially this beach has no Public parking lot other than a few spots right at the entrance.

It might be noted that it is wise to swim where there are Lifeguards posted for your safety. When at Ditch watch out for flying surf boards when out beyond the roped off areas and beware of boogie boards always. There are maps of the beaches along with parking lot layouts available both at the Chamber of Commerce and on the web site. So enjoy the summer of 2009 at the wonderful beaches of Montauk, swim safely, behave responsibly and use sun block.