The main town of Montauk is a couple of miles away from the marinas on the Atlantic Ocean side. Montauk’s landmark lighthouse (1797), one of the oldest and most important on the coast, is a couple of miles in the opposite direction. Towering 168 feet over Montauk Point, the light is still serving as an active aid to navigation and can be seen 19 miles out to sea. The area around Montauk Light is considered a haven for avid birdwatchers, especially during the off-season. Tours can be arranged through the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum & Gift Shop (2000 Montauk Hwy., 631-668-2544) near the lighthouse. There is a seasonal bus you can catch on the highway outside Ditch Plains to take you to the lighthouse or to town. Go to www.sct-bus.org for schedules and routes.