Visitors to the East End generally call it "the country." While the proliferation of sophisticated shops and restaurants would make many locals raise an eyebrow over the designation, there's no doubt the open vistas, verdant trees, and protected agricultural preserves add to the beauty of the area. While pocket parks and greenbelts can be found tucked into every Hamplet and village, these parks are most suitable for larger gatherings.

Sears Bellows County Park (Ponds)
Bellows Pond Road, off Rte. 24 (exit 65 N off Sunrise Highway)
Hampton Bays, NY
(631) 852-8290
Lifeguard protected swimming, fishing, rowboating, horseback riding, picnic facilities, pavilion, bridle paths.

Cedar Point County Park (Bay)
Old Northwest Road and Alewive Brook Road
East Hampton, NY
(631) 852-7620 or (631) 324-4143
607 acre Cedar Point, with commanding views of Gardiner's Bay, offers individual and organized group camping areas. Picnic areas, boat rentals, nature trails, vehicular access to the outer beach (with permit only).

Hither Hills State Park (Ocean)
Four miles west of Montauk on Old Montauk Highway
Montauk, NY
(631) 668-2461
Lifeguards, restrooms, outdoor showers, general sore, playground, picnic tables, camping.

Montauk County Park (Theodore Roosevelt County Park)
Three miles east of Montauk village on Montauk Highway
Montauk, NY
Over 1,000 acres, including nature trails, bridle paths, Third House Museum, a picnic area, fresh-water fishing, and surfcasting. Camping is permitted for up to three days on the outer beach for 4 wheel drive vehicles that are self-contained.

Montauk Downs State Park
Fairview Drive
Montauk, NY
(631) 668-5000
On 160 acres, Montauk Downs includes an 18-hole public golf course, a driving range and a putting green, six tennis courts, a pool and wading pool with spray for children.

Shadmoor State Park (Ocean)
Montauk Highway at Seaside Ave, 2-1/2 miles east of Montauk village.
(631) 668-3781
A pristine 99-acre tract of land with a half mile of ocean frontage. Tall clay cliffs plunge down to a pebble-strewn beach. From the bluffs the rugged Atlantic Ocean stretches as far as the horizon, with lines of waves unfolding and rolling to the shore.

Montauk Lighthouse (Ocean)
Literally, the end (or beginning, depending on your point of view!) of Long Island - next stop, in a straight line, would be Portugal! Standing 100 feet tall, the lighthouse is the oldest in New York State, commissioned by George Washington in 1792 and finished in 1797. Its beauty and history make it a frequent site for weddings, possibly because it is seems a symbol of the endless possibilities on the horizon.
http://www.montauklighthouse.com/weddings.htm

Where to go for more information on town parks:
http://www.town.southampton.ny.us/

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