The ferry would be the easiest bet for you.
You should come down and pick up the permit when everyone else comes down. Maybe we'll make a weekend out of it. Pick up the permits, some light wheeling locally, and a little beach BBQ.
They dont offer 1 day permits. So it will be $49 for the year.

If you make it down for 2 weekends, it paid for itself. Especially if you go fishing. As soon as you get the permit you can use it.

Keep me posted I'd be down for this..

Definitely. It would be really cool for you to come down and drive on My local beaches instead of me driving on yours.
And I promise there is a bunch more to LI than one beach to drive on. We have two.
J/K The permit is good for a bunch of beaches, Gilgo Beach, Sore thumb, Democrat point, Nappague, Hither Hills, and Montauk point for 4 wheel drive fishing access. Just bring your fishing poles and stuff and you're good to go!

...and go to the Montauket for drinks. Is that place still there? I loved that place.