Explore Montauk: Beaches, dining and outdoor adventures
Surfers head out to the water at Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
At the easternmost tip of Long Island, Montauk feels like a true departure from the everyday. The beaches are wider, the sunsets feel brighter and days stretch into breezy, salt-air nights. Whether you're planning a day trip or a full weekend, here's how to visit Montauk this summer.
Start with scenery
For some of the best ocean views in Montauk, hike the bluffs at Shadmoor State Park (900 Montauk Hwy., parks.ny.gov, 631-668-3781). The straightforward trails wind past dramatic cliffs and open Atlantic vistas and end at the beach.
Take a horseback ride along scenic trails that wind through picturesque rolling hills and breathtaking coastal scenery. Credit: John Roca
For a different kind of outdoor adventure, book a ride at Deep Hollow Ranch (1929 Montauk Hwy., deephollowranch.org, 631-668-2744). The family-owned working cattle ranch offers guided horseback rides along marked trails ($85-$180) through rolling hills and coastal landscape.
If you’d rather explore on two wheels, rent bikes from Montauk Cycle Company (463 W. Lake Dr., montaukcyclecompany.com, 631-668-8975) and cruise between the town, harbor and beach. Rates start at $15 per hour or $50 per day.
People relax on the slopes of the Montauk Lighthouse. Credit: John Roca
Climb the Montauk Lighthouse's 137 iron steps, browse the on-site museum or simply admire the grounds overlooking the farthest point of Long Island. The lighthouse features an interactive, virtual aquarium of Montauk sea life ($15, $5 younger than 12, free children 41 inches and under; 2000 Old Montauk Hwy., Montauk montaukhistoricalsociety.org, 631-668-2544).
Hit the beach
Head to Ditch Plains Beach for swimming and surfing this summer. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski
Surf culture runs deep in Montauk. Watch the pros at Ditch Plains Beach (18 Ditch Plains Rd., ehamptonny.gov, 631-324-2417) or book a lesson with CoreysWave (52 Deforest Rd., coreyswave.com, 631-668-9283) or East End Surf Club (6 Deforest Rd., eastendsurfclub.com, 631-745-1117), both companies starting at $150.
A humpback whale breaches on a whale-watching cruise aboard a Viking Fleet ship out of Montauk Harbor. Credit: Richard Slattery
If fishing is more your speed, Montauk’s harbor is packed with charter boats. Book a trip with Viking Fleet (462 W. Lake Dr., vikingfleet.com, 631-668-5700) for a half-day on the water catching striped bass and fluke ($70; $40 ages 5 to 12).
Relax, swim and soak up the sun at Hither Hills State Park ($10 parking fee; 164 Old Montauk Hwy., parks.ny.gov, 631-668-2554).
Where to eat
Smoked salmon over creme fraiche on toast with pickled onions at Bird on the Roof in Montauk. Credit: Newsday/Scott Vogel
Start with breakfast at Bird on the Roof (47 S. Elmwood Ave., birdontheroof.com, 631-668-5833), which also serves lunch and dinner in a cozy setting with a full bar. John's Pancake House (721 Montauk Hwy., 631-668-2383) is known for its classic breakfast options in a quaint, wood-paneled diner.
Dine at the harbor with The Dock (482 W. Lake Dr., thedockmontauk.com, 631-668-9778) for casual seafood and waterfront views, or head next door to Inlet Seafood Restaurant (541 E. Lake Dr., inletseafood.com, 631-668-4272) for an elevated dockside meal.
Grab a lobster roll at Bennett Shellfish. Credit: Randee Daddona
For a quick bite, John’s Drive-In (677 Montauk Hwy., johnsdriveinmontauk.com, 631-668-5515) offers casual comfort like burgers and soft-serve. Bennett Shellfish (2 S. Debusy Rd., 631-903-5817) is a tiny, to-go counter run out of the Bennett family home with a two-for-$38 lobster roll deal (with chips).
A Montauk classic, Duryea’s (65 Tuthill Rd., duryeas.com, 631-668-2410) is known for its harbor views and seafood-forward menu. Muse @ the End (41 S. Euclid Ave., museattheendmontauk.com, 631-238-5937) is known for creative American dinner fare and a cozy setting tucked just off Main Street. Before leaving town, swing by Marlena’s Pack Out (408 W. Lake Dr., marlenasyc.com, 631-406-4926) and order a mudslide.
If you’re visiting on a Thursday between May and September, stop at the Montauk Farmer’s Market (Montauk Village Green, 742 Montauk Hwy.), which runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., for local produce and small-batch goods.
Sunset and nightlife
For the ultimate golden-hour moment, head to The Montauket (88 Firestone Rd., themontauket.com, 631-668-5992). Grab a drink and watch the sun sink into Fort Pond Bay for a clear view of the sunset.
People stroll past shops and Shagwong Tavern along Montauk Highway. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost
As night falls, Montauk shifts gears. Shagwong Tavern (774 Montauk Hwy., shagwongtavern.com, 631-668-3050) is a late-night staple. Grab a seat at the bar and order a draft. For a sports-bar atmosphere, head to The Point Bar & Grill (697 Montauk Hwy., pointbarandgrill.com, 631-668-1500).
People sip beer and chat in the sunshine on the front patio of the Montauk Brewing Co. Credit: Daniel Brennan
Montauk Brewing Co. (62 S. Erie Ave., montaukbrewingco.com, 631-668-8471) pours a rotating lineup of beers on tap in a relaxed, dog-friendly setting.
Dance to live music at Surf Lodge in Montauk. Credit: John Roca
For a party scene, The Surf Lodge (183 Edgemere St., thesurflodge.com, 631-483-5045) draws summer crowds for waterfront cocktails, live music and DJ sets.
Where to stay
Summer rates for hotels in Montauk fluctuate depending on the month and day of week, with peak rates on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. Rates continue to rise as Montauk has become the "see and be seen" destination on the East End, but budget-conscious travelers can still find boutique stays with affordable rates when booked in advance.
Nestled in the heart of the action, Daunt's Albatross Inn is a charming family-owned establishment. Credit: Gordon M. Grant
Daunt's Albatross Inn (44 S. Elmwood Ave., dauntsalbatross.com, 631-668-2729) is family-owned and centrally located, with average summer rates between $500 and $800 per night.
Bean bag lounge chairs at Hero Beach Club in Montauk are available to hotel guests. Credit: @jessicadalenephotography
Hero Beach Club (626 Montauk Hwy., herobeachclub.com, 631-668-9825) and Hartman's Briney Breezes Beach Resort (693 Old Montauk Hwy., brineybreezes.com, 631-668-2290) both offer beach access, with rates from $600 to $900 per night.
Plan ahead
Montauk is busiest in July and August, particularly on weekends. Book dinner reservations and hotel rooms well in advance. Pack layers of clothing, as even hot days can turn breezy after sunset, and allow extra travel time getting in and out.
