Want stunning beaches, iconic lighthouses, and laid-back surf town vibes? Head to Montauk! Located at the eastern tip of Long Island, Montauk is a beloved beach destination with pristine coastlines, fresh seafood, historic landmarks, and endless outdoor activities. Whether you're sipping rosé by the sea or casting a fishing line, Montauk is where summer memories are made.

Montauk, NY Highlights:

  • For Beach Lovers: Relax at Ditch Plains Beach – A local favorite for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing with dramatic cliffs and ocean views.
  • For History Buffs: Tour the Montauk Point Lighthouse – Climb to the top of New York’s oldest lighthouse for panoramic coastal views.
  • For Foodies: Dine dockside at Gosman’s – Enjoy fresh seafood with boats bobbing in the harbor at this Montauk staple.
  • For Nature Lovers: Hike Camp Hero State Park – Trails, WWII bunkers, and cliffside vistas make this park a hidden gem.
  • For Anglers: Go deep-sea fishing from Montauk Harbor – The “Fishing Capital of the World” offers charters for every skill level.

Best Time to Visit Montauk, NY

The best time to visit Montauk is from late spring through early fall (May–October), when the weather is warm and beach season is in full swing. Summer weekends are the liveliest, while September offers beautiful weather with fewer crowds.

How to Get to Montauk, NY

  • By Car: Drive east along NY-27 (Montauk Highway) from NYC—about 3 hours depending on traffic.
  • By Train: Take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Penn Station to Montauk Station (3.5–4 hours).
  • By Bus: Hampton Jitney and Hampton Luxury Liner provide comfortable service from NYC to Montauk.

Where to Stay in Montauk, NY

  • Recommended for Couples: Marram – Chic, beachfront boutique hotel steps from the sand with wellness-focused amenities.
  • For Families: Montauk Yacht Club – Resort-style property with pools, a marina, and family-friendly dining.
  • For Budget-Friendly Comfort: Aqualina Inn Montauk – Clean, modern lodging within walking distance of town and the beach.

Best Things to Do in Montauk, NY

Climb the Icon at Montauk Point Lighthouse


New York’s oldest lighthouse offers epic ocean views and a crash course in maritime history.

Climb the Icon at Montauk Point Lighthouse

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A National Historic Site, the Montauk Point Light offers sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean from the easternmost point of Long Island and is one of the best things to do in Montauk NY. Visitors can climb 137 iron steps to the top and tour the beautiful grounds. The visitor center houses a gift shop and a museum exhibiting an extensive collection of maritime artifacts and historical documents pertaining to the nation’s fourth oldest active lighthouse. The Montauk Lighthouse Triathlon is hosted here in July. In November, visitors can watch the holiday lighting complete with hot cider and a visit from Santa.

Montauk Point Lighthouse, 2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk, Long Island, Phone: 631-668-2544

Explore the Wild at Camp Hero State Park


Abandoned military bunkers, dramatic cliffs, and shady trails make this one of Montauk’s most mysterious and scenic spots.

Explore the Wild at Camp Hero State Park

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If you keep going east to the very end of Long Island, you will find the undisturbed, wild, and diverse Camp Hero State Park. A former military base surrounded by dense, maritime forests mixed with freshwater wetlands, the park is bursting with wildlife and will offer you hours of peace and quiet.

Well-maintained trails will take you along the ocean coast opening to spectacular vistas and near deserted beaches where swimming is too dangerous but surf fishing (with a permit) is among the best in the world. You can hike, bike, ride your horse, or bring your dog for a walk. This park feels like a completely different world from the sophisticated, civilized Montauk.

Beach, Bike, and Camp at Hither Hills State Park


Dunes, trails, and miles of beachfront—perfect for outdoor lovers and family-friendly fun.

Beach, Bike, and Camp at Hither Hills State Park

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Campers at Long Island’s Hither Hills State Park can choose from 153 sites bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Napeague walking dunes. The park’s biodiversity makes it a perfect spot for fishing, hunting, biking, cross-country skiing, hiking, bird watching, and plenty of other forms of entertainment.

Summer visitors can head to the beach and try a variety of children’s activities and special programs. The park offers a playground and playing fields along with a scenic picnic area with fireplaces. In addition to a two-mile sandy beach, a 40-acre lake is open to anglers year-round. Special features include the Napeague Bird Conservation Area and “walking dunes.”

164 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954, Phone: 631-668-2554

Dock in Style at Montauk Yacht Club (now Gurney’s Star Island)


Luxurious marina vibes with pools, waterfront dining, and a touch of Hamptons glam.

Dock in Style at Montauk Yacht Club (now Gurney’s Star Island)

© Montauk Yacht Club

Montauk Yacht Club is a 80-year-old iconic Montauk beach resort located on Star Island in the middle of the Montauk Lake. It will greet you with an excellent replica of the historic Montauk Lighthouse with timeless elegance matched by all the modern comforts. All your needs will be met, including docking for your boat right in front of the hotel in their luxurious marina.

It is to be expected that the food is equally superb, and it is served in Gulf Coast Kitchen’s light and airy dining room overlooking the beach. Fresh fish and seafood is the name of the game, but you can also get a pizza or a burger if that is what you are craving. Don’t forget to go for cocktails at the Turtle Lounge located inside of the Lighthouse tower.

32 Star Island Rd, Montauk, New York 11954, Phone: 631-668-3100

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

Watch the Sun Set at Navy Beach


Toes-in-the-sand dining with unbeatable golden-hour views—bring your sunglasses and your appetite.

Watch the Sun Set at Navy Beach

© Navy Beach

Navy Beach restaurant redefines “beach chic.” Designed to look like interior of a luxury yacht, this delightful, colorful place is not easy to find, but once you get there, you will not regret stopping by. It is located right on the beach on Fort Pond Bay. The beach was used during the WWII for torpedo testing. They took all torpedoes away, but don’t tell the kids, as they might enjoy a bit of a treasure hunt while you are sampling fabulous custom cocktails.

Here, you can easily bump into a number of celebrities, who, just like you, love the fun take on the seafood served at the Navy. Try the Montauk Seafood with mussels, clams, squid, shrimp, coconut milk, and bamboo rice or the outstanding crispy rock shrimp. They know their wine, and the wine list is extensive, but the rosé, of which they have three kinds, is the specialty of the house.

16 Navy Rd, Montauk, NY 11954, Phone: 631-668-6868

Float or Fish on Lake Montauk


Montauk’s saltwater playground is your go-to for boating, paddleboarding, and reeling in the catch of the day.

Float or Fish on Lake Montauk

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Lake Montauk stopped being a lake in 1927 when Carl Fisher, the owner of Montauk at the time, blasted a hole and let the seawater get in. The lake, once dredged, became a deep, protected bay and is today Montauk’s main port and a home to the biggest commercial as well as sporting fish fleets in New York State.

There is a ferry service that takes tourists from Long Island to Block Island and Connecticut during the summer. Lake Montauk is famous for fishing charters that are coming back with record catches. The myth is that local captain Frank Mundus was the inspiration for the character in the movie Jaws, although the writer Peter Benchley denies it.

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Catch a Wave at Ditch Plains


Montauk’s surf mecca—where early morning barrels meet beachside food trucks and a local vibe.

Catch a Wave at Ditch Plains

© Soloviova Liudmyla/stock.adobe.com

Situated at the Hamptons' easternmost point on Long Island, around two miles from Montaukvillage, Ditch Plains is a sandy stretch of beach with a background of dense greenery. This popular surf spot in the East Coast was formerly a lookout point used by the Montaukett Native Americans. While it may cost money to park your car here, it's free to visit by foot or bike. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, Ditch Plains is manned by lifeguards daily. However, many people can be seen on the beach even in the winter. Dogs are allowed on the beach from dawn until dusk.

Feast at the Edge at Gosman’s Restaurant


Lobster rolls, clam chowder, and harbor views that make this a Montauk classic since the '40s.

Feast at the Edge at Gosman’s Restaurant

© Gosmans Restaurant

Gosmans Restaurant opens for the season in May and is the ideal place to admire beautiful Montauk scenery while dining on delicious local seafood. Founded in 1943 by the Gosman family, the small restaurant and chowder stand has grown to include a casual dining room, rooftop deck, café, and clam bar. The restaurant and fish market boast the freshest seafood right from the dock, and exotic specialty items are flown in daily.

Shopping includes gourmet foods, clothing, and Montauk souvenirs. A summer concert series takes place on the outdoor stage on Sunday evenings in July and August. The dock is within walking distance of Gosman’s Culloden House Motels.

500 W Lake Dr, Montauk, New York 11954, Phone: 631-668-5330

Stand at the Tip of Long Island at Montauk Point State Park


Where crashing waves meet dramatic cliffs—ideal for hiking, whale watching, and picnics at land’s end.

Stand at the Tip of Long Island at Montauk Point State Park

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Montauk Point State Park offers the best vantage point for spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean where it meets Block Island Sound. On calm days, the merging tides and beautiful scenery are guaranteed to awe visitors. Native seals can often be spotted sunbathing on nearby rocks. Nature trails provide great opportunities for hiking or cross-country skiing.

Visitors can also enjoy surf fishing and small and large game hunting in season. A restaurant and gift shop overlook the ocean, and the park’s rocky shoreline and Montauk Lighthouse are accessible from the parking area.

2000 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954, 631-668-3781

Where to Eat in Montauk, NY

  • Recommended for Families: The Dock – Laid-back local institution with hearty fare and quirky nautical decor.
  • For Seafood Lovers: Gosman’s Dock – Fresh catches, clam chowder, and lobster rolls with harbor views.
  • For a Romantic Dinner: Scarpetta Beach – Upscale Italian cuisine with oceanfront ambiance inside Gurney’s Resort.

If you are interested in local events:

  • For Seafood Fans: Montauk Seafood Festival (August) – Fresh lobster, live music, and family fun at the harbor.
  • For Fitness Lovers: Mighty Montauk Triathlon (June) – Swim, bike, and run through Montauk’s rugged beauty.
  • For Arts & Culture: Montauk Music Festival (May) – Local and emerging artists perform across multiple venues.

Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–90 Minutes of Montauk:

  • For Vineyards: Wölffer Estate Vineyard (60–75 min) – Sip local rosé and enjoy a scenic tasting in nearby Sagaponack.
  • For Beaches: Hither Hills State Park (10 min) – Camp or picnic along rolling dunes and wide, uncrowded beaches.
  • For Whale Watching: Viking Fleet Whale Watching Tours (departs Montauk) – Seasonal tours with a chance to spot whales, dolphins, and sea birds.
  • For Village Life: East Hampton (30 min) – Shop high-end boutiques, stroll Main Street, or visit historic homes and gardens.
  • For Art Enthusiasts: Pollock-Krasner House (45 min) – Tour the former home and studio of abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock in Springs.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • How many people live in Montauk?
    • While only about 3,000 people live in Montauk permanently, the hamlet attracts many visitors throughout the year.
  • Why do people visit Montauk?
    • Many people come to this charming Long Island hamlet for its magnificent white sandy beaches, miles of hiking trails, wine tasting, and excellent restaurants.
  • What historical sites can be found in Montauk?
    • Montauk is rich in history, featuring landmarks such as the 1797 Montauk Lighthouse and the quaint Second House, a historic farmhouse built in the same year.

At a Glance:


Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Top Activities
Spring (March-May) – Mild weather and fewer crowds. Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa – A luxury oceanfront retreat. Visit Montauk Point Lighthouse – Explore the oldest lighthouse in New York.
Summer (June-August) – Peak season with warm beach weather. The Montauk Beach House – A trendy boutique hotel close to the beach. Relax at Ditch Plains Beach – One of the best surfing spots on the East Coast.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, fewer tourists, and beautiful sunsets. Marram Montauk – A chic oceanfront stay with a minimalist design. Explore Hither Hills State Park – Enjoy scenic hiking and fishing.
Winter (December-February) – Quiet, peaceful, and great for a cozy getaway. Montauk Manor – A historic and elegant stay with great winter views. Enjoy a winter walk along the beaches – Experience Montauk’s serene off-season beauty.


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