Montauk
Montauk offers a variety of accommodations, from luxurious oceanfront resorts like Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Spa to charming boutique hotels such as The Montauk Beach House. For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying at one of the cozy motels or beachside cottages provide a true local experience. Explore the stunning beaches, like Ditch Plains Beach, perfect for sunbathing and surfing. Visit the iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse for breathtaking views and a glimpse into the area’s maritime history. For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking trails at the nearby Hither Hills State Park offer scenic landscapes and nature walks. Savor fresh seafood at local favorites like The Lobster Roll and Inlet Seafood Restaurant. For a casual bite, check out the iconic Montauk Fish Market. Don’t forget to grab a delicious coffee and pastry at one of the charming cafes in town to fuel your day of exploration!
Where to stay
Montauk is beach-first and laid-back, with stays that range from surf-chic motels to full-service seaside resorts. If you want oceanfront ease, look at hotels along Old Montauk Highway where rooms open to dunes and sea breezes. For a design-forward vibe, boutique spots near town put you within a flip-flop stroll of coffee, tacos, and the fishing docks. Groups and families often book cottages or simple beach bungalows with grills and outdoor showers—perfect after a day at Ditch Plains. If you’re chasing amenities (spa, pool, restaurants on site), pick one of the larger resorts east of town; if you want quiet mornings and starry nights, aim for homes tucked near Hither Hills or the bayside.
Getting around
Montauk is compact but spread along beaches and parks, so having a car makes life easier—especially with boards, coolers, or kids. Parking lots near popular beaches can fill quickly; arrive early or go late for golden-hour space. In summer, local shuttles and rideshares help for dinner hops, and bikes are perfect for short town-to-beach rides. If you’re coming from NYC, the Long Island Rail Road and Hampton Jitney both get you to “The End,” where you can rent a car or stick to bikes and beach walks.
Where to stay
Montauk is beach-first and laid-back, with stays that range from surf-chic motels to full-service seaside resorts. If you want oceanfront ease, look at hotels along Old Montauk Highway where rooms open to dunes and sea breezes. For a design-forward vibe, boutique spots near town put you within a flip-flop stroll of coffee, tacos, and the fishing docks. Groups and families often book cottages or simple beach bungalows with grills and outdoor showers—perfect after a day at Ditch Plains. If you’re chasing amenities (spa, pool, restaurants on site), pick one of the larger resorts east of town; if you want quiet mornings and starry nights, aim for homes tucked near Hither Hills or the bayside.
What to do
Start with the water: surf (or take a lesson) at Ditch Plains, swim at Kirk Park or Gin Beach, paddle the calm bays, or book a fishing charter from the harbor. On land, bike or hike the bluffs of Shadmoor, the trails of Hither Hills, and the cliffside paths at Camp Hero State Park. Cap it with the Montauk Point Lighthouse for Atlantic panoramas and whale-spotting in season. Between adventures, browse beach shops, hunt for shells at low tide, or simply nap under an umbrella—Montauk’s magic is equal parts outdoors and unhurried.
Where to eat
Seafood leads the way here: think lobster rolls on picnic tables, grilled local fish, and clam chowder after the beach. Classic dockside spots serve market-fresh catches with sunset views, while laid-back cafes handle your breakfast sandwich and cold brew before the surf. For dinner, Montauk mixes polished coastal dining—Mediterranean plates, wood-grilled mains, excellent raw bars—with beach-y staples like fish tacos and poke bowls. Save room for ice cream on Main Street, and don’t skip a local brew at the village brewery or a rosé spritz overlooking Fort Pond. Pro tip: many places are seasonal and fill up fast—book prime tables and keep a “Plan B” shack in your back pocket.