Long Island is located at the very edge of the island. Montauk Feels like a whole world away from the hustle and bustle of New York City The suburbs are in the doldrums Long Island. This breezy beach town, also known as “The End”, has been attracting the type of traveler that asks “Where do I summer?””—a question I grew up hearing on Long Island’s North Shore, usually followed by tales of lobster rolls, bonfires, and backyard soirées by the sea. At first, I admit that I rolled my eyelids. But far beyond Duryea’sMontauk continues to impress me.
Montauk’s glitzy resorts feature beach bars, clubs, and spas. Under the polished exterior is a free-spirited and surf-swept soul: The Hamptons“A cooler, more laidback aunt” Family-friendly hotels Beachgoers gather for golden hour bonfires barefoot, while foodies jump from fine dining to seafood shacks to enjoy surf and turf. Montauk’s swanky, new spots are sure to sparkle. boating fashionIt’s not only for show. The sought-after summer hub is open to all visitors who come for its waves and stay for its atmosphere. Read on to find out where to play, eat and stay in Montauk.
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FAQ:
What are some of the best activities and attractions to do in Montauk on a weekend?
This ever-changing tourist destination is filled with boutiques and designer shops, fine dining restaurants and old wooden taverns. It’s also a popular place for recreational bikers. From beach to bar—and beach bars—Montauk is home to sunset sailing and beaches for ocean lovers, sand dunes and trails for adventure seekers, and lots of restaurants and bistros for glamorous foodies alike.
When is the ideal time to visit Montauk?
While a popular destination for warm-weather holidays like Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Memorial Day—expect crowded beaches, long waits, and less available reservations during these times. Especially for visitors coming from NYC, the best time for budget-friendly prices, less traffic, and minimal crowds is on a weekday from mid-May to late June, or late August to mid-September—all weather depending, of course. The best weather in Montauk is from mid-July to early September—which is when and why you’ll see more visitors.
What’s best to do to get to Montauk, NY?
You can’t avoid it: drive It can take up to three hours. NYC. If you don’t have a car and are coming from Manhattan, Brooklyn or New Jersey, you can ride the popular Hampton Jitney Bus, take the train to get there Long Island Rail RoadFly into a. Islip Airport (ISP). If you’re driving, leave during the week or a few hours before rush hour on the island. For the best traffic reduction, leave before or after 10 am.
Eat and Drink
The hip, little joint is the place to go for lunch or breakfast. Joni’s Montauk. This restaurant is located south of Montauk’s Main Street. It offers a wide variety of organic and fresh foods. Make sure you stop by Shark BarOn the stretch of Napeague just before you enter or leave Montauk, there is a restaurant called. The menu is laid-back and has a surf-shack feel. Only the mustard, ketchup, and potato rolls are purchased from a store. The elevated tiki menu includes a lobster fried rice dish, crispy calamari, and a sweet frozen Snickers dessert.
What you may not know The Surf Lodge as a hip and scene-y place to play—it actually doubles as a breezy, more relaxed brunch (and lunch) spot. In 2025, they launched an exclusive partnership with Hole in the Wall A new menu is available. Dishes now draw influence from classic Australian café fare—expect fresh, seasonal juices and smoothies, a serious coffee program, and of course, a fresh lobster roll and a dozen oysters. Also available for lunch and closer to Gosman’s The newer version of the software is called announced a partnership with the Bagatelle GroupThe ), is an old-school Montauk treasure. The Dock. Visit this waterfront hub to enjoy fresh seafood and a draft beer (perhaps ice cold like the locals to your left). Montauk is not the same if it didn’t have this unique space. Montauket, known as “the hill” by locals—which has been kicking around since the late 1920s (and family-owned since 1959). Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while watching the sunset over Gardiner’s Island. Live music is also available.
The village centre is where you will find 668 The Gig Shack For dinner, try fish tacos or a perfectly-sized burger. For dinner, Maverick’s Montauk Enjoy a tasty surf-and -turf dinner. The extensive wine list is best enjoyed with a sunset meal in front of floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking Fort Pond. You can enjoy a sunset meal at the Fort Pond Restaurant, whether you are a guest of the hotel or not. Montauk Yacht Club If you want to be a part of the action, visit its sexy restaurants. Ocean Club MontaukFor lunch or dinner. The space is home to the greatest just-caught seafood dishes and selections of Braai—a traditional method of South African grilling (a nod to the space’s acclaimed head chef, Jarad McCarrollSouth Africans are a great source of information. Try the seabass topped with caviar or picanha. This item is part of the Braai menu and has been carefully prepared for six hours.
The Bird Restaurant, Daunt’s Albatross’ outpost is another must. For breakfast or lunch, grab a bite out back in the garden-like patio—or, try their new dinner menu which uses Japanese ingredients and French Technique. The space transforms into a groovy, moody cocktail bar at night with a variety of events. Sail Inn is another quirky spot—a tavern and inn, it’s a perfect dive with homestyle plates, and more importantly, a full bar, pool table, darts, and karaoke every summer Friday. It was recently sold to (and lightly refreshed by) mother-and-son duo Colleen Croft and Luca Guaitolini—who also own Elio’sThe Upper East Side of Manhattan is home to a upscale Italian restaurant.
Where to Stay
Montauk Yacht Club is best for a luxury-at-your-fingertips stay, where visitors can fall in love with the glitzy side of Montauk. The space may be remembered by returning travelers as Gurney’s Star Island resort—but as of summer 2024, it’s opened under new management following a multi-million dollar renovation. There’s a lot to discover, but guests don’t have to leave this lakeside resort located next to a popular marina to enjoy a relaxing and fun staycation. There are two large pools—one, further down on the dock near the padel courts, is geared toward families and groups. There is also a large pool for adults only, near the cocktail bar.
Daunt’s Albatross Motel The je ne sais quoi of this place is what makes visitors want to come back each summer. Its charming old-school feel derives from its history as a family-owned oasis—the Daunt family purchased the space back in 1977. Previously a seaside retreat for the once low-key village—and primarily host to the fishing/surfer type—today, the property has been completely renovated with an across-the-street restaurant, The BirdThere is a pool on the property and a campfire area. Leo Daunt is the grandson of the original owners and runs the property. He was born and raised on the property, and he is often seen on site with his dog Koda. Koda Suite Named after. Daunt’s passion for elevating the hotel space and restaurant in a refined, tasteful way was evident to me as someone who visited three summers consecutively. Location is another bonus, located right in the middle of Montauk just around the corner.
Offshore Montauk The doors of the new building will open in June 2025. This property is located just off Main Street, steps from the ocean and close to the beach. It’s all about access and elegance. The elegant stay has already been a buzz, likely due to the sophisticated suites (mine featured a second-floor view of both beach and pool), the beach service (towels umbrellas and chairs) and a large pool area with canned drinks. The iconic Montauk staple is a new addition to the summer menu. Ruschmeyers Boutique hotelier has completely reimagined the space Bridgeton The following are some examples of how to use Marram Montauk The following are some examples of how to get started: Journey East Hampton. The space has been transformed into a stylish 19-cabin retreat. You’ll find in each room a comfortable bed, an antique radio and a s’mores-making kit. (There’s also chilled Voss Water in the refrigerator). Book a barefoot sandy dinner and fireside seats—it’s the epitome of a classic summer stay with a trendy twist.
