Montauk is a special place.
The beaches, the people, the quiet winters, the endless summers, the surf, the fish, the trails, the vibe.
If you are reading this, you either know all of this already or are perhaps preparing for your first visit. In which case, you may already have a feeling about Montauk but have yet to discover its magic for yourself. Hopefully this short guide will provide you with a bit of direction. These are only a few suggestions of where to surf, swim, hike, eat and drink, based on what we have discovered ourselves and with our kids, but by no means is this a complete list. Your best bet is to arrive in town, explore a bit, meet some interesting people and ask them for suggestions. And have fun!
Beaches
We typically visit three beaches, depending on what we want to do.
For surfing and sandcastles, we head to Ditch Plains, a popular surf spot a few miles East of downtown. If you prefer to simply relax and watch the surfers catch waves, this sandy beach is great for that as well, with plenty of families camping out all day. Nearby, you can hike the cliffs at Shadmoor Park, a great family activity.
For a change of scenery, we often head to Kirk Park Beach, located just West of the IGA supermarket. This sandy beach is perfect for a day in the sun or long beach walks, especially at Sunset, and there is a large parking lot just over the dunes.
On Montauk’s “other coast" is Navy Beach, which looks out across the Long Island Sound toward CT. This beach is far less crowded than the Atlantic side beaches and great for swimming, paddle boarding, sunset bonfires and collecting sea shells, beach rocks and driftwood. The beach here is a mix of sand, small stones and shells, and the water is calm - a nice alternative for families with young children. Sunsets here are absolutely stunning, and a popular destination for evening cookouts or picnics. Nothing beats a sunset bonfire & swim at Navy Beach!
IMPORTANT:
Please know that a resident parking permit is required to park at all local beaches between May 15 - Sept 15. We highly encourage our guests to walk, bike or plan on car drop-offs / pick-ups when headed to the beach. Unfortunately the permits are permanently affixed to our own vehicles and unable to be shared with visitors.
After Sept 15, the five East Hampton Village beaches - 1. Main Beach, 2. Georgica Beach, 3. Egypt Beach, 4. Wilborg Beach & 5. Two Mile Hollow Beach - allow for public parking without a permit. All other local beaches, include those in Montauk, require permit parking year round.
Hiking
Hiking is a year round activity for us in Montauk. We try to start most days with a walk or run in the woods, and have a few favorite spots.
Our favorite - and a must for dog owners - is the Hither Hills trails that kick off near the big field at The Edward Vincent Ecker, Sr. County Park. The trails wind their way through the woods and along the coast, and can stretch for miles with plenty of points to loop back. The parking lot here is free and public. A great place to go for a nice long run in the woods, especially if you want to avoid the crowds.
Other hikes we love include:
Pine Ride Trail, Montauk Lake Trail (Montauk State Park)
Shadmoor State Preserve Trail (Shadmoor State Park)
Montauk Point Park Trail, Point Woods Loop Trail (Camp Hero State Park)
Montauk Point Beach Beach Trail, Montauk Point Lighthouse (Montauk Point State Park)
Walking Dunes Trail, Petticoat Hill Trail, Napeague Trail, Elisha's Valley Trail, Fresh Pond Trail, Rocky Point (Hither Hills State Park)
Eat & Drink
Where to begin! Montauk has so many great spots to eat and drink, so we’ll start with our personal faves, but the list is long!
DAY
For a healthy breakfast or lunch, we head to Naturally Good. Delicious baked goods and plenty of veggie and vegan options. Juices and smoothies galore. And those fish tacos, yum! Another great healthy lunch option is Joni's. Feel like a causal seafood lunch, then head to Hooked. If we are on our way to the beach and want to grab sandwiches and chips, we’ll often head to Herbs Market. If we are already at the beach, then Ditch Witch at Ditch Plains is our go-to - although watch out for the line!
For a greasy-spoon diner-like family breakfast, there’s no better place than John's Pancake House. Endless cups of Joe, stacks of pancakes, bacon, eggs, you name it. A staple. Looking for something a bit nicer, then head to Tillie's at Gurney’s or a new favorite of ours, All Day Cafe at Breakers. Head to Happy Bowls for amazing acai bowls and poke bowls. Craving Sushi? The Naturally Good Sushi will hit the spot! Driving in our out of town? Then be sure to stop at LUNCH ‘The Lobster Roll”, a classic for lobster rolls, fried seafood and a just a great vibe all-around.
For breakfast on the go - and the most amazing jelly croissants (world famous!) - head to the Montauk Bake Shop. For bagels, Goldberg's Bagels delivers! And for the best coffee, latte, cappuccino or cold brew in town, stop by Left Hand.
Looking for a pool scene? Our personal favorite is Sole East, which provides the most beautiful setting for a poolside lunch and swim. Montauk Beach House also has a fun pool scene, and good DJs.
When in Amagansett, our go-to faves are Amber Waves Farm Market & Cafe, Hampton Chutney Co., & Rosie’s - all healthy and delicious! Plenty of shopping in Amagansett as well if that’s your thing, including Jenni Kayne, Noah, Love Adorned, Henry Lehr, Ulla Johnson, Warm, Faherty, Sabah, Tiina the Store, etc. Grab a coffee at Jack’s while window shopping!
NIGHT
Montauk, especially in the Summer, has plenty of delicious dinner options. A few stand outs below:
The Crows Nest: The food, the cocktails, the setting...it’s all perfect. Seasonal and organic ingredients, craft cocktails, interesting wines, and a beautiful lake front setting.
The Dock Bar and Grill: A classic located near Montauk Harbor. Dive Bar meets tasty restaurant. Great seafood, burgers and drinks! Say hi to Chris the owner for us! Super nice dude and dad to two amazing boys!
Harvest on Fort Pond: Sunsets Sunsets Sunsets! This waterfront restaurant on Fort Pond is both classy and casual, and the Tuscan style Italian cooking is served family style (i.e. huge portions, so share everything!). The waterfront views, patio seating and and amazing Sunsets over Fort Pond are magical.
Westlake Fish House: A family-friendly waterfront sea food and burger spot in Montauk Harbor. But the real surprise is the sushi!!! So good! Cozy patio seating and a fun place to hang out and if you have to wait for a table. We love this place for family dinners.
Clam and Chowder House at Salivar's Dock: Family friendly again, dockside location near Montauk Harbor.
Duryea's: Great sea food, with amazing views and very cool waterfront experience! Sunsets!!!
The Surf Lodge: Clean, fresh, and organic market driven menu with a focus on daily caught seafood. Great atmosphere and fun people watching where you can also catch live music with their summer concert series featuring various artists.
Alimentari Beach: Fresh made Pizzas, Cafe/Wine, all in the center of town. Sit outside and enjoy downtown Montauk!
Montauk Street Food: Finally, some good Chinese food Out East! Dumplings, Udon Noodles, Lo Mein…and delicious Poke bowls!
Gosman's Clam Bar: Dockside seafood. A classic! Fun to sit outside and let the kids to watch as the fishing boats roll in and out of the harbor.
The Gig Shack: Located on main street in the center of town, this fun bar/restaurant offers a menu that is sure to please everyone, including the kids! Good margaritas too!
TT’s Montauk: Last but not least, our go-to spot for tacos! Who doesn’t love tacos!
Looking to stay home and order pizza? Give Primavera or Pizza Village a ring.
DRINK
Last but not least, we have to mention our favorite bars in all of Montauk. First, the Mountauket! It is a classic dive bar with friendly service, plenty of beers on tap, epic water views and the most amazing Sunsets! The outdoor patio and picnic tables are the best, the crowd is a perfect mix of locals and city visitors. We LOVE this place. When you go, tell Steve we say hello! And while there, make sure to pop into Deep Blue Vintage, Montauk’s best vintage clothing boutique.
For sports, head to The Point, Montauk’s best sports bar! Finally, a trip to Montauk is not complete without a visit to Montauk Brewing Company. Delicious beers on tap, a great mix of friendly people and some MTK merch to take home.