Perched at the farthest edge of Long Island, Montauk feels like a world away from the bustle of New York City and the doldrums of suburban Long Island. Known as “The End,” this breezy, beachy town has long lured the kind of traveler who asks, “Where do you 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. I’ll admit, I rolled my eyes at first. But somewhere far past Duryea’s, Montauk has proven to win me over, time and time again.
Yes, a Montauk getaway is glitzy with beach bars, nightlife haunts, and full-service spas. But beneath the polished veneer is a free-spirited, surf-swept heart: The Hamptons’ cooler, more laid-back aunt. Family-friendly hotels offer easy access to seaside fun, beachgoers gather barefoot for golden hour bonfires, and foodies hop from seafood shacks for chowder to fine dining hubs for surf and turf, all with equal enthusiasm. Montauk may sparkle with swanky new spots and boating fashion, but it’s not just for show; the sought-after summer hub welcomes all who come for the waves and stay for the atmosphere. From old-school classics to new and fun spots, read on for the best places to eat, stay, and play in Montauk.
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FAQ:
What are the top activities and attractions in Montauk for a weekend getaway?
In this ever-evolving tourist destination, sandy streets are lined with designer and boutique shops, old wooden taverns, and fine dining restaurants, and are often filled with 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 best 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 the best way to get to Montauk?
There’s no way around it: The drive can take more than three hours from NYC. Those leaving from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island, or New Jersey without a car have the option to ride on the beloved Hampton Jitney bus, go by train on the Long Island Rail Road, or even fly into Islip Airport (ISP). If you are driving yourself, try to leave on a weekday or hours before the island’s rush hour. To really minimize traffic, aim to leave before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
Where to eat and drink
For breakfast or lunch, head to the hip little joint, Joni’s Montauk. Just south of Montauk village’s Main Street, the space offers an extensive menu filled with organic and fresh ingredients. Be sure to stop at Shark Bar, on the stretch of Napeague, right before you drive in or out of Montauk. Laid-back with a surf shack vibe, the menu offers the freshest of local ingredients (to which the only store-bought items are the ketchup, mustard, and potato buns). Elevated tiki classics include a delicious lobster fried rice, crispy calamari salad, and sweet frozen Snickers dessert.
While you might 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. For the 2025 summer season, they launched a complimentary partnership with Hole in the Wall for a new and elevated menu. 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 for lunch, and closer to Gosman’s (which has newly announced a partnership with the Bagatelle Group), is a true old-school Montauk gem, The Dock. Head to this waterfront hub for fresh seafood appetizers (and perhaps an ice-cold draft beer like the local to your right). The quirky space is one of the classics that Montauk would not be the same without; Like that of Montauket, known as “the hill” by locals—which has been kicking around since the late 1920s (and family-owned since 1959). It’s the perfect laid-back scene to watch the sunset over Gardiner’s Island, with a pleasant touch of live music.
In the heart of the village, head to 668 The Gig Shack for fish tacos and a perfectly sized burger. For dinner, Maverick’s Montauk is home to a mouthwatering surf-and-turf dinner. Enjoy selections from an extensive wine menu, next to floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Fort Pond, best reserved for an indulgent sunset meal. Whether you’re a hotel guest at Montauk Yacht Club or not, head to its sexy restaurant, Ocean Club Montauk, for 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 McCarroll, who is South African himself). Try the seabass tartare with bits of caviar, or the picanha, an item off the Braai menu that is carefully prepared for over six hours.
The Bird Restaurant, the outpost property of Daunt’s Albatross, 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. By night, the space turns into a moody and groovy cocktail bar with heaps 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’s, an upscale Italian restaurant in Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
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. Returning travelers might remember the space as Gurney’s Star Island resort—but as of summer 2024, it’s opened under new management following a multi-million dollar renovation. While there’s much to explore, guests barely have to leave the lakeside resort, located alongside a popular marina destination, to experience a restful and genuinely fun stay-cation. There are two large pools—one, further down on the dock near the padel courts, is geared toward families and groups. The other is a spacious, buzzy, adults-only pool near the outdoor cocktail bar.
Daunt’s Albatross Motel is home to that je ne sais quoi that makes travelers want to return every 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 Bird, on-site pool, and campfire space. It is run by the young and impressive Leo Daunt, grandson of the original owner. He grew up on the property and is often on-site with his sweet dog, Koda (to which the top-tier Koda Suite is named after). As someone who has visited for three summers straight, I found it evident that Daunt put his whole heart into elevating the hotel and restaurant space in a tasteful, refined way. The location is just another plus, propped in the heart of Montauk and just around the corner from the beach.
Offshore Montauk has just opened its doors in late June 2025. On the edge of Main Street and steps away from the beach, the property is all about simple elegance and access. The stylish stay is already abuzz, probably thanks to the refined suites (mine had second-floor beach- and pool-facing views), beach service (towels, umbrellas, and chairs), and an expansive pool area with canned spritzes. Another new option this summer, the iconic Montauk staple of Ruschmeyers has fully reimagined its space via boutique hotelier Bridgeton of Marram Montauk and Journey East Hampton. With a sophisticated makeover, the space is now a chic 19-cabin retreat. In guest rooms, you’ll find a cozy bed, an old-school radio, and a prepared s’mores kit (with chilled Voss water in the fridge). Book a barefoot sandy dinner and fireside seats—it’s the epitome of a classic summer stay with a trendy twist.
