Travel Tips

Top Activities in Montauk, New York

Updated at : 16 Oct, 2024

According to locals, Montauk used to be a quaint small fishing village that was well-liked by surfers. But these days, wealthy New Yorkers consider it the ideal jetset getaway. In the height of summer, hotel rates start at $700 per night, making it a costly destination. That's for a typical room, too. Finance guys frequently tell you how they arrived by taking a Blade, which is Uber for helicopters. That's the type of place.

There are ways to live on a tight budget if you don't own a home in the Hamptons, but you'll need to be resourceful. On my first birthday, I traveled to Montauk by train, where we divided a hotel room with two queen beds among four individuals. We used five the next time. We pre-drank at the hotel before heading to the pub, and we ate pizza rather than eating out. We decided we had to go back every summer because we had so much fun.

The Surf Lodge

Everyone heads to The Surf Lodge, a hotel, restaurant, and bar with a view of the bay, at sunset. On weekends, it's really difficult to get in, and there are frequently long lineups outside, but it's the place to see and be seen. Arrive early, or even better, book a table for dinner there many weeks ahead of time. The security personnel will roll their eyes as if they've heard this too often, so if you do try your luck in line, don't seem like you know someone who works there. Just be ready to shell out cash for a table and bottle service, particularly if you're dining with others. The busiest day is Saturday night, while the quietest days are Friday and Sunday.

Montauk Brewing Company Drinks

Montauk Brewing Company Drinks

Spend a day at Montauk Brewing Company to quench your thirst because nothing beats a nice cool beer on a hot, bright day. It's good to sample their beer directly from the source, but if you live in New York, you've undoubtedly seen it everywhere. Enjoy a pint of your favorite beverage or a beer flight while relaxing in their lawn.

Montauk Lighthouse

Located near Montauk Point State Park on Long Island's easternmost tip, the Montauk Lighthouse is a historic site. Because Montauk is located at the extremity of Long Island, it is frequently referred to as the "Montauk End of the World." Constructed to alert oncoming mariners to the hazardous rocks at Montauk Point, the lighthouse is the oldest in New York State. For expansive views of Block Island and the Atlantic Ocean, visit the lighthouse. Adult admission is $12, senior admission is $8, and children's admission is $5. Remember that they close in inclement weather, and make sure to check their website for the most recent hours of operation.

The Crow’s Nest

The Crow's Nest Montauk is a hotel and restaurant with wooden furnishings strewn all over the expansive lawn. It's a nice place to go for a sunset dinner and has great views over Lake Montauk. The menu is diverse and includes items like rib eye steak, lobster fettucine, sea bass ceviche, and roasted beet salad.

Get Bagels at Goldberg’s

You'll need something to fill your stomach the next day and help with the hangover after a night of partying. In the town center, Goldberg's is a well-known bagel shop that typically has a large wait in the mornings. If you see folks you met the night before wearing sunglasses to hide their sleepy eyes, don't be shocked. Every morning when I'm in Montauk, I generally order smoked salmon bagels from Goldberg's.

Take a Surf Lesson

Have you never mastered surfing? Numerous schools provide surf lessons, including:

Engstrom, Coreyswave Surf Shack at Sunset

Ruschmeyer's

Ruschmeyer's

Due to its huge wooden tables and beer hall-style ambiance, Ruschmeyer's Montauk is a favorite with parties and gets boisterous on weekends. The hotel offers a variety of pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, salads, and entrees in addition to cabin-style rooms with views of Fort Pond Lake. Try their Tartufata pizza, which comes with roasted tomatoes, mozzarella, baby spinach, urbani truffles, and porcini sauce. It becomes more of a club after everyone has finished their dinner and begins dancing.

Take A Horseback Ride With Deep Hollow Ranch

Do you want to try something new? At Deep Hollow Ranch, the oldest operational cattle ranch in the United States, spend a day feeling like a cowboy or cowgirl. On Montauk's immaculate beaches and paths, you will ride horses in the Western style while admiring the stunning surroundings.

Gurney's Seawater Spa And Montauk Resort

On a Saturday, Gurney's, a posh hotel/resort just on the beach, is a popular place to party. Gurney's requires you to reserve a daybed with a minimum expenditure, but my pals and I were fortunate enough to know someone who could get us in. On the hotel's 2,000-foot private beach, guests are dancing to techno/house music at The Beach Club, which is a great party.

Read Also: Interesting Activities in Yachats, Oregon

Dinner At Scarpetta

Scarpetta, the sibling restaurant of the elite Italian restaurant in Manhattan, offers boujis a gourmet dining experience. The restaurant, which is part of Gurney's Montauk Resort, has an outdoor deck with expansive views of the ocean and mid-century contemporary decor with nautical themes. A selection of fresh fish dishes, such as branzino and black cod, and Italian pastas are offered on the menu.

At The Memory Motel, Dance The Night Away

The Memory Motel is a lot of fun, but it's the kind of place where your feet adhere to the floor. When all other places have closed, head to Memory Motel and be ready to dance on a packed dance floor. Go to the pizza window down the street to soak up all the alcohol when your feet are no longer able to support you.

Listen to live music at 668 The Gig Shack

Enjoy live music every day at 668 The Gig Shack on Main Street in Montauk for a laid-back afternoon or evening. In addition to food for the table, order a Montauk Cocktail created with locally sourced, fresh juices, whether or not it includes alcohol.

Visit Camp Hero State Park

Hiking, biking, horseback riding, and picnics are all permitted in the 415-acre Camp Hero State Park, which is situated on Montauk Point; swimming is not permitted. If you enjoy fishing, the park is open to permit holders 24 hours a day and has some of the world's top surf fishing locations. The park contains stunning cliffs, freshwater ponds, lush forests, and views of the ocean. Additionally, pets are permitted (good news for dog owners!).

Dine At The Seafood Restaurant Inlet

Admire seafood? Visit one of Long Island's top seafood restaurants, Inlet Seafood Restaurant. This eatery, which is owned by six commercial fishermen, offers the freshest seafood that is delivered right to your plate every day by their boats. Sushi and a variety of fish and seafood are available on the menu. Delicious!

Take A Leisurely Sunday Trip To Montauk Beach House

Are you worn out from a crazy Saturday night? Enjoy the laid-back house ambiance at Montauk Beach House, order a Bloody Mary, then hit the pool. The ideal spot to spend a leisurely Sunday before taking the jitney home is Montauk Beach House, which is situated in the heart of town.

Navy Beach

Navy Beach, located on a 200-foot private beach with a view of Gardiner's Island and Fort Pond Bay to the west, is another well-liked watering area in Montauk. In addition to serving coastal fare, this relaxed eatery has one of the Hamptons' largest collections of rosé wines. Dine outside at picnic tables right on the beach or in their dining room with a nautical motif.