Montauk, New York is known as the Extremity of the World for a reason: it is located at the very end of Long Island’s South Fork, and it has a distinct wilderness feel to it while being part of the Hamptons and having a thriving party scene. Tony socialites and millennials visit some of the South Fork’s best parties, which are surrounded by beautiful, protected beaches and picturesque villages. There are, however, family-friendly attractions, surfing, and great seafood restaurants. The finest things to do in Montauk are listed below.
1. Climb a Lighthouse
The Montauk Point Lighthouse, positioned at the easternmost point of New York State, is a South Fork symbol. It’s also the oldest lighthouse in New York State. It’s so old that President George Washington himself commissioned it, and it was lit for the first time in 1796. Climb its 137 stairs for panoramic views and images of the lovely tower at the water’s edge (tickets cost $12 for adults, $5 for children under the age of 12, and include museum entrance). The associated museum provides information about the past as well as exhibits numerous items.
2. Catch Some Rays
The vast, sandy beaches of Montauk are well-known. Kirk Beach is the major town beach, with free parking, lifeguards, and public facilities, making it ideal for families. South Edison Beach is comparable to North Edison Beach, however, it has little parking despite being walking from most hotels. Hither Hills State Park, four miles west of town, features a playground, picnic tables, restrooms, and lifeguards. If you are not camping, parking is $10. Gin Beach is on the sound side, which means the waves are quieter, however, parking is restricted to those with a permit. Ditch Plains, Montauk’s most famous beach, is popular with surfers and may get rather busy in the summer. There are facilities, lifeguards, and concession trailers, and parking is only available with a permit.
3. Hang Ten
Montauk, and notably Ditch Plains Beach, attracts surfers. Check them, join in, or take some lessons with CoreysWave, which provides wetsuits and boards as well as private and group classes. Private surf lessons are available for guests at Marram, a new beachfront hotel, as well as Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa and Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina.
4. Go Fishing
The fishing in Montauk is among the greatest in the country. Stay inshore for flounder, fluke, porgy, bluefish, and striped bass, or go offshore for tuna, marlin, and mahi-mahi. Bring your boat or hire one from Double D Charters, Alyssa Ann Sportfishing, or Viking Fleet, and get ready to reel in the big ones.
5. Visit a Brewery
Montauk Brewing Co. has created a name for itself as a craft brewer whose brews, both in name and flavor, reference their locale. They have a crisp pilsner, a light summer ale, and fruity IPAs on tap. Their red brew barn is located only steps from the beach and is accessible year-round to visitors in search of a cool one.
6. Eat Lots of Seafood
Local seafood is, of course, a must-try when visiting Montauk. Gosman’s offers the Fisherman Platter, which includes fish, shrimp, clam strips, and fries, or goes to Gosman’s Clam Bar for a more relaxed lunch. Get a table at Oakland’s Restaurant & Marina and order the stuffed lobster if you’re very hungry. toes-in-the-sand beachfront dining (including local clam and corn soup, scallops, and swordfish) and great sunset views can be found at Navy Beach. The tastiest seafood supper, though, will come from waving down one of the recently arrived boats and purchasing whatever they’ve caught.
7. Hear Live Music
In the summertime, Montauk is alive with live music. The Montauk Music Festival, which takes place in May, features approximately 400 artists from various genres. In the summer, there are free concerts on the Village Green every Monday. Make your way to the Surf Lodge if you’re looking for a more hipster vibe since its features act like St. Lucia, Gary Clark Jr., and Janelle Monae. In the summer, there is live music every Friday or Saturday night and some weeknights, and there is also an associated hotel if you want to continue the celebration. Throughout the summer, live music can be found at Gurney’s Montauk, Sloppy Tuna, 668 the Gig Shack, and Oakland’s.
8. Go for a Hike
Many state parks with miles of trails may be found in Montauk. Trails lead past wetlands and the shore at Camp Hero State Park, a former military camp. Alternatively, stroll to Shadmoor State Park’s bluffs for stunning views of the breaking surf below as well as 99 acres of pathways. There are many trails in Montauk Point State Park, where the Montauk Lighthouse is located, and keep an eye out for seals.
9. Spend the Night on an Island
The luxury Gurney’s Star Island Resort & Marina is located on tiny Star Island amid Lake Montauk. Stay in one of the hotel’s 84 rooms or 23 villas. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Har-Tru tennis courts, a spa and fitness center, a marina, and a private beach are among the amenities.
10. Ride a Horse
Horseback riding is one of the top Montauk activities, despite not being the first thing that comes to mind when you think of beach activity. Deep Hollow Ranch takes travelers on a horseback tour over 3,000 acres of scenic scenery and clean beaches (there are pony rides for little ones). And, lest you believe it’s a hoax, Deep Hollow is the oldest continuously functioning cow ranch in the United States.
