28 Best Things To Do In Montauk, New York

1. Get a taste for the finer things at Navy Beach

Don’t go packing your swimming costume just yet - although the name may put sunbathing and surf in mind, Navy Beach is the name of one of Montauk’s finest beachfront restaurants, a place where you can sit and enjoy delicious food along 200 metres (656.1 ft) of private beach. You can go for one of their fixed-price menus, or choose from a range of dishes which include maritime delights such as swordfish steak, or try their buttermilk fried chicken if you’re not so keen on seafood.

Navy Beach

Address: 16 Navy Rd, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Navy Beach

Opening hours: 11:30am - 11:30pm (daily)

2. Relax in style at Montauk Yacht Club

While the Hamptons, on Long Island, have a reputation for something of an exclusive attitude, visitors to Montauk will find that the same toffee-nosed attitude is conspicuous by its absence at Montauk Yacht Club. This splendid resort offers long beachfront walks, charming villas where you can get down to some serious rest and recuperation, and of course, the chance to do a spot of yachting should the fancy take you. With a manor-style restaurant on-site, you can also enjoy fine dining in an idyllic setting. Consider staying in this luxurious place if you’re still not sure where to stay.

Montauk Yacht Club

Address: 32 Star Island Rd, Montauk, NY 11954

3. Eat a healthy meal at Naturally Good Foods and Café

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NATURALLY GOOD FOODS + CAFE (@naturallygoodmtk)

If you’re staying in self-catering accommodation, then you’d be well advised to do some grocery shopping in a location that offers high-quality organic produce which is precisely what you’ll find at Naturally Good, where the ingredients are all sustainably sourced and organically farmed. As well as a whole food store, the site is also home to an ethical cafe where some of the delights awaiting you include a yellowfin tuna salad, and a range of sandwiches and wraps all made to your specifications, taking into account any food intolerances you may have.

Naturally Good Foods and Café

Address: 779 Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954, USA

Website: Naturally Good Foods and Café

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 7am - 6pm; Sun: 7:30am - 6pm

4. Take a walk up to Montauk Point Lighthouse

Lovers of history will get a kick out of a trip to Montauk Point Light, which was the first lighthouse ever built in New York State and has stood looking out over the harbour since 1797. The lighthouse has seen plenty of history since then, including a spell as a key point for the US Navy during World War II. The gun emplacements and other strategic locations used during the conflict remain in place today for tourists to see. Since 2012, Montauk Point has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Montauk Point Lighthouse

Address: 2000 Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Montauk Point Lighthouse

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10:30am - 7pm; Mon - Fri: 10:30am - 5:30pm

Price: 12 USD for adults; 8 for USD seniors; 4 for USD children

5. Enjoy the sights and sounds of Montauk Point State Park

The beauty of Montauk Point State Park is matched only by the wide range of activities you can indulge in to make your time here all the more special. Long walks along the beach and the rocky outcrops above are highly recommended, and families are permitted to bring pets (two maximum per party) so it’s a chance to give your dog a fun time, too. There’s also the popular pursuit of surf fishing to be experienced here - striped bass are plentiful in this part of the sea, which is located where the Atlantic meets the Block Island Sound.

Montauk Point State Park

Address: 2000 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Montauk Point State Park

Opening hours: 7am - 9pm (daily)

Price: 8 USD per car; some activities may require permits at extra cost.

6. Set out to sea with Double D Charters

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Primarily concerned with boat fishing, Double D Charters offers you the chance to set sail and enjoy all the attractions of the sea off Montauk. The chance to land huge striped bass, tuna, or even sharks will sound like music to the ears of any keen angler, but even if you’re not one for fishing, chartering a boat will allow you the opportunity to do some sight-seeing, observing majestic fish up close or even just enjoying a romantic sunset cruise.

Double D Charters

Address: 352 W Lake Dr, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Double D Charters

Opening hours: 12pm - 12am (daily)

Price: From 650 USD for a simple inshore cruise, prices rise for longer trips and fishing expeditions

7. Experience natural beauty at Shadmoor State Park

One of six state parks within Montauk, Shadmoor is so hauntingly beautiful that you’ll barely believe it is real. Views over the ocean from the steep bluffs on the park offer some of the most relaxing sights you could wish to see, and also provide a perfect vantage point for birdwatching. Native vegetation includes handsome black cherry trees, and for the historians among you there is also the chance to see two preserved World War II bunkers.

Shadmoor State Park

Address: 900 Montauk Highway, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Shadmoor State Park

Price: Free

8. Taste local craft beers at Montauk Brewing Company

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The Montauk Brewing Company was founded in 2012 as a small local concern, operating out of the basement of its owners, and has grown steadily since then to become a local institution. Now making a wide, varied, and exciting range of craft beers, their HQ on South Eerie Avenue includes a tasting room where you can sample Pilsners, IPAs, and flavoured beers such as their refreshing Watermelon Session Ale. The company is gaining a reputation that stretches far beyond the town and state - so, instead of staying holed up in your hotel, why not check this place out?

Montauk Brewing Company

Address: 62 S Erie Ave, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Montauk Brewing Company

Opening hours: 12pm - 8pm (daily)

Price: 16 USD for a tasting session, 8 USD for a pint

9. Dip into history at Camp Hero State Park

As well as heart-stopping views from its verdant bluffs, Camp Hero State Park holds a lot more for the visitor. Along with its wooded landscape and beautiful beachfront, the park also houses the remnants of a wartime military installation including an abandoned listening station. For the historians as well as the scenery buffs, this is a part of Montauk that will live long in the memory.

Camp Hero State Park

Address: 1898 Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Camp Hero State Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: 8 USD per vehicle

10. Go fishing at Lake Montauk

Also known in the area as the “Great Lake”, Lake Montauk is not a naturally occurring body of water, having been created in 1927 when a hole was blasted on the northern shoreline to connect a smaller lake with the Block Island Sound. Since then, however, it has become a fixture of the region and is a hugely popular destination for those who are keen to do a little fishing. As a note of curiosity, rumour has it that Frank Mundus, a boat operator who operated out of Lake Montauk, was the inspiration for the character Quint in the book and motion picture Jaws.

Lake Montauk

Price: Free to enter, marina charges may apply if anchoring a boat

11. Hang out with the horses at Deep Hollow Ranch

Apparently the oldest working ranch in the United States, Deep Hollow is a family business where visitors can stop for pony rides, or just witness the workings of an old-style ranch. Deep Hollow offers residential camps for kids, giving them the chance to get familiar with pony riding, and if you’re just making a brief stop you can still take the chance to enjoy the scenic, relaxing coastal trails. A little bit of history and a lot of fun, this is a destination you’re sure to appreciate.

Deep Hollow Ranch

Address: 8 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Deep Hollow Ranch

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 85 USD per trail ride

12. Enjoy delicious bites at Inlet Seafood

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

One of the great advantages of a coastal location is the ready availability of truly fresh seafood, and that’s what awaits you at this restaurant, considered to be among the best seafood spots in all of Montauk (that’s a decent write-up, considering the plethora of excellent eateries in the area!). Indulgent meals such as their fried shrimp sandwiches - topped with bacon and melted cheese - ensure that this is a diner you don’t just visit once, but will keep coming back to.

Inlet Seafood

Address: 541 E Lake Dr, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Inlet Seafood

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 12pm - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 8:45pm

13. Take to the trails at Hither Hills State Park

A long walk through another of Montauk’s idyllic state parks will guarantee that you fall in love with this part of the world. Hither Hills offers everything that you could want from a park including a campground where you can sleep under the stars. With plenty of picnic areas and spots where you can light a campfire, you’re in for a wonderfully rugged stay in a spot which offers excellent fishing opportunities, plenty of playing fields, and all the outdoor activities you could ask for.

Hither Hills State Park

Address: 164 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Hither Hills State Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: 10 USD per vehicle to enter, 35 USD for a camping spot.

14. Sample excellent cocktails at Scarpetta Beach Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Scarpetta, a famous Italian restaurant on Manhattan’s chic Madison Avenue, was evidently so popular that the discerning clientele of Montauk needed a sister restaurant all to themselves. Scarpetta Beach, located on the seafront, offers the same classy dining and delicious cocktails that have made its city version so popular, amid a more relaxed seaside vibe. Seafood options include the excellent charred octopus, while a balsamic-glazed pork belly will be popular with meat-lovers.

Scarpetta Beach Restaurant

Address: 290 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Scarpetta Beach Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5:30pm - 10pm; Fri: 5:30pm - 11pm; Sat: 11am - 3pm, 5:30pm - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 3pm, 5:30pm - 10pm

15. Dine Mexican-style at La Brisa

Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed

La Brisa is the Montauk outpost of the New York chain of Mexican diners named “Tacombi”, and in fine Mexican style it offers dining with a kick - including fresh fish tacos and crispy fried shrimp. This being a Mexican dining experience, there’s also plenty of refreshing drinks including ice-cold beer and cocktails, along with Aguas Frescas for an alcohol-free, thirst-quenching taste.

La Brisa

Address: 752 Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: La Brisa

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am

16. Dine with a view at Gosman's Dock

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The chase to be considered the best seafood restaurant in Montauk is a crowded field, and Gosman’s Dock is certainly towards the front of that pack. The food is uniformly excellent and fresh, with appetisers such as crab cakes and calamari, and main plates including blackened tuna steak. In addition to the delicious meals you can enjoy, there is a superb view wherever you sit thanks to a top deck which provides a panoramic view over the coastline.

Gosman's Dock

Address: 500 W Lake Dr, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Gosman’s Dock

Opening hours: 12 - 10pm (daily)

17. Soak up the sun at Ditch Plains Beach

Among all the parks, hiking trails, and fine dining options, sometimes you’re just going to want to lie back and enjoy a spot of beach sunbathing, and if that sounds good to you then you’ll adore Ditch Plains Beach. Fringed around by cliffs, and blessed with beautiful clean sand and an exceptional panorama, this is the perfect place to work on your tan or enjoy a dip in the surf. And speaking of surf, if you’re capable with a board then the waves here will offer you the perfect chance to work on your technique. With plenty of beachfront hotels to stay nearby, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in your beach-loving side.

Ditch Plains Beach

Address: 18 Ditch Plains Rd, Montauk, NY 11954, USA

18. Enjoy recreational activities at Montauk Playhouse Community Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re looking for something interesting to do while in Montauk, then the multi-use Playhouse Community Centre will pretty much always have something for you. Hosting concerts, plays, musicals, exhibitions, and outdoor events, the playhouse itself is a cultural hub of the Montauk region. If there’s nothing on the bill, then you can always venture into the aquatic centre that is a part of the complex, where swimming and a range of other fun activities will be available.

Montauk Playhouse Community Center

Address: 240 Edgemere St, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Montauk Playhouse Community Center

Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Fri: 6am - 9pm; Thu: 6am - 8:45pm; Sat: 7am - 7pm; Sun: 7:30am - 5pm

Price: As per tickets

19. Go whale watching and more with Viking Fleet

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Whether you want a fast ferry off the coast of Montauk, a fishing trip to catch the bass and tuna that populate the waters out here, or a never-to-be-forgotten whale-watching trip, Viking Fleet will have something for you. The service takes advantage of the North Atlantic location to allow you opportunities that don’t come around often, and you’ll find the entire experience impressive and emotionally stirring. The creatures you will see on a whale-watching tour are truly remarkable - and you may see dolphins and aquatic turtles, too.

Viking Fleet

Address: 462 W Lake Dr, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Viking Fleet

Opening hours: 7am - 6:30pm (daily)

Price: 75 USD for adults, 49 USD for kids 5 and over, free for younger kids

20. Work on your swing at Montauk Downs State Park

The joys of a good day’s golfing are undeniable, and with all the other outdoor pursuits you can indulge around here it should be no surprise that Montauk offers the option to play a round or two. Montauk Downs State Park features a high-quality,18-hole course, and if the idea of a round of golf doesn’t grab you, then maybe you’d while away some time at the skate park instead? Failing that, there’s plenty of walking trails around, too, all in the fresh sea air - making for a happy and healthy way to spend a few hours.

Montauk Downs State Park

Address: 50 S Fairview Ave, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Montauk Downs State Park

Price: See website for complete fees

21. Ride the waves with Sunset Surf Shack

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Taking to the surf is one of those things that divides tourists - you’re either keen to try it or frightened to get it wrong. The good news is that the people at Sunset Surf Shack are skilled in taking even the most complete novice through their paces and getting them to enjoy a bit of time on the waves. You may not come away from your lesson ready to pull off the impressive tricks the experts can do - but you’ll have a lot of fun and you’ll be better on a board for the experience.

Sunset Surf Shack

Address: 76 S Elmwood Ave, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Sunset Surf Shack

Price: Depends on experience and duration of classes

22. Unleash your inner performer at Liar's Saloon

Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed

Montauk has plenty of attractions for the refined visitor but if you’re one of those travellers who prefers to get deep within the real heart of a place, then there are few better options than Liar’s. Whatever you want to drink, it’s on the menu here, and you may also find that you get talked into getting up on stage for one of their famous karaoke nights. Liar’s is where the local fishermen and women come at the end of a long day’s work and to boast about their catch (hence the name). If you want to experience the real Montauk, this is the place for you.

Liar's Saloon

Address: 401 W Lake Dr, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Liar’s Saloon

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

23. Relax at the fabulous Kirk Park Beach

From a point of view of relaxation, the best beach in Montauk would have to be Kirk Park, which offers everything you could want within easy walking distance. Located off a free parking area, the beach is just across the road from a supermarket so you can stock up on drinks and snacks before taking to the sands. You’ll also find a nearby play park and picnic area, and the beach is well-staffed with experienced lifeguards.

Kirk Park Beach

Address: 95 S Emerson Ave, Montauk, NY 11954

Price: Free

24. Wander around Gin Beach Market

Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed

Based on the periphery of Montauk’s popular Gin Beach, this shopping thoroughfare offers you the chance to load up on goodies before heading down to the beach - and if you’re not up for some sunbathing, it’s also an ideal place to while away a few air-conditioned hours shopping and stopping for a bite to eat in the Gin Beach Cafe. Delicious snacks and light bites are on offer, including tasty cupcakes and excellent coffee.

Gin Beach Market

Address: 541 E Lake Dr, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Gin Beach Market

25. See the beautiful church of St. Therese of Lisieux

Among the time spent sightseeing, eating, drinking, and sunbathing, there is always time to visit one of the finest monuments in Montauk, and to get a little praying done if you’re so inclined. The chapel of St. Therese of Lisieux is a cornerstone of the Montauk community, a popular wedding destination for those within the town and beyond, and is a beautiful sight to see as well. It’s an ideal way to indulge your spiritual side while here.

St. Therese of Lisieux

Address: 67 S Essex St, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: St. Therese of Lisieux

26. Eat, drink, and make merry at The Point Bar & Grill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Point (@pointbarandgrill)

Founded in 2000 by a group of friends, The Point is everything a seaside bar should be. Serving tasty hot and cold food, and a lot of cold drinks, it’s got an atmosphere that will put you right at ease. If you happen to be a sports fan, then you’re certainly in for a treat, as their 17 flat-screen TVs show a range of NFL and MLB games which are the perfect accompaniment to a beer and a burger. During the week, turn up between 4 to 7pm for Happy Hour which, in true Point style, goes on for three hours.

The Point Bar & Grill

Address: 697 Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: The Point Bar & Grill

Opening hours: 12pm - 4am (daily)

27. Have a refresher at Regent Cocktail Club

Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed

A long day spent sight-seeing and soaking up the sun will leave you thirsty, and there are few better places to deal with that thirst than this excellent and refined cocktail bar with unbeatable views of the ocean. Whether in the main bar, or the connected outdoor seating area with plush couches and a firepit, you’ll love the chance to sip Margaritas or specialities such as the Cucumber Gimlet or La Grand Fizz. All in all, this is the ideal place to enjoy a few drinks in discerning company.

Regent Cocktail Club

Address: 290 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954

Website: Regent Cocktail Club

Opening hours: 7pm - 12am (daily)

28. Enjoy German cuisine at Zum Schneider

Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed

While Italian and French restaurants may grab most people’s attention, there are few dining experiences that are as fun or as satisfying as the German approach, and Zum Schneider brings that vibe to Montauk. With wholesome, meaty meals and a spectacular array of German beers from the light ales to the dark brews, this is a place that will keep you coming back for more. The whole place is styled in charming German theme - right down to the servers - and frequent live German music adds to the cheerful vibe.

Zum Schneider

Address: 4 S Elmwood Ave, Montauk, NY 11954

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri: 5pm - 2am; Sat: 12pm - 2am; Sun: 12pm - 10pm

Marvellous Montauk offers an experience you'll want to repeat

At the tip of Long Island, Montauk is what many people would consider to be an antidote to the more haughty scene that exists in much of the Hamptons. There is something here for you, whether you’re looking for quick and tasty food, fine dining, sunset walks, or a spell trying to master the creatures of the deep blue sea. All in all, it is a perfect place for a seaside holiday which offers fun for all.

Don’t forget to to check out the best hotels and pet-friendly Airbnbs for your accommodation needs.