Montauk is a small town on the east end of Long Island, New York. It’s known for its wide beaches, great seafood restaurants, and things to do. There are many things to do in Montauk; it can be hard deciding what you want to experience first! Here are 12 things that will help you get started:
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Why Visit Montauk?
Montauk is a great place for things like surfing, fishing, swimming, or beach-goers who are seeking that summertime getaway. With its sunny beaches and calm waters, Montauk makes it perfect for things like surfing and windsurfing. Depending on the time of year, there are also plenty of outdoor things to do in Montauk, including kayaking tours, hiking, or bicycling along the 10-mile bike path through town.
Montauk features abundant wildlife with six nature preserves located within 60 miles of the downtown area. It’s also famous for deep sea fish species, including eelpouts, flounders, and lobsters which you can take home with you if you purchase a shellfish harvesting license from East Hampton Marine Services.
Montauk has become a popular celebrity getaway, with stars like Kelly Ripa, Jimmy Fallon, and Beyonce reportedly frequenting the town during the summer season.
Who is Montauk For?
– people who love the beach
– surfers who like to play in water that’s calmer than other parts of the coast
– enjoy a quieter place with laid back locals
– have a family, friends, or business while you visit Montauk
It’s not very crowded so everyone gets attention, there are no big stores which makes things more genuine, all of the restaurants are family-owned with bigger portions and things feel very normal here. Plus you will have plenty of things to do!
Montauk is also very close to other things in the Hamptons if you’re interested in checking out more things to do.
Where is Montauk?
Montauk is a small town on the east end of Long Island, New York.
It sits at the easterly tip of Long Island, surrounded by water and swamps. The Hamptons are to its west, and they’re separated by Peconic Bay with Shelter Island as another barrier between them and Montauk.
To the south is Block Island Sound and to the north are Gardiner’s Bay, Napeague Harbor, and Long Beach.
The closest city is New York City which lies about two hours southeast of Montauk by car or train.
The Best Time To Visit Montauk
In summer, things really heat up in Montauk as it’s hot from May through September – but there are things to do for those who visit year-round! There’s an old lighthouse which was built over 100 years ago, world class fishing can be had off shore, visitors can enjoy exploring some historic sites, and there are things to see at night.
May is a perfect time to visit Montauk – things are starting to heat up, but it’s still relatively early. New York City summers can start as early as May, and things can get very hot from May through September. If you have the option of scheduling your trip around any time between June and August, that would be ideal. And if you want to beat the tourist rush later in the season, go for Memorial Weekend or Labor Day weekend beginning of September! But weather permitting, there’s so much to do year-round in Montauk.
Wherever you’re traveling from, it’s worth making sure that Montauk is part of your trip because it does have things for visitors to do all year round! It also has something unique about this coastal community that makes people want to visit again and again – what could it be?
Is Montauk Expensive?
Montauk is not inexpensive – things can range from $25 for a burger to $250 for beach front rentals exclusive properties in town during peak season.
There are things to do in Montauk that can be done for free or cheap. One example is the fishing pier – it’s not expensive, but you have to drive there and pay at a machine that costs $20 per day or $125 for an annual pass.
The things that are most unique about Montauk aren’t necessarily things people would want to do every single time they visit; however, if someone does plan on spending multiple days here then these activities may become very expensive! If this doesn’t dissuade your travel plans and you’re looking forward to seeing what makes Montauk so special, even during crowded times of the year like summer, then keep reading below!
A few things in Montauk are free. One example includes the lighthouse – it’s not only beautiful but also historic and worth spending time on a nice day if you’re interested in seeing this area of Long Island from all angles.
If you love nature, there is another place that doesn’t cost anything: The Nature Conservancy Trail which runs along some protected bogs.
11 Amazing Things to do in Montauk
The things to do in Montauk are endless. There is no shortage of things to do, places to go, and things to see. So, what can you expect on a visit to this quaint little hamlet on the eastern end of Long Island? Here are 12 things that will have your experience at Montauk unforgettable!
1. Walk around Montauk’s Village.
Montauk Village is a small town on the east end of Long Island. It’s not the typical tourist destination that you might think of when you envision “New York.” The locals are friendly, and things are slower paced than in other parts of the city. Here are some walks around the village;
-Walk around Montauk’s Village. Stop by one of many art galleries or restaurants for lunch or dinner at your leisure.
-Visit the Dunes Preserve for an easy walk with beautiful scenery along the way.
-Take a stroll down Main Street, which has shops and galleries worth exploring as well as its own charm that’s particularly fitting for Montauk.
-Enjoy a meal on the water at one of many seafood restaurants.
-Find the best sunset you’ve ever seen at Ditch Plains Beach where things tend to slow down even more.
2. Discover many beautiful beaches.
Montauk has an impressive selection of beaches, each with its own appeal. The east coast is home to some of the most beautiful and serene beaches in the world. Montauk’s Ditch Plains Beach is a great place for watching sunsets or just relaxing on a hot summer day. It’s also perfect for fishing and kayaking when things get too hot!
–Ditch Plains Beach: Located on Fort Pond Bay, this beach is best known for its calm atmosphere and amazing sunset views.
–Montauk Harbor: This beach is located right along the docks, where you can rent kayaks if you’re feeling adventurous or paddleboards if you want to stay closer in. There are also lots of seafood restaurants near here that are perfect for a seafood lunch or dinner.
–The Montauk Point Lighthouse Beach: This is the best place to watch sunsets in town, and it’s also popular with surfers because of its waves!
–Scofield Beach: If you’re looking for something more secluded, this beach might be your favorite spot on all of Long Island. Its tiny coves are great places to explore things from another angle while taking in some beautiful scenery along the way. You can even see snow here during the winter months when things get really cold up north!
–Hampton Bays Dune Preserve: The east end has lots of beaches where things tend to slow down even further than they already do (especially in Montauk). This preserve is perfect for an easy walk with beautiful scenery along the way.
–Hampton Bays: If things get too busy in Montauk, drive south to Hampton Bays which has a more laid-back feel and its own unique charm.
3. Visit the Montauk Lighthouse.
The Montauk Point Lighthouse is a historic landmark on the east end of Long Island. It’s not only the first lighthouse built along this coast, but it has also survived both earthquakes and hurricanes to become one of the oldest lighthouses in America still operating today.
The lighthouse was originally built as an aid to navigation for ships passing through New York Harbor. The current lighthouse was erected in 1857 after its predecessor had been destroyed by fire six years earlier. The building consists of three stories, with a spiral staircase connecting them all together – making things much easier for those that have trouble climbing stairs!
-Montauk Point Lighthouse: The oldest working lighthouse in America is open every day from April to October (except Christmas).
4. Take a Surf Lesson.
If you want to learn how to surf, the east end of Long Island is a great place for it.
One thing to try on your visit is surfing lessons! Surfers come from all over the world because this area has some of the most consistent waves on the East Coast. Whether you have your own board or not, there are surf schools that will teach you everything from paddling out through catching a wave and then riding it back in.
–Surf Schools: You can find a surf school near Ditch Plains Beach
– Surf Lessons: If you want an easy introduction to surfing or just need some pointers on your technique, there are lots of places that offer lessons. Some schools will even rent out boards if you don’t have one! You’ll be riding waves like a pro before too long and catching all the ladies’ eyes as well (or maybe that’s just our wishful thinking)…
5. Camp Hero State Park
The Camp Hero State Park is the site of a former U.S. Army base, Camp Hero, which was used as an early warning radar station during World War II. The park features hiking trails and spectacular ocean views.
Camp Hero’s history dates to 1902 when it was established as Fort Terry by President Theodore Roosevelt for coastal defense against a naval attack on Long Island. It later served as part of the Harbor Defenses of Long Island before being decommissioned in 1974 and turned over to New York State for use as a recreation area with picnic grounds, ball fields, playgrounds, fishing pier, and camping facilities among other things.
The camp also includes two military cemeteries – one dating from the Revolutionary War era through World War I, and the other with burials from World War II.
If you love history or want to enjoy a beautiful day outdoors in Montauk this is one of things not to miss out on!
6. Hither Hills State Park
Hither Hills State Park is a beautiful, vast green space with things to do for people of all ages. It’s located on Montauk Point and offers stunning views of Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound (depending on where you stand). This park was created by Robert Moses as part of his effort to connect various parks around Long Island with hiking trails – it features barren meadows, deep forests, rocky beaches, freshwater ponds, and wetlands – all things that make for great outdoor activities like biking or fishing.
Explore the amazing park and discover things to do like hiking, birding, and fishing.
7. Lake Montauk
Lake Montauk is a freshwater lake located in the town of Montauk on Long Island. It’s roughly one mile long and half a mile wide, with an area of 26 acres. The water gets its saltiness from the ocean as it flows through the Lake Montauk Stream.
Lake Montauk was created by man for recreational purposes – people swim, fish, and jet-ski all year round there. There are also things to do like biking or fishing if you’re looking for more low-impact things to do outside.
It’s a great place to come out and enjoy nature without having to go too far from civilization!
8. Montauk Brewing Company
Montauk Brewing Company is a brewery located in the heart of Montauk Village.
They offer a wide range of signature beers, from India Pale Ales to pilsners and lagers. They have a large tasting room with outdoor seating on-site as well as an off-site taproom called The Tap Room at Lake Montauk, where they proudly showcase their new brews every Thursday night!
The brewery offers tours that are open to all ages, and you can get up close and personal with the brewing process while sipping some tasty suds! Tours cost $10 per person which includes two free pints for those over 21 years old, or you can purchase your own pint for just $5.
It’s a great way to spend an afternoon out on the town!
9. Go Fishing
Fishing in Montauk is a great way to spend an afternoon out on the town! Whether you’re a pro or just learning, there are plenty of fishing charters to choose from. Fishing can be done year-round with many different species of fish.
You can go fishing in the many surrounding lakes, including Three Mile Harbor and Lake Montauk.
You can even go deep sea fishing out on the ocean!
If you’re looking for something a little more laid back, there are also places that will take you crabbing. Fishing is not only good for catching fish; it’s great exercise too!
For those who aren’t as keen on the idea of reeling in their own dinner (or breakfast), Montauk has several fantastic fish markets that serve up fresh seafood daily. After catching it yourself or buying it somewhere else, enjoy some fresh fish in the town’s many restaurants!
10. Spend the Night on an Island
One of the things that you can do is stay overnight on an island near Montauk! There are some great islands nearby with a wide variety of options for both day trips and overnight stays. Some of these islands include Great Gull Island, Little Gull Island, North Haven, and Block Island. These islands offer different things such as nature walks, biking trails, or relaxing at one of their many restaurants.
Greta Gull Island is a small island located about two miles off the coast of Montauk. The island has been used for things such as farming, cattle grazing, and even running a goat farm. There are also things to do on this island which include hiking trails, beaches, fishing spots, and bird watching points. This makes it one of the great islands nearby that you can visit!
Little Gull Island is part of the Town of Southold in Suffolk County, New York. It has a population of about 120 people, and it is approximately one mile long by 1/2 mile wide.
Little Gull Island can be accessed via boat or ferry from either Greenport or Orient Point in Plum Gut Cove in Orient, NY. Little Gull Island offers things such as hiking trails, beaches, fishing spots, and bird watching points, which make it an excellent destination for anyone looking to enjoy nature!
Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or something more long-term there’s surely an island perfect for you! The best part? Most boats leave from right off the coast in Montauk.
11. Shop around Montauk Village
Shopping in Montauk Village is an experience like no other. When you shop in Montauk, you are surrounded by the things that make this town so unique: fishing boats, surfers, and stunning views of the Long Island Sound.
The best part is that there are a ton of things for you to purchase right here in the village center! You can find things like hand-crafted jewelry, clothing, art, and even some specialty food items. It’s an experience unlike any other shopping trip; it truly will be one of a kind with all the local businesses surrounding you.
In addition to having your hometown shops surround you as well as restaurants where locals gather frequently — Montauk has plenty of activities and sites nearby that provide fun experiences year-round such as swimming at Ditch Plains Beach or surfing on waves crashing against the shoreline just off Montauk beach! The perfect thing about these attractions? They’re both right off the coast, so you can easily get there via boat or car!
Conclusion
The things to do in Montauk are truly unique and out of the ordinary. There are things like fishing, staying on an island overnight and shopping in the local village. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or something more long-term there’s surely an island perfect for you! The best part? Most boats leave from right off the coast in Montauk.
Montauk truly has things to offer everyone, whether it be things to do with your family during the daytime or things to do at night with friends. It provides excellent options throughout all four seasons so people can enjoy themselves every month of the year.
With everything that this town offers, you’ll want to plan out enough time to fully enjoy things like the beaches, tours, and even fishing trips! Whether you’re looking for something close by or far out, Montauk has everything that anyone could ever want. Another place to visit is Maine, you will discover the best time to visit Maine, and things to do for the perfect getaway.
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