17 Things to Do in Montauk, New York
- Rey Eleuterio
- 2 days ago
- 16 min read
If you've ever pictured the end of Long Island and assumed it was just another stretch of Hamptons beach, you've been picturing it wrong. Montauk has its own thing going on.
It's a fishing village with a lighthouse older than most American cities, surf breaks that locals quietly guard, state parks that go on for miles, and sunset spots where everyone seems to slow down at once.
The crowd thins the further east you drive. By the time you hit the Point, it almost feels like the road just gave up and ran out of land. The locals call it "The End," and once you're standing there with the wind off the Atlantic in your face, the name makes sense.
Some of the best things to do in Montauk New York aren't the headline attractions either. They're the little side stops, the off-season walks, and the dive bars where the bartender remembers your drink. Pack a sweatshirt even in July. The breeze out here has opinions.
Key Takeaways
The best things to do in Montauk are spread across the lighthouse area, the state parks, the beaches, and the harbor. You can do a long weekend in summer, a quiet escape in winter, or a quick day trip from New York City. Most of the top stops are free or cheap, and the rest are worth saving up for.
Stop | Area | Best For | Quick Note |
Montauk Point Lighthouse | Far east tip | History, views | Climb to the top on clear days |
Montauk Point State Park | Far east tip | Hiking, photos | Free entry off-season |
Camp Hero State Park | Far east tip | History buffs, Stranger Things fans | Watch for ticks |
Seal Walks | Far east tip | Winter visits | Reservations required |
Shadmoor State Park | South side | Easy hikes | Bunkers from WWII |
Ditch Plains Beach | South side | Surfing, food trucks | Bring a board or watch |
Hither Hills State Park | West entrance | Camping, families | 190-site campground |
Lake Montauk | North side | Kayaking, calm water | Beginner-friendly |
Navy Beach | Fort Pond Bay | Sunset dinner | 200-foot private beach |
Duryea's Lobster Deck | Fort Pond Bay | Lobster, views | Bring an appetite |
The Montauket | Fort Pond Bay | Sunset drinks | Local staple |
Montauk Brewing Co. | In town | Casual beer stop | Year-round |
Surf Lessons | Ditch Plains area | Beginners, kids | Multiple shops |
Fishing Charter | Montauk Harbor | Adventure, families | Half or full day |
Beach Bonfire | Various beaches | Couples, groups | Permit required |
Gurney's Seawater Spa | South oceanfront | Couples, splurge | Day passes available |
Block Island Day Trip | Ferry from Montauk | Adventure | Roughly 13 miles offshore |
Quick Picker
Best for families: Hither Hills State Park, Lake Montauk kayaking, Montauk Point Lighthouse, beach bonfires
Best for charm and history: Montauk Point Lighthouse, Camp Hero, Shadmoor's WWII bunkers
Best budget-friendly: Shadmoor State Park, Ditch Plains beach walks, The Montauket sunset
Best food stop: Duryea's Lobster Deck, Navy Beach, Joni's for breakfast
Best for couples: Gurney's Seawater Spa, sunset at Navy Beach, Block Island day trip
Best for off-season visits: Seal walks, lighthouse views from Turtle Hill, Gurney's spa day
Save your favorite Montauk stops to your bucket list with Wayback Tours so nothing gets lost in the planning shuffle.
Where Is Montauk and Why the Drive Is Worth It
Montauk sits at the very eastern tip of Long Island in New York, about 120 miles from Manhattan. The drive from New York City takes around three hours without traffic, longer on summer Fridays. There's also a Long Island Rail Road line that runs straight to Montauk station, which makes the trip easy without a car for short stays.
People often ask where is Montauk because it doesn't show up on the radar the way the Hamptons do. It's actually part of the Town of East Hampton, but it has a totally different vibe. Less polished, more salty. The locals like it that way.
The drive out is a slow shift in scenery. You'll pass through Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, and Amagansett before the road narrows and the trees thin out. By the time you spot Lake Montauk on your left, you're close to town. Keep going east and you hit the lighthouse. That's the whole peninsula in a nutshell.
If you're piecing together a longer trip, this stretch of coast pairs nicely with stops up the way like things to do in the Hamptons or even a city day at places to visit in New York City. Montauk is the calmer end of the spectrum.
When to Visit Montauk
Most people show up between Memorial Day and Labor Day. That's high season, and it's busy. The beaches fill, the restaurants book out, and the prices climb. It's also when Montauk is at its full summer-village best, so the trade-off can be worth it.
Spring and fall are quieter and cheaper. October is one of the prettiest times here, with comfortable weather and that golden coastal light. April brings cooler temps and a slow wake-up of the town, but you can still find plenty to do.
Winter is its own thing. Most shops on Main Street close, the streets are nearly empty, and the beaches feel wild. Things to do in Montauk in winter lean toward seal walks, spa days, lighthouse views, and quiet hikes. If you want fun things to do in Montauk without the crowds, off-season is the move.
Fun Fact:
Montauk Point Lighthouse is widely known as the oldest lighthouse in New York State and is said to have been authorized by President George Washington back in 1792.
The Best Things to Do in Montauk New York for Every Kind of Traveler
Here for a weekend, a week, or just passing through? This list covers the best things to do in Montauk across every season and traveler type.
The stops are listed roughly in geographic order from the eastern tip back toward town and the bay side, so you can move through them naturally on a road trip out and back.
1. Climb the Montauk Point Lighthouse
There's a reason every photo of Montauk eventually leads back to this lighthouse. It sits right at the easternmost tip of Long Island, surrounded by ocean on three sides, with a small museum at its base.
Why this one stands out: It's one of the longest-operating lighthouses in the country, and the view from the top is something else. You can see Block Island Sound on a clear day, and the climb itself is part of the fun. The museum walks you through Montauk's role in early American navigation and the WWII years.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 2000 Montauk Highway, at the very tip
Hours: Seasonal, usually closed late November through early spring
Cost: Modest entry fee for the museum and lighthouse climb, plus a small parking fee
Time needed: About an hour to ninety minutes
Worth it or skip it? Worth it. This is the one stop almost everyone agrees on, and it's especially good for first-timers and families.
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2. Walk the Bluffs at Montauk Point State Park
Right next door to the lighthouse, this state park covers the cliffs and trails surrounding the Point. The walking paths trace the bluff line and dip down toward little rocky beaches.
Don't skip this if you like: dramatic ocean views, easy hikes, and that "edge of the world" feeling. The park is a great place to stretch your legs after the drive out.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Adjacent to the lighthouse, same parking area
Hours: Open year-round, daylight hours
Cost: Parking fee in season, free in off-season
Time needed: One to two hours depending on the trail
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for anyone who enjoys an outdoor walk with a payoff at the end. Pair it with the lighthouse climb.
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3. Walk the Strange History of Camp Hero State Park
If Montauk has a creepy side, this is where it lives. Camp Hero is a former military base now turned state park, with hiking trails, ocean bluffs, and the bones of old WWII bunkers and a giant Cold War radar tower still standing.
The quick pitch: It's one of those places that feels haunted in the best way. Camp Hero is widely known as the inspiration behind the Netflix series Stranger Things, and the conspiracy theories around the base have given it a cult following. The actual history is also fascinating, with the buildings designed during the war to look like a New England fishing village from above.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Just southwest of the lighthouse, in Montauk Point area
Hours: Open year-round, dawn to dusk
Cost: Free in off-season, parking fee in summer
Time needed: One to three hours
Bring: Long pants and bug spray. Ticks are common here.
Worth it or skip it? Absolutely worth it for history fans, hikers, and anyone who likes a good story.
Don't let this one get away. Add it to your list
Fun Fact:
Camp Hero is said to have inspired the original concept for Stranger Things, which was reportedly going to be set in Montauk before the show moved its setting to a fictional Indiana town.
4. Catch a Seal Walk at Montauk Point
This is one of the best things to do in Montauk in the winter, and most summer visitors have no idea it exists. From late fall through early spring, naturalists lead guided walks along the beach near the lighthouse to a spot where seals haul out on the rocks.
What makes this stop different: You're watching wild seals in their natural habitat, not at a zoo. Multiple species pass through here each winter on their way south from arctic and subarctic waters.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Meet at Montauk Point State Park lower parking lot
Hours: Usually November through April, weekend slots
Cost: Small fee per person, reservations required through Eventbrite
Time needed: Around two hours, walk is about three miles
Bring: Binoculars, warm layers, sturdy shoes
Worth it or skip it? A standout for off-season visitors and families with curious kids. It's one of the most rewarding things to do in Montauk off season.
Save this winter gem before you forget
5. Hike Shadmoor State Park
Shadmoor is the kind of place that locals send you to when they want you to feel like you found something. The trail starts in a quiet wooded area, passes a few WWII-era cement bunkers, and opens up onto ocean bluffs that drop down to Ditch Plains Beach.
Why it's worth stopping: It's a short, doable hike with one of the most rewarding finishes on Long Island. You can chain it together with breakfast at the Ditch Witch food truck once you make it to the sand.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Off Montauk Highway, just east of town
Hours: Open daylight hours, year-round
Cost: Free
Time needed: About an hour, longer if you stop on the beach
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for hikers and anyone who likes their nature with a little history mixed in.
Tag this one for next visit
6. Surf or People-Watch at Ditch Plains Beach
Ditch Plains is the surf heart of Montauk, and one of the more famous breaks on the East Coast. Even if you don't surf, watching the lineup is a show of its own.
The quick pitch: It's a long, mellow break that's good for beginners and longboarders, but advanced surfers love it too. The Ditch Witch food truck nearby is a classic post-surf stop for breakfast burritos and coffee.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Ditch Plains Road, south side of town
Hours: Daylight hours
Cost: Beach parking permit required in season, or walk in
Time needed: As long as you want
Bring: Board, wetsuit, or just a beach towel
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for surfers, photographers, and anyone with a casual half-day to fill. Probably the most iconic of the fun things to do in Montauk.
Save this surf spot for later
7. Spend a Day at Hither Hills State Park
Hither Hills is the family-friendly anchor of the Montauk park system. It has wide sandy beaches, a large campground, hiking trails, and views over the dunes that feel almost like Cape Cod.
Don't skip this if you like: camping, family days at the beach, or hikes that actually finish at the water. It's one of the most popular spots in Montauk for a reason.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Just before you reach downtown Montauk on the way in
Hours: Open year-round
Cost: Parking fee in season, camping reservations book out fast
Time needed: Half day minimum
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for families and anyone who wants the full Long Island beach day experience without the Hamptons crowd.
Pin this for the next family trip
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8. Kayak on Lake Montauk
Lake Montauk isn't actually a lake. It's a saltwater bay tucked just behind town, calm enough for beginner paddlers but big enough to feel like a real outing.
Why this one stands out: It's quiet water with great wildlife and shoreline views, and you don't need to be an experienced kayaker to enjoy it. Several local outfitters rent boards, kayaks, and small boats by the hour.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Various access points around Lake Montauk
Hours: Daylight, rentals seasonal
Cost: Hourly rentals are reasonable
Time needed: One to three hours
Bring: Sunscreen, water, water shoes
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for families and couples looking for a quieter water activity.
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9. Eat at Navy Beach
Navy Beach sits right on Fort Pond Bay with one of the best sunset views in town. The food is fresh seafood and coastal favorites, and you can dine inside or with your toes in the sand.
Why it's worth stopping: It's a sit-down meal with the kind of view people travel for. The lobster and clam bake is a signature, and the sunset hits just right from the bay side.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 16 Navy Road, Fort Pond Bay
Hours: Lunch and dinner in season
Cost: Mid to upper range
Time needed: One to two hours
Reservations strongly recommended in summer
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for couples and anyone planning a special dinner out. One of the best restaurants in Montauk for the full sunset experience.
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10. Order Lobster at Duryea's
Duryea's is a classic Montauk seafood spot on Fort Pond Bay, and it's been serving lobster in this corner of Long Island for a long time. The setting is rustic-meets-polished, and the food matches.
The quick pitch: It's casual but elevated. You order at the counter, grab a table outside, and the food comes out to you. The lobster cobb salad and the classic lobster roll are signature picks. Sunset here is the move.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 65 Tuthill Road, Fort Pond Bay
Hours: Seasonal, lunch and dinner
Cost: On the higher end for casual seafood
Time needed: One to two hours
Bring: Cash or card, and a healthy appetite
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for first-timers in Montauk and lobster fans. One of the most photographed and most loved of all the best restaurants Montauk has to offer.
Don't skip this one. Save it
11. Catch the Sunset at The Montauket
The Montauket is the kind of place locals kept quiet for a long time. It's a low-key bar with a back patio that looks out over Fort Pond Bay, and the sunsets are legendary.
Why this one stands out: It's not fancy, and that's the point. People grab a drink, find a spot on the patio, and just watch the sky change. It's one of the most relaxing things to do in Montauk for couples without spending a fortune.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 88 Firestone Road, north side
Hours: Afternoons and evenings, seasonal
Cost: Drinks and bar food, reasonable
Time needed: One to two hours
Tip: Get there well before sunset to grab a table
Worth it or skip it? Worth it. A true Montauk staple.
Save this sunset spot
12. Sip a Local Beer at Montauk Brewing Company
Montauk Brewing Company is the town's local craft brewery and a go-to casual stop in the middle of the day. The taproom is small, casual, and dog-friendly.
Don't skip this if you like: craft beer, casual hangouts, and a low-key place to land between other stops. They have a rotating list of local beers and merch you'll actually want.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 62 South Erie Avenue, in town
Hours: Open year-round, check seasonal hours
Cost: Per-pint pricing
Time needed: One hour
Tip: Great rainy-day backup
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for adults looking for a chill afternoon stop. Solid pick for things to do in Montauk this weekend.
Add this to your weekend list
13. Take a Surf Lesson
Even if you've never surfed before, Montauk is one of the better spots on the East Coast to give it a shot. Several local surf shops near Ditch Plains offer lessons for kids and adults.
Why it's worth stopping: The water is forgiving, the instructors are patient, and you'll come out of it with a story. It's one of the more memorable things to do in Montauk with kids when they're old enough.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Various shops near Ditch Plains and downtown
Hours: Lesson times vary, mostly summer
Cost: Group lessons start moderate, private lessons higher
Time needed: 90 minutes to two hours
Bring: Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for active travelers, families, and anyone curious enough to try. One of the most fun things to do with kids in Montauk in summer.
Save this for your next trip
14. Book a Fishing Charter from Montauk Harbor
Montauk has long been considered one of the better sport-fishing towns on the East Coast, and the harbor is full of charter boats ready to take you out.
The quick pitch: Want a half-day trip with the family or a full day chasing striped bass, sea bass, or fluke? There's a charter for it. The Viking Fleet is one of the long-running operators in town.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Montauk Harbor, West Lake Drive
Hours: Trips run seasonally, mostly spring through fall
Cost: Half-day trips start moderate, private charters cost more
Time needed: Four to eight hours
Bring: Sunscreen, snacks, layers
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for outdoor lovers, families with older kids, and anyone who's never tried offshore fishing.
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15. Have a Beach Bonfire
A bonfire on the beach is one of those things that sounds simple until you're actually doing it, and then it becomes the highlight of the trip. Montauk allows beach bonfires with a permit in designated areas.
Why it's worth stopping: It's a perfect group activity for couples, families, and small groups. Bring blankets, snacks, and a cooler, and watch the stars come out over the Atlantic.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Designated beaches, check town rules
Hours: Evenings, year-round with permit
Cost: Permit is inexpensive
Time needed: Two to four hours
Bring: Firewood, blankets, food, water for putting out the fire
Worth it or skip it? Worth it. One of the most memorable things to do in Montauk for couples and groups.
Save this for the next clear night
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16. Spend a Day at Gurney's Seawater Spa
Gurney's is the classic Montauk resort, and its Seawater Spa is open to non-guests with a day pass. The spa has heated pools, saunas, treatments, and ocean views.
Why this one stands out: It's a built-in self-care day in the middle of a vacation. Couples especially love it, and it's a great rainy-day option or a winter splurge.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: 290 Old Montauk Highway, oceanfront
Hours: Year-round, check daily hours
Cost: Higher-end day pass, treatments extra
Time needed: Half to full day
Bring: Swimsuit and a robe-friendly mindset
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for couples, friends groups, and anyone wanting a built-in relaxation day.
Pin this spa day for later
17. Take a Day Trip to Block Island
Block Island sits about 13 miles offshore from Montauk Point and feels like a different world. The Viking Fleet runs a seasonal passenger ferry from Montauk Harbor that gets you there in a little over an hour.
Don't skip this if you like: small islands, New England fishing villages, bike rides, and lighthouse hopping. Block Island is a great change of pace from Montauk for a day.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Ferry leaves from Montauk Harbor
Hours: Seasonal, usually late spring through early fall
Cost: Round-trip ferry per person, plus food and any rentals on the island
Time needed: Full day
Bring: Cash, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure
Worth it or skip it? Worth it if you have a full day and want a real adventure. A perfect bonus for anyone planning a longer trip.
Save this island day for next time
Thinking bigger than just Montauk? Build a full coastal trip with our East Coast vacation spots guide and save every stop in one place.
Best Restaurants in Montauk to Round Out Your Trip
You'll work up an appetite running between beaches, parks, and lighthouses, and Montauk has the food scene to back it up. Here are a few of the best restaurants Montauk locals send people to first:
Joni's for breakfast bowls, smoothies, and a healthy start near the beach
Navy Beach for sunset dinner with toes in the sand
Duryea's for the full lobster experience on the bay
The Harvest for family-style Mediterranean in a beautiful garden setting
Inlet Seafood for sushi and ocean views, owned by local fishermen
Montauk Bake Shoppe for pastries and a jelly croissant locals swear by
That's a starting list. There are dozens more spots in town, from clam shacks to fine dining, and most of the casual ones stay open year-round.
Fun Fact:
Montauk has long been considered one of the top sport-fishing destinations on the East Coast, and several of its waterfront restaurants are owned and run by local commercial fishermen.
Things to Do in Montauk in Winter (and Other Off-Season Tips)
Montauk in the off-season is its own version of the town. Quieter, cheaper, and almost cinematic when there's snow on the dunes. If you're wondering about Montauk things to do in winter or in October and April, here's the short list:
Seal walks at Montauk Point (winter only)
Lighthouse views from Turtle Hill, even when the museum is closed
Hiking at Camp Hero, Shadmoor, and Hither Hills
Spa days at Gurney's
Cozy meals at Inlet Seafood, Westlake Fish House, Shagwong, and The Dock
Day trips to Sag Harbor, East Hampton, or Amagansett
October is especially good for fall colors and quiet beach walks. April starts to wake up slowly, with most outdoor activities open by month's end. Things to do in Montauk in April lean toward hiking, beachcombing, and early-season seal sightings before the crowds return. If you want things to do in Montauk today during a quick off-season visit, the lighthouse area and a meal in town are usually a winning combo.
If you're chasing more quiet East Coast escapes in the off-season, places like historic Stonington Connecticut and the coast around New Haven pair well with a Montauk trip if you want to make it a proper road tour.
Final Thoughts
There's a reason people keep coming back to Montauk New York, even after the summer crowds clear out. It's a different kind of beach town. Older, quieter, and a little stranger than its Hamptons neighbors. If you're chasing surf, sunsets, lighthouse views, or just a long walk on a windy beach, the things to do in Montauk New York make it feel like more than a quick stop. It feels like an actual destination.
Bring a sweatshirt, fill the tank, and give yourself more time than you think you need.
Save these stops, build your own road trip bucket list, and keep track of every place you want to visit, all in one place with Wayback Tours.
FAQs
Is Montauk worth visiting in winter?
Yes, especially if you like quiet beach towns, hiking, and seal watching. Many shops close for the season, but the lighthouse area, state parks, and a handful of restaurants stay open year-round.
How long do you need in Montauk?
A long weekend covers the highlights, but four to five days lets you mix beach time, hiking, restaurants, and a Block Island day trip without feeling rushed.
Can you visit Montauk without a car?
Yes. The Long Island Rail Road runs to Montauk station, and you can use local taxis, rideshares, and bike rentals to get around once you're there.
Is Montauk family-friendly?
Very. Hither Hills State Park, surf lessons, beach bonfires, and the lighthouse are all big hits with kids. Several restaurants in town have kid menus too.
What's the difference between Montauk and the Hamptons?
The Hamptons tend to be more polished, with luxury shopping and high-end restaurants. Montauk is the laid-back surf and fishing village at the far eastern tip, with a more casual coastal feel.
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