An Insider's Guide to Montauk: Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in New York's Summer Playground

At the easternmost edge of Long Island sits Montauk, a town that's always been its own kind of place with its own kind of pace. I grew up on Long Island and have been coming to Montauk for decades. I’ve watched the town change considerably in that time—what was once a relatively scruffy beach and fishing town is now one of the Hamptons' most sought-after summer destinations, with ritzy hotels, buzzy restaurants, beach clubs, spas, and more reasons than one to dress up. But even as Montauk has become more fashionable, it has never lost the character that made people fall for it in the first place.Also known as “The End,” Montauk's appeal is that it can be many things at once. You can spend an afternoon at a beautiful hotel pool and still end up barefoot on the sand for sunset; dance to a live band or DJ at a ritzy beach club followed by drinks somewhere decidedly unfussy; eat a lobster roll one day and sit down for a chef's table meal the next. Surfers, families, fishermen, longtime summer regulars, and weekend visitors all remain part of the mix. It’s certainly more spruced-up than the Montauk I knew growing up, but still noticeably less buttoned-up than the rest of the Hamptons.After countless visits, my Montauk recommendations blend old favorites and brand new discoveries. I have places I return to every year, alongside restaurants, hotels, bars, and beach spots I’ve been curious to try after recent trips. That’s really the best way to approach Montauk: Know what has earned its place, while also leaving room for what’s new. Here are the places I recommend adding to your Montauk bucket list.Where to stay in MontaukThings to do in MontaukWhere to eat in MontaukFrequently asked questionsAn outdoor shower at Daunt’s Albatross next to the pool Brian W. Ferry/Daunt’s AlbatrossA peak into the expansive Koda Suite at Daunt’s Albatross Brian W. Ferry/Daunt’s AlbatrossWhere to stayDaunt's Albatross Motel is the stay I'll always rebook. With a je ne sais quoi that makes travelers want to return every summer, its charming old-school feel comes from its history as a family-owned oasis—the Daunt family purchased the space back in 1977. Once a seaside retreat that primarily hosted the fishing and surfer type, the property has been completely renovated with an across-the-street restaurant, The Bird, on-site pool, and hang-out campfire space.Down the street, Hero Beach Club offers a similar, relaxed vibe with prime beach access, a pool with loungers, and a sprawling green lawn. Take advantage of their complimentary bike rentals and lively event calendar, with fun-filled events like Hero Volley—a premier multi-day tournament hosted by three-time Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings—and surf-inspired concerts from bands like Babe Rainbow.New for 2026, Barlume Beach is hot, sceney, and well-suited to foodie travelers. The hotel operates as the Montauk extension of Barlume in New York City, bringing a Manhattan restaurant scene east for summers to come. Also freshly debuted is Hotel Corduroy—a stylish, low-key hub on the bay side of Montauk, near marina-side restaurant options and Sunset Beach, ideal for quieter days on calmer water.A timeless ocean view from Marram Montauk Jessica ChapelThe retro-inspired lobby at Ruschmeyer's Jessica ChapelMontauk Yacht Club is best for a luxury-at-your-fingertips stay, where visitors can fall in love with the glitzier, yacht-styled side of Montauk. Guests barely have to leave the lakeside resort, located alongside a popular marina destination, to experience a restful and genuinely fun staycation. (Pro tip? Through The Edit by Chase Travel, which I recently took advantage of, select properties like the über-swanky Montauk Yacht Club and Gurney's Montauk come with a $100 on-site credit, daily breakfast for two, and complimentary room upgrades based on availability.)Offshore Montauk is also a newer pick, opened in summer 2025 on the edge of Main Street; steps away from the beach, the property is all about simple luxuries and beach access. The iconic Montauk staple of Ruschmeyers has fully reimagined its space via boutique hotelier Bridgeton of Marram Montauk and Journey East Hampton. With a sophisticated makeover in 2025, the space is now a chic 19-cabin retreat. Book a barefoot sandy dinner and fireside seats here—it's the epitome of a classic summer stay with a trendy twist.Head to Marram Montauk for a beachfront stay. Half of the guest rooms face the ocean, so some guests will have the advantage of waking up to crashing waves. Inside, the 1960s refined design and chic interiors create a high-end atmosphere. And yet, the beach vibes remain present—it's not uncommon to see guests walking barefoot through the lobby to and from the sand.Browse Traveler-recommended hotels in Montauk:Things to do in MontaukWhere to sip, dance, and have funThere's nothing quite like the town's marina-side bars with live music, fresh cocktails, and a breezy, open-door vibe. Mary Lou's Montauk opened in June 2025 and is already one of the hottest places to play in the Hamptons. The outdoor dining area hosts bands during the day and looks out to docked boats on the oceanfront. At night, it transforms into a lively disco-DJ scene for dancing, table service, and a ready-to-dance crowd of all ages. On weekends, prepare to wait in line for a wristband.For a more old-school scene, Marlena’s Pack Out is the long-time Montauk Harbor stop for a mudslide, a view of the docks, and the occasional karaoke night, while Dive Bar Pizza keeps things deliberately scruffy with cold drinks, surf and skate videos, local music, and pizza served right on the harbor.On Main Street, pop into Montauk Vintage for some stellar antiques, knick-knacks, and clothing. You'll be sure to come across some really fun and well-maintained hidden gems. Even if you're not a hotel guest, be sure to stop at The Bird at Daunt's for its Thursday Trivia or Saturday night Speakeasy. The space transforms into two completely separate vibes—both are fabulously fun and worth the visit. And if not booked at The Yacht Club, head to its glitzy outdoor cocktail bar for live music on Fridays, or book a court at the newly-opened Privé Padel, available for non-hotel guests, too. Or spend time at Solé East Resort, which brings a St. Tropez–inspired vibe to the East End. The hotel offers an elevated place to play poolside with lots of events, including live DJs on the weekends.A view of the iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse from one of the dreamy rocky beach enclaves Jessica ChapelThe author with one of Offshore Montauk's yacht club cars Jessica ChapelWhere to play in natureAs someone who grew up on Long Island, I can attest that despite all of the aforementioned glitz, Montauk is the pinnacle of New York's coastal wilderness. Sitting at the absolute tip of the island, it acts as a geographic crossroads where the open Atlantic Ocean meets the calmer waters of the Block Island Sound. As for where to explore it all, Montauk Point has both ocean and bay beaches—if no preference, flirt with both. Ditch Plains Beach is great for all travelers, though it's best known as a family option (with a few stunning places for surfing as well). Don't miss out on the beloved-by-locals, family-run food truck here: Ditch Witch serves tasty favorites from cold noodles and poke bowls to Greek salads and cinnamon buns.Make it a point to stroll along the Old Montauk Highway—travelers can walk down grassy pathways toward the purest white sand beaches with fewer crowds. For shopping, Montauk Village is perfect for visiting boutique shops and galleries. On summer weekends, you'll often find a hub of local art vendors setting up tents for mini fairs to buy art. Head to the museum and walk up to the top of a Montauk staple, Point Lighthouse (the first lighthouse in New York State). Or, catch a great view of the lighthouse from Camp Hero State Park, where the stretch of coastal cliffs makes you feel as if you're at land’s end.A docked Mon Tiki catamaran awaits you to hop onboard Jessica ChapelFor a short hike nearby, head to Shadmoor State Park, home to jaw-dropping views along the Atlantic. Have a picnic or four-wheel drive along the sand dunes (also known as the “Walking Dunes”) of Hither Hills State Park, where you might meet friendly campers or surfers who know the breaks like the back of their hand. Sunset picnics and beach bonfires are your best friend here—park anywhere close to the entrances near Daunt's and Hero Beach Club, wear a light sweater, and pack the essentials—you'll be in for a memorable treat. If you’re dying to set sail, you can charter a sailing catamaran from Mon Tiki Fleets, run by Captain Dave, who is essentially a local celebrity at this point. His business: A sustainably-minded boating company that only operates out of Montauk. Options for both small and large group private charters through Mon Tiki offer a taste of the sea, sailing with charters to which cap’ calls “his monasteries.”Tours and experiencesFrom sunset sailing tours to your very own beach setup with chairs for a local classic bonfire night, you may want to check out the available tours and experiences available—especially if you're a first-time visitor, wanting to learn more, or see The End from a new perspective.And if you're visiting during the summer peak, make sure to check the Chase Sapphire Experiences page for early for exclusive access to high-profile seasonal events, like the star-studded Delilah Supper Club pop-up series (which I highly recommend). Next up is a Your Table, Reserved event with chef and restauranteur Billy Durney from Billy and Friends, a ticketed dining event at Sag Harbor Tavern.A bright and blue space awaits at Barlume's bar Jessica ChapelFresh oysters at Maverick's for dinner Jessica ChapelWhere to eatI’d start before you even get to town: On the way in or out, stop at Amagansett's Lunch Lobster Roll for exactly what its name promises, or Shark Bar on the Napeague stretch, right before Montauk. When you're settled into town, Joni’s Montauk is one of my go-tos for breakfast or lunch. Just south of Main Street, the small, surf-inspired spot does fresh breakfast burritos and other easy beach-day fare; there’s usually a line, but it’s worth the wait. For something classic and hearty, Anthony's Pancake House is the Montauk diner stop: eggs, breakfast potatoes, fluffy pancakes, and pretty much anything else you’d expect from a proper breakfast counter.For lunch, head toward Gosman’s and find The Dock, a true old-school Montauk holdout on the water. Order some fresh seafood and an ice-cold draft and hang a while; this is the kind of place that feels inseparable from the town. Montauket, known locally as “the hill,” has been around since the late 1920s and family-owned since 1959, and remains one of the best places to watch the sun go down over Gardiner’s Island with a drink and some live music. In the center of the village, 668 The Gig Shack is another longtime favorite for fish tacos and a perfectly sized burger; its indoor-outdoor setup right on Main Street makes it an easy stop between everything else. (Not to mention, the bar scene is lively as ever on the weekends once the sun goes down.)Speaking of lively, while you might know The Surf Lodge as an ever-buzzy scene with a younger crowd, it doubles as a breezy, more relaxed brunch (and lunch) spot. Aside from the summer salads and lobster rolls (and yes, a $150 chicken tender tower), the site regularly launches partnerships with NYC restaurants to bring in fun new menus, from Australian-inspired Hole in the Wall to Thai food hotspot Fish Cheeks.A proper spread at Montauket includes mussels and a frosty Montauk beer Hannah ChubbA mouth-watering, buttery lobster roll, fresh from Amagansett's Lunch Lobster Roll restaurant Jessica ChapelFor dinner, Maverick’s Montauk is home to a mouthwatering surf-and-turf dinner. Enjoy selections from an extensive wine menu, next to floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Fort Pond, best reserved for an indulgent sunset meal. Inlet Seafood is another sweet spot for sunset dinners with bocce out front and Adirondack chairs for lounging. Owned by six local fishermen‚ it's a touch more classic Montauk, but with a fusion menu of sushi and marina staples like New England clam chowder. Sit upstairs for the best ambiance.The Bird restaurant, the outpost property of Daunt’s Albatross, is another must. For breakfast or lunch, grab a bite out back in the garden-like patio—or, try their new Japanese and French–inspired dinner menu. By night, the space turns into a moody and groovy cocktail bar with heaps of events. Sail Inn is another quirky spot—a tavern and inn, it’s a perfect dive with homestyle plates, and more importantly, a full bar, pool table, darts, and karaoke every summer Friday. It was recently sold to (and lightly refreshed by) mother-and-son duo Colleen Croft and Luca Guaitolini—who also own Elio’s, an upscale Italian restaurant in Manhattan’s Upper East Side.Frequently asked questions:What are the top activities and attractions in Montauk for a weekend getaway?In this ever-evolving tourist destination, sandy streets are lined with designer and boutique shops, old wooden taverns, and fine-dining restaurants, often filled with recreational bikers. But the star of the show remains the great outdoors: Montauk has beaches and sunset sailings for ocean lovers, plus sand dunes and trails for adventure seekers.For a dose of history and attractions, there’s the iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse, completed in 1796, as well as the Second House Museum, the oldest surviving house in Montauk, and the Montauket Indian Museum, with exhibits preserving and presenting to the public the history of the original inhabitants of this land.When is the best time to visit Montauk?While a popular destination for warm-weather holidays like Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Memorial Day, these times also bring with them crowded beaches, long waits, and harder-to-get reservations. Especially for visitors coming from NYC, the best time for budget-friendly prices, less traffic, and minimal crowds is on a weekday from mid-May to late June, or late August to mid-September—all weather dependent, of course. The best weather in Montauk is from mid-July to early September—which is when and why you'll see more visitors.What's the best way to get to Montauk?There’s no way around it: The drive can take more than three hours from NYC. Those leaving from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island, or New Jersey without a car have the option to ride on the beloved Hampton Jitney bus, go by train on the Long Island Rail Road, or even fly into Islip Airport (ISP). If you are driving yourself, try to leave on a weekday or hours before the island’s rush hour. To really minimize traffic, aim to leave before 10 a.m. or after 7 p.m.This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.