Destinations

Where to Eat, Stay, and Play in Montauk, New York's Summer Playground

After a decade-plus of summer visits, I've unearthed countless gems at Land's End—here's what to do in NY's ultimate summer beach destination.
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As the very last town on the eastern tip of Long Island, connected by only a small stretch of land, Montauk feels worlds away from the bustle of New York City and the doldrums of suburban Long Island.

Coined “The End,” the glamorous beach town has long welcomed the type of traveler who says things like Where do you summer?” It’s a question I heard often growing up on the north shore of Long Island, New York—it seemed as though everyone around me “summered” in Montauk, and I’ll be honest, I was quick to resent it for that reason. Phrases like “summer house mansions” and “big-boy yachts” gave the town a pretentious air. I so badly wanted to hate it, until I arrived.

A decade-plus of summer visits there have shown me that while Montauk most certainly has glitz, it has depth, too. Look to the communities of beach-campers clinging to the sound of crashing waves at dusk, gazing out at the deep blue Atlantic. Or to the nature of the peninsula, with its sand dunes, coastal forests, and grasslands. In this ever-evolving tourist destination, sandy streets are lined with designer and boutique shops, old wooden taverns and fine dining restaurants, and are often filled with recreational bikers. From beach to bar, Montauk is the place for ocean lovers, adventure seekers, and glamorous foodies alike.

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How to get there

There’s no way around it—the drive can sometimes be over three hours from NYC, though there’s something special about the collective journey out east. 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 (Thursday’s better than Friday, to beat the start of the weekend rush). If that’s not possible, try to leave hours before the island’s rush hour. To really avoid traffic, aim to leave NYC prior to 2 p.m.

Daunt’s Albatross

Brian W. Ferry/Daunt’s Albatross

Daunt’s Albatross Koda suite

Brian W. Ferry/Daunt’s Albatross

Where to stay

There’s too much to do in Montauk for just a day trip, so plan to stay for at least the weekend. Summer rentals fill up fast—if you’re looking for a hotel, Solé East Resort exudes coastal elegance, and brings a St. Tropez–inspired stay to the East End. Inside the American Tudor building, guest rooms are bungalow-style; the elevated poolside Backyard Restaurant has just undergone a total renovation. The property often hosts events, including live DJs on the weekends, and conveniently sits just a mile from the town’s buzzy downtown village and a five-minute walk to the beach.

Montauk Yacht Club is one of the town’s already-hot newcomers. Returning travelers might remember the space as Gurney’s Star Island resort—but as of summer 2024, it’s open under new management following a multi-million dollar renovation. While there’s much to explore, travelers really do not have to leave the lakeside resort, located alongside a popular marina destination, to experience a restful and genuinely fun stay-cation. There are two updated pools—one, further down on the dock near the new padel courts, is geared toward larger family groups. The other is a spacious, buzzy, adults-only pool near the space’s new outdoor cocktail bar. Here, visitors can fall in love with the glitzy side of Montauk and love every minute of it.

Daunt’s Albatross Motel has that special something that just might make travelers want to return every summer. Its charming old-school feel derives from its history as a family-owned oasis—the Daunt family purchased the space back in 1977. It was a seaside retreat for the once low-key village, primarily host to the fishing-surfer-type. Today, the property (including its restaurant, The Bird, across the street) has been completely renovated with a pool and campfire space. It is run by the young and impressive Leo Daunt, grandson of the original owner. He grew up on the property—and is often on-site with his sweet dog, Koda—and it's evident he put his whole heart into its renovation. The location is just another plus, propped in the heart of Montauk, just around the corner from the beach.

For the ultimate beachfront stay, head to Marram Montauk. Half of the guest rooms face the ocean, so some guests will have the advantage of waking up to crashing waves. Inside, the 1960s retreat's refined design and chic interiors ooze that specific high-end essence that fits so well with the town. And yet, the beach vibes remain high—it's not uncommon to see guests walking barefoot through the lobby to and from the sand. It’s just a couple blocks off Montauk’s quieter eastern end, making it easy to enjoy a sun-soaked beach day without the influx of large summer crowds.

Shark Bar's Crispy Chicken Sammie and and Mussels

Michelle McSwain/Shark Bar

Where to eat and drink

As much as Montauk is a beach-centric destination, it has also become a culinary hotspot for all sorts of foodies. And despite the influx of visitors over the past two decades, the peninsula has maintained its commitment to using mainly fresh, locally sourced ingredients and produce. Be sure to stop at the brand-new Shark Bar on the way there or back—it’s along the stretch of Napeague, right before you drive in or out of Montauk. Laid-back with a surf shack look, the menu offers elevated tiki classics (I highly recommended the lobster fried rice and crispy calamari). It opened for the 2024 summer season by the owners of the (also new, and already beloved) Maverick’s Montauk. Head here for a mouthwatering surf-and-turf dinner. It’s the perfect equation: enjoy selections from an extensive wine menu, next to floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Fort Pond, best reserved for an indulgent sunset dinner.

For breakfast or lunch, head to the hip little joint of Joni’s Montauk. Just south of Montauk village’s Main Street, the space offers an extensive menu filled with organic and fresh ingredients. They serve delicious sandwiches and salads, with heaps of options for vegetarians and vegans. Also for lunch, and closer to Gosman’s, is a true old-school Montauk gem, The Dock. Situated right on the waterfront, head here for fresh seafood appetizers (and perhaps an iced cold draft beer like the local to your right). It’s a quirky space—one of the classics that Montauk would not be the same without. And on the topic of classics, the Montauket, known as “the hill” by locals, has been kicking since the late 1920s (and family owned since 1959). It’s the perfect laid-back scene to watch the sunset over Gardiner’s Island, with a pleasant touch of live music.

Whether you’re a hotel guest at Montauk Yacht Club or not, head to their new restaurant Ocean Club Montauk for the greatest just-caught seafood dishes, and selected dishes of Braai—a traditional method of South African grilling (a nod to the space’s acclaimed head chef, Jarad McCarroll, who is South African himself). Especially when dining outdoors, along the pool and marina, Ocean Club is the epitome of taste, with its swanky ambiance, meticulous platings, and cohesive flavors. Try the seabass tartare, or the picanha, an item off of the Braai menu that is carefully prepared for over six hours).

Then there’s The Bird Restaurant, a separate property from Daunt’s Albatross that's also owned and renovated by Leo Daunt. It’s just across the street—and a must to visit both day and night. For breakfast or lunch, grab a bite out back in the garden-like patio. The menu is a fusion of cultures, primarily serving twists on American classics. All of the dishes are crafted and inspired by the brilliant chef Marco Martinez, a native of Rincón, Puerto Rico. New this summer: by night, the space turns into a moody and groovy cocktail bar, with special speakeasy nights on Saturdays, as well as karaoke and trivia on the weekdays. 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.

Point Lighthouse

Michael Ver Sprill/Getty

Where to play

No matter the trip, play with nature while in Montauk. Of course, relaxing poolside at Daunt’s or the Yacht Club has its time and place—but the town also boasts so many great and unique preserves, hiking trails, and points of access to the ocean. For a first-time Montauk visit, head to the museum and walk up to the top of a Montauk staple, Point Lighthouse (also, 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 embodies the feeling of being at land’s end. For a short hike close by, head to Shadmoor State Park, home to body-chill-evoking views from the swirling trails along the Atlantic. Have a picnic in the sand dunes (also known as the “Walking Dunes”) of Hither Hills State Park, where you might meet friendly tent campers or surfers who know the breaks like the back of their hand.

Since Montauk Point juts out into the ocean, it 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 great places for surfing as well). Make it a point to head along the Old Montauk Highway—travelers can walk down grassy pathways toward the purest white sand beaches with less crowds. For shopping, Montauk’s Village is perfect for visiting smaller mom-and-pop boutique shops and galleries.

If you’re dying to set sail, you can charter a sailing catamaran from Mon Tiki Fleets, a sustainably-minded, longtime local company that operates only out of Montauk. Options for both small or large group private charters through Mon Tiki offer a taste of the sea, sailing in the luxury of local craftsmanship.