Montauk, New York

Laid-back surf culture meets Hamptons luxury at Long Island’s eastern tip. Known as The End, Montauk offers windswept beaches, ocean-to-table dining, and golden-hour bonfires—an effortless summer escape. Explore our guide to making the most of it.

WHERE TO STAY

If you’re looking for a stay that blends effortless cool with refined comfort, The Surf Lodge is a Montauk icon. Overlooking Fort Pond, this boutique stay captures the town’s surf-and-sunset energy, with breezy interiors, live music, and an unbeatable waterfront setting.

For something more private, Marram Montauk is a barefoot luxury retreat that feels like a hidden oasis. Nestled on the dunes with direct beach access, its minimalist design and wellness-driven experience—think morning meditation and fireside s’mores—offer the ultimate reset.

If classic Hamptons elegance is more your speed, Gurney’s Montauk is the place to be. The only luxury resort in the area with a private beach, it features ocean-view suites, an iconic seawater spa, and top-tier dining right on the sand.

WHERE TO EAT

Montauk’s culinary scene is all about fresh, unfussy seafood and effortless dining by the water.

For a laid-back lunch, Duryea’s Lobster Deck is a must. Famous for its overflowing lobster rolls and Montauk’s best sunset views, it’s the ideal spot for a long afternoon by the bay. Order the lobster Cobb and a bottle of rosé—it’s tradition.

If you’re after a Montauk institution, head to The Crow’s Nest. Set in a rustic-chic boathouse, this coastal favorite serves fresh, local ingredients with a Mediterranean twist. Think fire-grilled branzino, heirloom tomato salads, and candlelit tables by the dunes.

For an elevated dining experience, The Hideaway offers a refined yet intimate atmosphere. Known for its creative dishes and seasonal ingredients, it’s the perfect spot for a cozy evening out with innovative cocktails and a farm-to-table menu.

WHAT TO DO

Montauk is made for long days spent outdoors, from sunrise surf sessions to sunset sailboats.

Start your morning with a hike through Shadmoor State Park, where dramatic cliffs and ocean views set the tone for the day. For surf, Ditch Plains Beach is legendary—its rolling waves and local surf scene make it one of the best breaks on the East Coast.

No trip to Montauk is complete without visiting the Montauk Point Lighthouse. Built in 1796, it’s New York’s oldest lighthouse, offering panoramic views where the Atlantic meets the Sound.

For an afternoon on the water, charter a boat for a day of deep-sea fishing or a sunset cruise around Montauk Harbor. Prefer to keep things relaxed? Grab a blanket and head to Gin Beach, where calm waters and soft sand make for the perfect golden-hour retreat.

As night falls, end your trip with a bonfire on the beach—because in Montauk, that’s just how summer is done.