The Best Things to Do in Montauk, New York

16.08.2024 - 18:03 / cntraveler.com

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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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

Daunt’s Albatross Koda suite

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