Montauk Travel Guide
City Eastern Long Island town with beaches and lighthouse
At Long Island’s eastern tip, Montauk points to its lighthouse, surf breaks and seasonal striper runs. Anglers, surfers and weekenders crowd state park bluffs, eat raw bar oysters and watch ferry traffic to Block Island.
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Why Visit Montauk? #
Salt-air recreation and a strong fishing and surfing tradition define Montauk, anchored by the Montauk Point Lighthouse and popular breaks like Ditch Plains. Fresh seafood shacks and harborfront spots serve clams, lobster rolls and day-caught striped bass, while state parks and ocean views invite early-morning walks. Summer events and local art galleries give evenings a communal feel.
Best Things to Do in Montauk
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Montauk Bucket List
- Montauk Point Lighthouse - Visit Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum and climb for sweeping ocean and Sound views.
- Camp Hero State Park - Hike coastal trails and explore bluffs at Camp Hero State Park's rugged shoreline.
- Hither Hills State Park - Relax on long beaches, camp, and walk the famous Montauk Point dune system.
- Gosman's Dock - Enjoy fresh seafood and harbor views at Gosman's Dock and nearby shanties.
- Shadmoor State Park - Walk cliffside trails with wildflowers and secluded overlooks at Shadmoor State Park.
- Lake Montauk marina - Charter a fishing trip or stroll the marinas at scenic Lake Montauk.
- Block Island (ferry) - Catch a ferry to Block Island for biking, beaches, and Victorian charm.
- The Hamptons (Sag Harbor, East Hampton) - Drive west into the Hamptons for galleries, farms, and upscale villages nearby.
Best Time to Visit Montauk #
Montauk is best in summer for beaches, surf and nightlife, while spring and fall offer quieter fishing, cheaper stays and brisk walks. Winters are stormy and atmospheric with many places closed.
Best Time to Visit Montauk #
Montauk's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1156 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Montauk
Montauk at the eastern tip of Long Island is reachable by the LIRR Montauk Branch from NYC, by regional coach services (Hampton Jitney), or by car from the NYC airports and Long Island. Trains and buses are popular with visitors, but check seasonal schedules.
Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP): ISP (Islip) is the nearest commercial airport on Long Island with scheduled service; driving from ISP to Montauk takes about 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic. Rental cars and private transfers are the usual connections.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) / LaGuardia (LGA): Both NYC airports are used by travelers to Montauk. From Manhattan or the airports you can reach Montauk by LIRR train directly (seasonal schedules and service patterns vary) or by highway - driving takes roughly 2.5-4 hours depending on traffic and departure point.
Train (LIRR Montauk Branch): The Long Island Rail Road runs direct trains to Montauk Station from New York Penn Station (and via Jamaica) - journey times are roughly 3-4 hours from Penn Station depending on service/transfer; fares vary by time and ticket type (expect roughly $20-30 one‑way from NYC in many cases, higher for peak service or reserved options). Seasonal and weekend schedules are common.
Bus / Shuttle: Private services such as the Hampton Jitney and Hampton Luxury Liner offer scheduled coach service between New York City and Montauk with fares commonly in the $25-60 one‑way range depending on season and advance purchase. Local Suffolk County buses cover short local legs on arrival.
How to Get Around Montauk #
Montauk village is compact and easy to walk, especially around the harbor and main street. To visit multiple beaches and state parks, a car is useful; parking can be limited during summer weekends. Suffolk County buses and seasonal shuttles serve Montauk, and some visitors arrive via Long Island Rail Road or private shuttle services. Taxis and rideshares are available but can be costly or scarce on busy summer nights.
Where to Stay in Montauk #
- Montauk Manor (budget rooms off-season) - Historic building, seasonal pricing
- Motel 6 Montauk - Basic, budget-friendly motel chain
- Montauk Manor - Spacious rooms with hillside views
- Montauk Beach House - Boutique hotel steps from the beach
- Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa - Full-service resort, oceanfront spa
- Premium private rentals and resorts - Luxury homes and secluded properties
Where to Eat in Montauk #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Montauk's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Montauk #
Nightlife in Montauk ramps up in summer with beach bars, live-music venues and seasonal hotspots drawing DJs and touring acts. Off-season evenings are far quieter, with local pubs and restaurants offering low-key social options.
- The Surf Lodge - Seasonal waterfront venue known for live music and energetic summer parties.
- Montauk Brewing Company - Local brewery with rotating beers and a casual taproom near the harbor.
Shopping in Montauk #
Montauk’s shopping is a mix of surf boutiques, seafood markets and small galleries concentrated around the harbor and Main Street. You’ll find practical outdoor gear alongside artisanal food and beachwear. Summer brings pop-up vendors and a livelier retail scene; off-season shopping is quieter but still pleasant in the village.
- Gosman's Dock - Cluster of seafood stalls, tackle shops and small boutiques on the harbor.
