Montauk
Montauk at a Glance
Costs: About $150-300 per day (summer) - expect $150-300/day in high season; budget more for peak summer weekends.
Safety: Safe with seasonal crowding hazards - generally safe; crowded summer traffic and coastal hazards require caution.
Best Time: June to September - june-September for beaches and surfing; fall is quieter with good fishing.
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
Island
Block Island
Barrier island with beaches, lighthouses, and wildlife
Island
Gardiners Island
Privately owned island in Long Island Sound, historic estate
Island
Plum Island (New York)
Island with federal animal disease research facility
Park
Camp Hero State Park
State park on former military base with ocean views
Park
Connecticut College Arboretum
Botanical arboretum with curated plant collections and trails
Museum
Mystic Seaport
Maritime museum with a recreated 19th-century seaport
Park
Harkness Memorial State Park
Historic seaside estate with formal gardens
Park
Hither Hills State Park
State park with beachfront, dunes and campgrounds
Montauk Bucket List
Don't Miss
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.
Hidden Gems
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.
Day Trips
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.
Nearby Cities #
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.
Summer
Warm, sunny beach days and lively nightlife; expect crowds and premium rates, but the surf and sunsets are worth it.
Spring/Autumn
Crisp, breezy off-season - fewer people, cheaper rooms, and excellent fishing; weather can be changeable so bring layers and enjoy quieter beaches and trails.
Winter
Cold, windy and quiet - many businesses close, but it’s raw and atmospheric with dramatic storms and empty beaches, perfect for storm-watchers.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -5° - 4° | -6° | 103 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 5.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.4h |
| February | Poor | -4° - 4° | -5° | 90 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 5.5 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.5h |
| March | Poor | -1° - 7° | -1° | 108 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 5.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 5° | 102 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 5.1 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.2h |
| May | Good | 9° - 18° | 13° | 92 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 4.5 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.4h |
| June | Excellent | 14° - 23° | 18° | 84 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 4.2 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.0h |
| July | Excellent | 17° - 26° | 22° | 75 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 14.7h |
| August | Excellent | 17° - 26° | 22° | 99 mm | some cloud | 83% | 3.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.7h |
| September | Excellent | 14° - 22° | 18° | 94 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.1 m/s | 1.2 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 8° - 17° | 13° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.7 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 5° | 112 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 5.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.7h |
| December | Poor | -1° - 7° | -2° | 108 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 5.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.1h |
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 is well served by the LIRR and private coaches from New York, but driving gives the most flexibility. In summer, book trains or coaches in advance and expect busy roads and parking constraints.
- LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) ($20-40 (typical one‑way)) - The Montauk Branch runs to Montauk Station from NYC (Penn Station or Jamaica) with journey times around 3-4 hours from Manhattan. Tickets vary by time of day and advance purchase; trains are a convenient, scenic option in summer but can be crowded on weekends and holidays.
- Hampton Jitney / coach ($25-60) - Private coach operators like the Hampton Jitney and Hampton Luxury Liner provide direct service from Manhattan to Montauk with multiple daily departures in high season. Coaches are comfortable and timed for convenience; fares typically range from about $25-60 one‑way depending on service and booking time.
- Car / rental ($40-120/day (rental)) - Driving gives the most flexibility, especially for exploring Montauk Point, Hither Hills and nearby state parks. Expect heavy traffic on summer weekends and ferry/bridge bottlenecks; parking can be limited at peak times, so plan ahead.
- Local bus / taxi ($2-40) - Suffolk County Transit runs local routes for short hops on arrival and local taxis provide point‑to‑point service. Schedules for local buses are limited outside the peak tourist season; taxis and rideshares fill gaps but may surge during busy weekends.
- Biking - Montauk is popular with cyclists for short coastal rides and bike rental shops are common in season. Some routes involve busy roads; choose quieter side streets or designated bike paths where available and avoid peak traffic windows.
- Walking - Montauk village center is compact and walkable - restaurants, shops and some beaches are within easy walking distance. For broader exploration (state parks, Montauk Point) you’ll likely need a bike or car.
Where to Stay in Montauk
Budget
Town center / near beaches - $90-180/night
Montauk has limited budget options-seasonal motels and smaller inns. Expect higher prices in summer and during holidays.
Montauk Manor (budget rooms off-season) - Historic building, seasonal pricing
Motel 6 Montauk - Basic, budget-friendly motel chain
Mid-Range
Montauk Village / beachfront - $180-350/night
Mid-range hotels and boutique properties offer comfortable rooms and easy beach access; bookings fill quickly in high season.
Montauk Manor - Spacious rooms with hillside views
Montauk Beach House - Boutique hotel steps from the beach
Luxury
Oceanfront / exclusive enclaves - $400+/night
Montauk’s luxury inventory includes a major oceanfront resort and upscale private rentals - expect premium rates and amenities in season.
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
Fishing-Village Seafood
Working fishing village specializing in fresh seafood and lobster rolls; you’ll find dockside shacks, fish markets and casual restaurants built around daily catch.
Casual Dockside Eateries
Meals are often simple and seasonal - clam shacks, fish fries and family-run spots dominate during the busy summer season.
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.
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.