Montauk 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.
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#
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.
June - August
20-27 °C (68-81 °F)
Warm, sunny beach days and lively nightlife; expect crowds and premium rates, but the surf and sunsets are worth it.
April - May, September - October
8-20 °C (46-68 °F)
Crisp, breezy off-season - fewer people, cheaper rooms, and excellent fishing; weather can be changeable so bring layers and enjoy quieter beaches and trails.
November - March
-1-7 °C (30-45 °F)
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.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
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.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. Significant rainfall (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
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#
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
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
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#
Working fishing village specializing in fresh seafood and lobster rolls; you’ll find dockside shacks, fish markets and casual restaurants built around daily catch.
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.
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.
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.
