25 Best Things to do in Montauk, NY this Summer
For me, Montauk is home. I have grown up here my whole life and continue to work and live in Montauk now! This list is comprised of what I think are the best things to do in Montauk in the Summer (and many are year round activities!)
My personal favorite things to do are beach days, surfing at Ditch Plains, a walk through Shadmoor and sunset at the Montauket. But if you’re a first time visitor to Montauk you can’t miss seeing the Montauk Lighthouse!
Whether this is your first time visiting Montauk or you’ve been here before and are coming back for another summer, this guide breaks down the best things to do in Montauk in the summer without trying to cram everything into one trip. Some experiences are classic must-dos, others are quieter local favorites, and a few are perfect for mixing things up if you’ve already checked off the obvious spots.
Below, you’ll find a mix of beaches, outdoor activities, food and drink spots, and uniquely Montauk experiences that make summer here memorable.
Best time to visit Montauk?
Summer is the best time to visit Montauk and will offer the most options of things to do. However, Montauk can be appreciated in the off season and some people prefer to visit when there are less people and crowds.
Must Read: Guide to the best time to visit Montauk
Must-Do Montauk Summer Classics:
1. Visit the Historic Montauk Point Lighthouse.
If this is your first time visiting Montauk – seeing the Montauk Lighthouse is a must! To be honest, I’ve lived here my whole life and STILL love going out to the lighthouse.
Fun Fact: The Montauk Point Lighthouse, part of Montauk Point State Park, was authorized by President George Washington in 1792. Montauk Point Lighthouse was the first lighthouse in New York State and the fourth oldest lighthouse in the United States that is still in use.
You can climb the lighthouse (the views are amazing!) and walk around the museum learning about the history of the Montauk Lighthouse and Montauk in general. And don’t forget to walk out on the cliffs at Camp Hero State Park, next to the lighthouse, for a magnificent view of the Lighthouse and a great photo op!
Days of operation and hours change seasonally. Check hours and ticket prices here.
Must Read: What to Expect when you visit Montauk Lighthouse
12 Most Instagrammable and Photographic Places in Montauk
2. Go to the Beach!
This is Montauk’s best and main attraction! (In my opinion at least!) Miles of beautiful coast line of both the Atlantic Ocean and the Block Island Sound. You get a good mix of bay beaches, sandy ocean beaches and rocky coves.
No visit to Montauk, New York is complete without visiting one of the many beautiful beaches! Below are some of my favorite beaches in Montauk.
- Ditch Plains
- Navy Road
- Umbrella Beach (Kirk Park Beach)
Must Read: The 10 Best Beaches in Montauk You Have to See!
3. Walk on top of the Bluffs at Shadmoor State Park.
There are many trails to be hiked in Montauk but Shadmoor State Park is definitely my favorite one!
It is easily accessed and not too long but the best part? The views are breathtaking! After a short walk through the woods (past a few old cement bunkers left over the US Army’s base in WWII) the narrow trail winds its way along the ocean bluffs and down to the famous Ditch Plains Beach.
Pro Tip: Hike Shadmoor in the morning and walk to the Ditch Witch food truck for breakfast. You can enjoy breakfast on the beach while you watch surfers catching waves.
Must Read: The 8 Best Hikes in Montauk, NY (and walks!)
4. Watch the Sunset from the Montauket.
The Montauket is a true Montauk staple and one of my favorite things to do in Montauk. All ages and walks of life welcome to this dive bar on top of the bluffs over looking Montauk’s Fort Pond Bay.
If you don’t mind crowds, this is a must do in the summer. I would recommend trying to come on a weekday or in the shoulder season as sometimes there is a long line to get in!
The Montauket is arguably the best place to watch the sunset in all of Montauk. (Unless of course you own the house next door)
Must Read: Ultimate Montauk Sunset Guide!
On-the-Water Activities:
5. Take a Surf Lesson in Montauk.
Since you’re already at the beach why not try surfing? There are plenty of businesses that offer surf lessons or surf camps for kids in Montauk. Below are my recommend surf lessons:
Must Read: Montauk Surf Spots
6. Go on a 1/2 Day Fishing Charter.
This is always a fun way to spend half your day on the water in the middle of the Summer in Montauk! Brent and I still love to do this in the summer. It’s a fun way to start your day in Montauk and potentially catch your dinner.
All you have to to do is show up – the boat provides all fishing gear for you. (bring drinks and snacks though!) There are lots of boats to choose from but some of my favorites are: The Lazy Bones, Viking and Oh Brother.
7. See Montauk from the Water on a Boat Cruise.
It’s so fun to go out on a boat from Montauk Harbor and see Montauk from the water! There are multiple companies that offer boat cruises and at different times throughout the day.
A sunset boat cruise is probably my favorite time to go though! See below for my favorite companies.
- Destination Haus Boat – small curated pontoon boat perfect for small parties
- Easy Breeze Cruise – largest boat with a cash bar on board
- Montiki – small sailboat catamaran perfect for small parties
- Montauk Cruises – different boat options
8. Learn to Sail with Sail Montauk.
Seeing Montauk from a sailboat is a completely different experience! Sail Montauk offers a lot of different options for sailing.
Opt for a chartered sunset sail (that would be my choice!), a daytime chartered sail and swim, a sailing lesson or sailing school for kids.
For more on Sail Montauk click here.
There’s a lot to love about Montauk in the summer.
Figuring out how to fit it all into a few days without missing the good stuff? That’s where I come in. I offer custom Montauk itineraries built around your exact dates, travel style, and budget. No generic advice, just a plan from someone who’s lived here her whole life.
Eat, Drink & Relax:
9. Eat at a Restaurant on the Water in Montauk
In the summer there are so many restaurants to choose from in Montauk but not all are waterfront.
It can definitely be overwhelming if you don’t know where to go or which restaurants in Montauk are on the water. Below are my favorite restaurants in Montauk on the water that I would recommend over and over and over again:
- The Crow’s Nest – great girls night or date night
- Duryea’s – I love Duryea’s for lunch or around sunset
- Inlet Seafood – family friendly and fresh seafood with sunset views
- Harvest on Fort Pond – family friendly and family style eating
- Topside – great for food or drinks (no children!)
10. Taste Craft Beer at Montauk Brewing Company.
Tasting craft beer at Montauk Brewing Company is the perfect activity when you are tired of the beach and sun. Come hang out on Montauk Brewing Company’s patio and taste their incredible craft beer and shop their cool t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats! You can even try small batch craft beer here that they don’t distribute anywhere else!
Fun Fact: three local guys started the brewery in 2012 and I work here – so come say hi!
11. Get Ice Cream from John’s Drive-In.
A favorite since I was a little girl and I’m still a frequent customer :). Who doesn’t love good homemade ice cream? Stop by John’s Drive-In for an afternoon ice cream cone or come for your after dinner sweet tooth!
John’s Drive-In is also a local fast food restaurant. You can expect burgers, chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, french fries and more on the menu.
Pro Tip: John’s is cash only & the line gets veryyyy long at night so if your sweet tooth hits in the afternoon you won’t have to wait as long.
12. Listen to Live Music at The Surf Lodge.
I promise you will feel on vacation if you’re at The Surf Lodge – even I do and I live here! Situated on Fort Pond, The Surf Lodge has a huge outside area where they host amazing musical talent each summer like Bob Moses, St Lucia, Citizen Cope, Willie Nelson and Lauryn Hill.
It can be quite a process to get in on weekends but there is still live music during the week and local favorite Nancy Atlas plays every Wednesday evening.
Pro Tip: another great option for live music (that is also family friendly) is Salivar’s Clam & Chowder house or Inlet Seafood on weekends in the summer!
Outdoor Activities (land based):
13. Connect with Nature at Hither Hills State Park.
Hither Hills State Park is 1,755-acres comprising of a camp ground with 189 sites, ocean beach, picnic area, walking dunes and miles and miles of hiking trails. The park stretches from the Block Island Sound to the south shore of Montauk.
My favorite hikes within the State Park are Fresh Pond and finding the Native American ruins!
14. Play Golf at Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course
Hit the links one morning or evening while you’re visiting Montauk. Montauk Downs is a well known hard course! (Montauk is super windy in general!). Make sure to make a reservation for your tee time in the summer months.
15. Play a Game of Doubles or 105 at Hither Hills Racquet Club
If you’re a tennis lover like me, you have to play a game of 105 at Hither Hills Racquet Club! Located on Napeague Stretch, the club consists of 5 separate courts and a small (but cute) clubhouse.
They also have a location at the Montauk Downs in the center of Montauk too. If you want to play a game of tennis, 105 or join a clinic make sure you sign up in advance – spots fill up fast.
For Hither Hills Racquet Club schedule click here.
16. Go Horseback Riding at Deep Hollow Ranch
Deep Hollow Ranch is the oldest working cattle ranch in the country!! They offer trail and beach rides through the beautiful Montauk landscape. Take in the views of the coastline while you get a taste of Montauk history.
Deep Hollow Ranch also has pony rides available for younger children.
17. Rent Bikes from Montauk Cycle Company
Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or want a beach cruise for leisure, Montauk Cycle Company has lots of bikes to choose from. I love taking my beach cruiser to the beach or biking around the dock area and bar hoping along. Or if you’re feeling adventurous you can bike ride to the Montauk Lighthouse – just know there are a few BIG hills to get there and back.
Feeling a little overwhelmed trying to figure out what to prioritize?
That’s completely normal as there really is that much to do here. If you want someone to put it all together for you, my custom Montauk itinerary service does exactly that. I’ll build you a personalized plan around your trip so you show up knowing exactly where to go each day.
Town & Local Attractions:
18. Go Shopping in Montauk Village
Something I personally don’t do enough of! Take the time and stroll down Main Street and pop into all of the local stores.
One of the great things about Montauk is most stores are mom & pop and are not super commercialized. There are a wide variety of stores to shop like women’s boutiques, skincare, kids shops, toy stores, vintage apparel, homewares, bookstores and surf shops.
Tip: Pick up an iced coffee from Bluestone Lane and start exploring!
Some of my favorite stores in Montauk town include:
- The 8th Drifter
- Montauk Tshirts
- Below the Blue
- Makos Vintage
- Candied Anchor
- Air & Speed
- Honey & Hive
- Whalebone Creative
Must Read: The Perfect Weekend Getaway to Montauk | 3 Day Itinerary
19. Buy Local Produce at the Montauk Farmer’s Market
Visiting the Montauk Farmer’s Market on Thursdays is one of my favorite things to do each week in the summer. I love buying local produce, fresh cheeses, the tastiest pickles, visiting the Greek foods tent and the Empanada vendor!
The market runs from May through September every year from 9am to 2pm. There are over twenty vendors that set up in the center of town. The Farmer’s Market is located on the Montauk Green where the gazebo is.
Buy produce from local farms, pies, fresh pasta and mozzarella, fresh cut flowers, homemade granola, freshly made bread and pickles! There is a lot of variety and its fun to walk around and buy local goods.
Click here for a list of vendors.
20. Play Mini Golf at Puff & Putt
Ok, so maybe you also don’t play golf like me… but mini golf?! That is fun for everyone. Puff & Putt is located just across from the Montauk IGA and right on Fort Pond and such a fun activity to do in the afternoon after a beach day.
Besides a great (and super fun) mini golf course they also have sun fish sail boats, paddle boats and an arcade room.
Tip: walk to John’s Drive In for ice cream afterwards 🙂
21. Learn About the Montauket Native American Tribe at the Montauk Indian Museum
Did you know Montauk had a local Native American tribe? The Montaukets lived in Montauk for centuries before European settlers showed up on the East End of Long Island.
The Montauk Indian Museum, located on the grounds of Second House, offers exploratory displays of Native American artifacts and teaches about Native American life in Montauk.
Worth a visit if you love history!
Special Experiences:
22. Make a Bon Fire on the Beach
Perhaps overlooked by many, but I think making a bon fire on the beach is a must-do activity and had to be included on my list of best things to do in Montauk. There is just something so special about sitting around a fire with friends and family right on the beach next to the ocean with all the stars above your head!
Bring blankets and sweatshirts (it does get chilly at night even in the summer) and set up to watch the sky turn an array of vibrant colors. Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks or even a grill to cook your dinner right there! Another idea is to order fried chicken from Herb’s Market or get take out from another restaurant in town.
Tip: don’t forget to read up on (and follow) local bon fire rules here.
23. Treat Yourself to a Spa Treatment at Gurney’s Seawater Spa
The newly renovated Seawater Spa at Gurney’s Montauk is an amazing experience. Treat your self to a massage or facial and then enjoy the spa facilities. The space is beautiful and really relaxing.
Inside the co-ed spa are 4 thermal plunge pools: 50, 55, 95 and 104 degrees that look out over the large indoor seawater pool. In addition to the thermal plunge pools and main pool there is a quiet area, sauna and steam room for spa guests to enjoy.
Visiting the Seawater Spa is well worth the splurge! For more on my experience at the Seawater Spa click here.
Click here for the spa menu.
Must Read: Why you Need to Splurge and Stay at Gurney’s Montauk Resort
24. Have a Luxury Picnic on the Beach
If you are in Montauk to celebrate a special occasion like engagement, anniversary, birthday or bachelorette I would consider a luxury picnic by Destination Haus. They have beautifully curated linens, glassware, flatware and lighting.
25. Take a Day Trip to Block Island, RI
Brent and I make multiple trips to Block Island every summer because we love it so much. It is so easy to hop on the Viking Fleet Ferry and spend the day on Block Island!
Block Island, Rhode Island is only about 13 miles from Montauk Point – but you’ll feel worlds away! Block Island has a quaint New England charm and is one of my favorite day trips to take each summer.
Must Read: Why You Need to take a Day Trip to Block Island
Top 3 Montauk Hotels for your Summer Vacation
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Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is the number one place to stay in Montauk if you are looking for luxury and a full service resort. Located directly on a stretch of pristine Montauk beach you are sure to have a relaxing and memorable trip to Montauk staying here.
Read my FULL Review of Gurney’s HERE.
Marram Montauk
Marram Montauk is best described as barefoot luxury… and did I mention this Montauk Hotel is right on the beach? Just on the outskirts of town, Marram has an outdoor pool, cafe on site and walking distance to shops and restaurants on Main Street.
Must Read: Top Hotels on the Beach in Montauk
Hero Beach Club
A great hotel just on your approach into Montauk town for families and friends. Hero is just on the other side of the dune from the ocean and also has a swimming pool and large lawn that features different fitness classes each day.
Tips for Visiting Montauk:
- Montauk is 3 hours from NYC by car or train. (the best places are hard to get to!)
- A car is recommended for a trip to Montauk but not mandatory. There are taxis and ubers available to get around.
- Weekends are extremely busy in July and August. Expect to wait to sit at restaurants and lines outside of bars.
- Montauk is an awesome place to visit in the off season! Read my guide to Montauk in the winter here.
- Ocean temperatures are at their peak in August and September at 70-72 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Be mindful of beach rules like no dogs from 9a-6p and always take your trash with you.
- You need a special permit to drive on the beach.
- All beaches are public property.
Planning a Trip to Montauk?
I create Custom Montauk Itineraries shaped by local insight and seasonality and tailored to your budget, priorities, and travel style.
Created by a lifelong Montauk local & Travel Advisor.
- Best hotel for your budget or occasion
- Top restaurants you can’t miss
- Things to do tailored to your group
- Local Montauk tips!
Limited availability each month.
How to get to Montauk?
There are multiple ways to get to Montauk but I suggest driving your own car which will make it easier to travel around Montauk once you are here. But you can take taxi’s!
- Car – preferred
- Bus – Hampton Jitney leaves from 40th street in Manhattan
- Train – Long Island Railroad starts in Manhattan but has many stops along Long Island
- Plane – charter a private jet into East Hampton Airport
Must Read: How to get to Montauk Guide
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