The 10 Best Beaches in Montauk, NY You Have to See!

Some of the best beaches in the world are in Montauk, New York. I might be biased, since I’ve grown up here and still live in Montauk, but I’ve also traveled around the world quite a bit to know that the beaches in Montauk are some of the best.

From wide-open ocean beaches with rolling waves to calm bay beaches and even a shoreline on Lake Montauk, there’s a surprising amount of variety packed into this small coastal town. The best beach in Montauk really depends on what kind of beach day you’re looking for — whether that’s swimming, surfing, watching the sunset, somewhere calm for small children or finding a quieter spot away from the crowds.

Keep reading to find out the 10 beaches in Montauk I recommend for your ideal beach day… anyone can find their perfect beach in Montauk with this guide!

Heading to Montauk for a weekend getaway? Read my 3-Day Weekend Itinerary here! Full of the best things to do in Montauk if you are visiting for the weekend.

1. Ditch Plains Beach

Best for: surfing & family fun

One of the best beaches in Montauk and famous for surfing (more on that below), Ditch Plains Beach is one of my personal favorite Montauk beaches. The bluffs in the background to the right are dramatic and beautiful with the summer haze. There’s also a great walk up on top of these bluffs – read about it here!

Ditch Plains Beach is also a great family beach! There is a lifeguard on duty from 8am-5pm in the summer. There is usually a great sandbar with shallow water for kids to play in.

However, the beach isn’t huge and it gets pretty crowded in the summer. If you’re not staying in the neighborhood or intending to surf I think there are better beaches to spend your day at!

Pro Tip: order lunch from the Ditch Witch food truck! My favorite is the sesame noodles. (you can also add poke to them!)

Parking Lots at Ditch Plains Beach:

There are three parking lots at Ditch Plains, all of which you need an East Hampton Town Permit for or a parking pass from your hotel. Otherwise you will need to take a cab or a bike ride here.

At two of the three parking lots there are food trucks available, the Ditch Witch being one of my favorite places to eat!! At the first parking lot (when driving in on Ditch Plains Road) there are bathrooms, showers and two food trucks. The farthest lot, called Dirt Lot, isn’t paved and is usually full of surfers.

*Town of East Hampton parking permit required at this beach.

2. Gin Beach

Best for: small kids & less crowds

Located on the north side of Montauk on the Block Island Sound, Gin Beach is a great place to take little ones for a family day at the beach. There are bathrooms available in the parking lot and a food truck during the busy summer months.

It is popular to walk the jetty along the inlet and watch the boats come in and out of the harbor or cast a line out and do a little fishing yourself.

3. Sunset Beach / Mermaid Beach

Best for: free to park & sunset

Sunset Beach (or Mermaid Beach depending on what you call it) is located on the other side of the inlet from Gin Beach. Sunset beach (located near Gosman’s Restaurant) is similar in likeness to Gin Beach, however bathrooms are a little farther away! There is a great food truck at this beach as well called Sammy’s.

The beach is definitely smaller on this side of the inlet and the beach can be very small at high tide. There are many restaurants and shops you can walk to from the beach though! Maybe an afternoon ice cream cone at Gosman’s Ice cream stand 🙂

4. Navy Road

Best for: swimming & family fun

Another one of my favorite Montauk beaches and definitely one of the best beaches in Montauk! Navy Road is on Fort Pond Bay, a huge U shaped bay that was occupied by the US Navy in WWII.

The beach is very family friendly but be aware that Navy Road is very rocky! You may want to bring a blanket down to lay out on for a little extra layer of comfort. The water is super calm and you can bring floats down, paddle boards or a boat and spend the day on the water here.

This is also one of my favorite places to watch the sunset in Montauk.

Must Read: Top Places to Catch the Sunset in Montauk

Just down the road, at the hangar dock, there is a dog park as well as great walking trails on the north side of Montauk! (Click here for my guide to the Best Hikes in Montauk)

*Town of East Hampton parking permit required at this beach.

5. Any Beach on the Old Montauk Highway

Best for: rest & relaxation

If you are staying at a rental house, condo or hotel on the Old Montauk Highway you are in luck! The Montauk beaches that line the Old Montauk Highway are the nicest beaches and the least crowded!

You’ll have to walk down a small grassy path surrounded by shrubs, beach plums and beach grass where you’ll be greeted with white, soft sand and a stretch of beach as far as your eye can see in either direction!

Keep your eye out for whales breaching in the summer! You can often spot them not too far from shore.

6. South Edison Beach (or Nick’s as the local’s call it)

Best for: easy access to town

Nick’s Beach was named after a bar called Nick’s that Bounce Beach now occupies. The beach is located at the end of South Edison Street and hence its other name South Edison Beach.

Nick’s or South Edison is a great place to spend the day at the beach in Montauk. There are lifeguard stands… and a beach bar when you need a cold refreshment. Also, town is just a quick walk away so you are close to everything!

This beach is a mix of families from the hotels and younger 20 somethings ready to day party. Park right on the road for paid public parking.

7. Kirk Park Beach / Umbrella Beach

Best for: paid parking & families

Kirk Park Beach (also called Umbrella Beach) is located between South Edison Beach and the Old Montauk Highway beaches. It is really just one long continuation of one beach!

Kirk Park Beach has a large paid parking lot for beach goers and is next to the IGA (local grocery store) and across from the 7-eleven. (convenience store)

The beach here, in my opinion, is the nicest Montauk beach with public access. It’s a large beach with really white, fluffy sand. There is plenty of room and a bit quieter than the other end of the beach in town.

There is a lifeguard stand at this beach too!

8. Gurney’s

Best for: Gurney’s guests

If you are staying at Gurney’s Montauk, coming to the beach here is a no brainer. If you’re not, it is possible you may reserve a lounge chair or day bed for an afternoon lunch at their Beach Club.

It’s very boujee and expensive but also lives up to the hype.

Must Read: My Honest Review of Staying at Gurney’s Montauk

9. Hither Hills State Park Beach

Best for: campers & families

If you are camping at Montauk’s Hither Hills State Park you won’t have to go far to find this gorgeous Montauk beach. The beach will be occupied with other campers but there is so much room to spread out here!

Camping right next to the ocean and beach will be an unforgettable experience!

10. South Lake Beach

Best for: small children & water sports

South Lake is a small beach located on Lake Montauk! The once fresh water lake was opened up to the Block Island Sound in the 1920’s to allow for a safe harbor for the fishing fleet in Montauk.

South Lake Beach is great for small children to play in, paddle boarding and other water sports.

Tips for Visiting the Beach in Montauk:

• A parking ticket without an East Hampton Town permit is expensive! (well over $100)
• Lifeguard stands are located at Nick’s, Kirk Park, Gin Beach, Gurney’s and Ditch Plains.
• Be respectful of the beautiful Montauk beaches and take your trash home with you!!
• You are able to drive on Montauk beaches with a special town permit but only after 6p or before 10a (May-September)
• You are allowed to have a bon fire on the beach! But follow these rules.