The Off Season Guide to Montauk | Best Things to do in Montauk in the Winter, Spring & Fall

Montauk is much more than just a summer resort town. There is so much to enjoy year round. There may not be much going on in the Winter but that might be just what you need!

My name is Ariana and I was born and raised in Montauk so I know Montauk in the off season quite well! There are things to be enjoyed in Montauk in all seasons. This guide will help you with the best things to do in Montauk in the Winter, Fall and Spring as well as which restaurants and hotels are open in the off season.

Click HERE for the best Hotels in Montauk for every budget.

If you’ve stubbled upon this post but plan to visit Montauk in the summer you’ll want to read my Travel Guide to Montauk or my Montauk Weekend Itinerary!

Montauk in the Winter

There is something special about Montauk in the Winter. It is quiet, very quiet, but that is what makes it appealing. After the busy holiday season all you need is a quiet weekend away.

Many restaurants have closed for the season and the majority of stores on Main Street are closed. However, there are still plenty of things to do in Montauk in the Winter!

Best Things to do in Montauk in the Winter

There is not much going on in Montauk in the Winter – but that is the beauty of it! Below are some ideas of things to do in Montauk in the Winter.

• Cozy up outside and spend a few hours at the fire pits at Gurney’s
• Pamper yourself with a spa day at Gurney’s Seawater Spa.
• Taste test beer at Montauk Brewing Company
• Take a walk or hike in Montauk if it’s not too cold out. (click here for the 8 best hikes in Montauk)

Things to do near Montauk

Other towns nearby include Amagansett, East Hampton, Sag Harbor and Bridgehampton. All have more year-round businesses. Take a day trip to any of these neighboring towns to shop, eat or drink! Some of my favorites listed below!

• Taste local wine at Wolffer Estate
• Sit by the fire at Barons Cove
• Eat a really good donut at Grindstone
• Discover a new book to read at Book Hampton
• Have a few beers and pub food at Rowdy Hall
• Share pizza and a bottle of wine at Sam’s Pizza
• Take a yoga class at Mandala Yoga
• Listen to live music at Stephen Talkhouse

Montauk Restaurants Open in the Winter

• Scarpetta – fine Italian dinning at Gurney’s overlooking the ocean
• TT’s – turns into burgers, wings, sandwiches and mac and cheese in the winter!
• Shagwong – tavern with pub food
• The Harvest – amazing family style food. *closed in January
• Inlet Seafood – seafood, sushi and classic American favorites. *opens Valentines Day
• Blade + Salt – take away Italian and pizza
• Alimentari Beach – a cute Italian restaurant with artisanal pizza and pasta dishes

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Montauk in the Spring

It is starting to warm up and summer is on the horizon! Spring weather in Montauk usually lasts from April-June. However, Memorial Day Weekend marks the start of the Summer season in Montauk so if you’re after shoulder season vibes and hotel prices I recommend visiting Montauk before May 15th.

Best Things to do in Montauk in the Spring

Businesses in Montauk usually start to re-open in April and May. What is open varies from week to week. Listed below are some of the things to do in Montauk in the Spring that I recommend.

• Go on a Hike – the Seal Haul trail is one of my favorites this time of year to spot seals. Read about the best hikes in Montauk here!
• Go Fishing on the Viking Fleet.
• Hang out at the Hotel pool (depends on the month and day!) More on where to stay in the off season farther down!
• Grab a pint of beer at Montauk Brewing Company
• Visit the Montauk Lighthouse and walk around Camp Hero State Park.
• Watch the sunset at the Montauket – read my guide on Where to Catch the Best Sunset in Montauk here!

Montauk Restaurants Open in the Spring

Just after the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Montauk (which happens on the Sunday after March 17th), restaurants start to open their doors back up…slowly. This is a really exciting time for any locals that made it through the winter! Below are Montauk restaurants that open in the Spring.

• The Dock – my personal favorite. Seafood and pub food done right.
• 668 The Gig Shack – all around great food!
• The Harvest – always a good idea!
• Inlet Seafood – amazing entrees and sushi.

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Montauk in the Fall

If you’ve planned your trip to Montauk in September – you are in for a treat! September is Montauk’s (not so) best kept secret. The weather is still beautiful and the ocean is still warm. October and November are also lovely when Fall starts to really set in.

Best Things to do in Montauk in the Fall

There are plenty of beach days to be had in September – without the summer crowds! For the best beaches in Montauk check out this blog post. The best part about Fall in Montauk is that everything (for the most part) is still open but there are far less crowds.

• Drink pumpkin beer at Montauk Brewing Company
• Visit the Montauk Lighthouse and watch the surfers below.
• Surf or watch the surfers. Montauk gets hurricane swells in the Fall. Read the Guide to Surfing Montauk here!
• Surf cast right off the beach
• Go on a fishing charter.
• Take a beach walk or hike one of these 8 trails.

Things to do near Montauk

• Happy Hour Sunset at Wolffer Wine Stand
• Shop around Sag Harbor Town
• Have lunch in the Amagansett Square or take a yoga class

Montauk Restaurants Open in the Fall

The good new is most restaurants are open through September in Montauk! The more “posh” places start to close at the end of the month. Think: Surf Lodge, Navy Beach, Duryea’s and the Crow’s Nest.

The below restaurants are some of my favorites and are open for the majority of the Fall in Montauk.

• The Harvest – so beautiful in the garden if you can get a table outside!
• Inlet Seafood – some of the best sunsets.
• The Dock – layed back vibes and great food.
• Westlake Fish House – amazing sushi and great entrees
• Scarpetta – perfect for a special night and homemade pasta.
• Shagwong – great place to watch a game and get a bite of food.
• TT’s – tacos and tequila!

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Where to Stay in Montauk in the Off Season

So now you know the best things to do in Montauk in the Winter, Spring and Fall but where do you stay?

Not all hotels in Montauk are open year round. Below are my most recommended hotels to stay at in the off season. Check the asterisk at the end of each listing – some hotels are closed in the middle of the winter.

Did you know: when you book a stay or experience from any of the links on TRVL Collective, I earn a small commission which helps keep this blog running and is at no additional cost to you! 
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• Gurney’s Resort *usually closes for a few weeks in March (read my full review of Gurney’s here!)
• Daunt’s Albatross *year-round
• Hero Beach Club *closes right after New Years Day & re-opens in Spring
• Sole East *Fall & Spring only
• The Breakers *Fall & Spring only
• Marram *Fall & Spring only

For more information on Montauk hotels, click here to read my guide for The Best Places to Stay in Montauk for Every Budget.

TRAVEL TIPS:

• For how to get to Montauk – click here.
• Montauk is VERY quiet in the Winter with the exception of holiday weekends.
• It can Snow in the Winter months – which makes for a really beautiful sight at the beach.
• Montauk has a very late Spring. Trees do not fully bloom until the end of May!
• Fall in Montauk is typically very comfortable weather but can be windy.

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