Top 8 Places to Catch the Sunset in Montauk, NY
All sunsets are beautiful – but have you ever seen the sunset in Montauk, New York? Any time of year the sunsets are spectacular in Montauk! (BUT in my opinion sunsets in the Winter are superior)
There are countless places to catch the sunset in Montauk but the below options are my top places to watch the sunset including scenic overlooks, beaches, and a few restaurants where you can catch an epic Montauk sunset while you dine or sip on a drink.
Keep in mind that the sunset in Montauk is around 8:30pm in the height of the summer and about 4:30pm in the winter. Check the sunrise and sunset times for Montauk, NY here.
Montauk Sunset Quick Guide
Where is the best bar to watch the sunset in Montauk?
The best bar to watch the sunset in Montauk is The Montauket but there are more great options too!
Where can you watch the sunrise in Montauk?
The best place to watch the sunrise in Montauk is at the Montauk Lighthouse.
Top Places to Catch the Sunset in Montauk
1. The Montauket
This is one of the best spots to watch a sunset in Montauk if not the best. The Montauket is the ultimate sunset bar in Montauk.
The bar has been around since the 1920’s and is a Montauk staple year round. The dive-ish bar is perched on top of a cliff overlooking Fort Pond Bay and Gardiners Island. Expect a crowded bar, live music and a killer sunset any time of year!
2. Navy Road
One of my favorite places to watch the sunset in Montauk. Navy Road is located on Fort Pond Bay on a large horseshoe shape beach. The sun will set behind Gardiners Island to the north in the summer months and behind the bluffs to the west in the winter. Don’t forget to bring a blanket or chair – the beach is rocky here!
ps- don’t drive on the beach unless you have a permit to do so – they will ticket you.
3. Hither Hills West Overlook
The overlook looks over Hither Hills State Park, Napeague Bay and Gardiners Bay. It is an insanely beautiful view and on extra spectacular nights you’ll find a handful of cars pulled over to watch the setting sun together.
4. Umbrella Beach or Ditch Plains
While the sun won’t actually set over the ocean (in the Winter the sun will set West down the beach) I still love coming down to the ocean for the sunset. Expect an empty beach and pretty pink hues.
Read my guide to the Best Beaches in Montauk here!
5. Gin Beach or Sunset Beach
Gin Beach and Sunset Beach are on either side of the inlet to Montauk harbor and Lake Montauk. You can walk down the long rock jetty or watch from the shore at the beach. The best viewing is during the summer when the sun sets further to the north.
Pro Tip: Find the 12 most photographed places in Montauk here!
6. Sunset at Montauk Lighthouse
The Montauk Lighthouse is worth a visit any time of day or year but it is particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset. Although the sun will set opposite of the Montauk Lighthouse the lighting and views from the bluff are insane.
For something extra special – wake up before the sunrise and walk to the front of the Montauk Lighthouse to catch an epic sunrise over the Atlantic ocean. This is one of my favorite things to do in Montauk. You probably won’t be alone – there are loads of fisherman out fishing at that time!
Must Read: best things to do in Montauk on vacation
7. On a Sunset Cruise in Montauk
Take in the Montauk sunset from the water! In the summer there are multiple options for a sunset cruise around Montauk.
For an intimate and curated experience the Destination Haus Boat is the perfect option! Sail around Montauk Harbor on their adorable pontoon boat while you sip on rosė and eat fresh oysters.
Another great, yet completely different, option is Easy Breeze Cruises! Their large double decker boat is spacious and has a full service bar on board. The sunset cruise option with Easy Breeze Cruises takes you out the inlet into Block Island Sound where you can watch the sunset on their top deck where bar is located.
Another favorite is the Mon Tiki Catamaran. I went on a friends bachelorette and we brought lots of wine, a cheese board and ordered fresh pizzas from the Montauk Yacht Club. It was the perfect way to spend the evening in Montauk with friends.
8. Montauk Restaurants with Sunset Views:
I’ll always welcome a view of the sunset from my dinner table. The below restaurants have the best view of the sunset in Montauk in the summer.
- Inlet Seafood – overlooking the inlet to Lake Montauk, Inlet’s restaurant in on the second floor and has amazing sunset views! It is a great restaurant for date night, families or a sushi craving.
- Duryea’s – situated outside on a dock within Fort Pond Bay, Duryea’s has the perfect view of the sunset from the shore.
- Navy Beach – located on the shore of the beach at Navy Road, Navy Beach restaurant has a prime view of the sunset.
- Crow’s Nest – one of my favorite restaurants in Montauk, the Crow’s nest doesn’t have a direct view of the sunset but still a very pretty one over Lake Montauk. Sip on a cocktail down at their beach bar while you wait for you table!
Must Read: Top restaurants in Montauk on the water
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