Montauk Weekend Getaway | The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary for a Weekend in Montauk, NY (2024)

Montauk has a really special place in my heart and it should have a place in yours too! A small fishing village, a surfing town, a family beach vacation, a weekend getaway – Montauk means a lot of different things to a lot of different people.  To me, Montauk is home.  I grew up here – and not just in the summers 🙂

There is a good reason thousands of people decide to spend a weekend in Montauk each summer – it is a truly special and beautiful place. Keep reading for my 3 Day Itinerary for a perfect Montauk Weekend Getaway! This guide includes what to do in Montauk, where to eat and drink, and where to stay.

For a full run down and Complete Montauk Travel Guide you might be interested to read my Ultimate Montauk Travel Guide.

Where to Stay for Your Montauk Weekend Getaway

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You need to find a place to stay before we get into what to do in Montauk for the weekend!

If you’re just staying for the weekend in Montauk I would recommend staying in one of Montauk’s hotels (they’re fun!) but airbnb is always a good option as well. Hotels are listed in order of price from low to high below.

Must Read: Best Places to Stay in Montauk for Every Budget & Best Montauk Hotels on the Beach

Montauk Weekend Getaway Itinerary

Montauk has so many great restaurants, points of interest and things to do that I haven’t included on this list.  It would be so hard to do and see everything in one weekend!

This Montauk weekend getaway guide is meant to help steer you in the right direction for you to plan your best weekend in Montauk. Keep reading below for what to do in Montauk and my suggested 3 day Montauk weekend getaway itinerary!

Only have enough time to take a day trip to Montauk?  Read what I would suggest if you only have one day to spend in Montauk here! 

Day 1 | Weekend in Montauk, NY:

MORNING:

• If you’ve arrived in Montauk, NY the night before I suggest grabbing a coffee at Blue Stone Lane or Left Hand Coffee and taking a walk in Shadmoor State Park. 
  
  My favorite Montauk hike to leads you on top of the buffs with Ditch Plains Beach as your backdrop as you walk East.  The whole walk is about 2+ miles there and back. 

Must Read: 8 Best Hikes in Montauk, NY (and walks!)

• After a walk through Shadmoor head to Bird on the Roof – my favorite breakfast restaurant in Montauk! It is seriously so good. Order the soft scramble or pancakes.
  
• If you’re up for exploring a bit more, head to the Montauk Lighthouse at Montauk Point State Park & Camp Hero State Park for a bit of history and the most amazing ocean views! This is one of the top things to do in Montauk for first time visitors.
  
  Commissioned by George Washington in 1792 and completed in 1796 the Montauk Lighthouse still serves as a navigation tool today. 
  
  Camp Hero served as a military base for many years until 1982. Today you can walk around the park and see old US military bunkers, a radar tower, and some dwellings that still exist in the park.

Must Read: 25 Best Things to do in Montauk this Summer

AFTERNOON:

• You have traveled out to Montauk, NY the farthest point east in New York State – I hope you want to enjoy the beach! 
  
  The best beaches in Montauk are in town with the most available parking for anyone.  (You can find limited free street parking around South Edison Street). There is also a large parking lot with paid parking next to the IGA grocery store in town.

Must Read: The 10 Best Beaches in Montauk You Have to See!

• If you need a casual late lunch (or a few afternoon margaritas) Hideaway is your answer for tacos! If pizza is what you’re after, grab a slice from Fierro’s or Sausages Pizza before heading off to watch an epic sunset in Montauk.  (Click here to read about the best pizza in Montauk!)

EVENING:

• You can not miss a Montauk sunset from the Montauket Hotel!  The Montauket has some of the best views over Fort Pond Bay and Gardiners Island.
  
• After you’ve watched the sun set into the Block Island Sound and had yourself a few drinks – head into Montauk town to enjoy a great dinner. 
  
  I love 668 The Gig Shack for smaller bites and cocktails (although they have amazing entrees too) & The Harvest on Fort Pond for a group dinner served family style – try to sit outside in the garden if you can!

Must Read: 8 Best Places to Catch an Epic Montauk Sunset!

Day 2 | Weekend in Montauk, NY:

MORNING:

•  Craving a refreshing bite for breakfast?  Get to Happy Bowls for a morning açaí bowl where you can choose your favorite toppings.  My favorite bowl to order is the PB&J one.
  
  Tip: Happy Bowls is cash only! They also have an amazing poke bowl for lunch.

AFTERNOON:

• Have an Uber or local cab drop you off at Ditch Plains Beach for the day.  You must have a parking sticker to park in the parking lots and you will get hit with a nice parking ticket if you choose to park without one.  (don’t be that person)
  
• Get lunch at the Ditch Witch!  It’s my all time favorite food truck.  One of my favorites is the sesame noodles and you can add poke on top if your little heart desires. 
  
  Tip: they also have breakfast if you want to grab a cup of coffee, bagel and go for a beach walk.

Must Read: Top Beaches in Montauk, NY for the Perfect Summer Beach Day

Psst! Did you know I own and design a swimwear line? Shop Summer Label swimwear here!

• After baking all day under the hot summer sun, you’ll want a tasty drink cool you down.  Some after beach favorites are: Mudslides from Marlena’s Pack Out (formerly Liar’s) and sipping rose from Gosman’s Topside. 

EVENING:

• For a restaurant with great sunset views I recommend these four places: The Crow’s Nest, Inlet Seafood, Duryea’s or Navy Beach.
  • Inlet Seafood is a second story restaurant over looking the inlet and jetty with a perfect view of the sunset.  The restaurant has amazing sushi as well as a range of appetizers and entrees.
  • If you decide to dine at the Crow’s Nest, come on the earlier side to ensure you will get a table.  Walk down to the beach bar, on the shore of Lake Montauk, to enjoy a watermelon cooler and watch the sky change color as the sun sets and you wait for your table.  The food is amazing – the whipped ricotta is a must!
  • At Duryea’s you’ll be seated on a dock in Fort Pond Bay with a great view of the sunset. This restaurant is family style – the Lobster Cobb Salad is a must!
  • If you want to dine and watch the sunset right on the beach then come to Navy Beach restaurant!
    
• Of course nothing beats an at home BBQ or beach picnic and bon fire on the beach to watch the sunset!  Find out my Top Places to Catch the Sunset in Montauk here!

Must Read: best restaurants in Montauk with water views

Day 3 | Weekend in Montauk, NY:

MORNING:

• Are you hungover? Goldberg’s Bagels will help you out.  Order a flagel – a flat bagel that gets nice and crispy when toasted. Or you can get pastries and iced coffee from the Montauk Bake Shoppe.
  
• If you want a break from the beach – go on a 1/2 Day fishing charter out of Montauk Harbor!  You can get a great take out lunch from Joni’s and stock up on beverages from Montauk Beer & Soda. (Book your fishing charter in advance with the Viking or Lazy Bones)

AFTERNOON:

• In the afternoon be sure to hit up Montauk Brewing Company for a cold craft beer!  They always have new beers on tap to try and you’re always guaranteed to have a great time here! (plus I work here – come say hi 🙂 )

• If shopping is more your thing.. walk around town and discover so many great locally owned boutiques and shops.  Some of my favorites: Bontemps, Homeport, Beach Taun, 8th Drifter, Mako’s Vintage, Below the Blue, Montauk T-shirts and Candied Anchor.

Must Read: Top Things to do in Montauk in the Summer

EVENING:

• If you need to get back to New York City (or where ever home is!) The Clam Bar is a favorite seafood restaurant when you are driving out of town towards East Hampton. They have a killer Lobster Roll!
  
• BUT… if you’re just having so much fun and decided to extend your weekend in Montauk and stay Sunday night, enjoy live music at the Surf Lodge or Salivar’s on the harbor.  Both are a great time!
  
  Tip: Salivar’s is family friendly
  
• End your evening with my all time favorite restaurant, The Dock.  It’s a Montauk staple! 
  
  Located at Town Dock, The Dock restaurant is a great little tavern-esq place.  Simple food, but amazing food.  I seriously love the whole menu but some of my favorites are: Jalapeño Poppers, Mussels, Clams Casino, Tuna Melt, Chili, Vegetarian Sandwich and the specials are always good.

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TRAVEL TIPS:

• Coming in Montauk’s off season?  Read my Off Season Guide to Montauk for the best things to do in the Winter, Spring and Fall.
• Click here for the most photograph worthy and instagrammable spots in Montauk.
• Montauk is about a 3 hour drive my NYC however, in the Summer months you can hit tremendous traffic.
• If you don’t drive out, the best way to get to Montauk is by the LIRR (train) or the Hampton Jitney bus.
• The closest airport is ISP but most flights will come into JFK or LGA.
• If you are coming from New England, there is a ferry from New London, CT on the Viking Fleet.
• Montauk is an expensive place to visit.  Expect cocktails and wine to be $18+ and entrees at restaurants to be well over $30.  Taxi cabs and Ubers are also expensive but worth the alternative 🙂
• You can’t park at Ditch Plains unless you have a parking permit.
• Always be respectful of the environment. Montauk is a beautiful place, let’s keep it that way!

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