Montauk is a historic village located at the easternmost tip of Long Island’s South Fork. It is a popular destination for people escaping from New York City for the weekend. The village is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, extensive hiking trails, and great restaurants.
It is called “The End” because it is situated where the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound meet. Native Americans originally lived there, but Europeans settled in the area in the mid-1600s. The oldest ranch in the country and the historic Montauk Point Lighthouse are some of the main attractions.
Many visitors enjoy the tranquility and seclusion of the Hamptons, and there are also opportunities to learn about the area’s rich history. Six state parks surround the village, offering gorgeous beaches, breathtaking coastal views, and plenty of opportunities for exploration.
12. Montauk Point Lighthouse
Sitting proudly at the tip of Long Island is the region’s most renowned and photographed landmark—the iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse. As the oldest lighthouse in the state, it oversees the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound, and a small museum is available to educate visitors about its rich history.
Constructed in 1796, the tower stands at 110 feet with distinctive red and white coloring, and a charming lighthouse keeper’s house rests at its base. Commissioned by Founding Father George Washington, the lighthouse is remarkably well-preserved, offering stunning views from its 137 steps.
For a deeper understanding of this National Historic Landmark, a visit to the museum is a must. Inside, you’ll find old artifacts, historical photos, and exhibits that delve into its fascinating past.
11. Shadmoor State Park
The Shadmoor State Park is located on the Atlantic side of Long Island, not far from downtown. It offers beautiful and peaceful scenery, with stunning landscapes and viewpoints. The park also provides various outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy.
The high bluffs of the park overlook the beach and waters, giving you a great view of the coastline. You can often see seabirds flying around in the wind. In addition to the great views and hiking trails, the park has freshwater wetlands, groves of trees, and interesting rock formations to explore.
During World War II, the park was used as part of New York City’s coastal defense system, and you can still see some old bunkers overlooking the ocean.
10. Lake Montauk
The main feature of ‘The End’ is Lake Montauk, which is surrounded by private homes, marinas, and waterfront restaurants. It used to be the largest freshwater lake on Long Island, but in 1927, a real estate developer named Carl Fisher made a hole in its northern shoreline.
He wanted to make Montauk like Miami Beach, but he went bankrupt during the Great Depression. There are many outdoor activities and water sports available, and you can also take ferry rides to Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard, and New London in the summer.
In addition, there are plenty of great restaurants to try and the sport fishing in the area is well-known along the Eastern Seaboard.
9. Montauk Brewing Company
If you’re looking for great beer in town, head to the Montauk Brewing Company. It’s located in the small but vibrant center of town. Their tap room has a great atmosphere where you can try their amazing IPAs, ales, and lagers. If you find one you love, you can even buy bottles and cans to take home with you.
The company was started in 2012 by three friends from high school and has grown to be one of the top craft breweries in the country. At their bar, which is always busy but cozy, you can try popular brews like Summer Ale, Driftwood, and Wave Chaser.
The staff is really friendly and happy to tell you more about each beer and suggest ones you might like. After tasting a few, you can buy some cans at their shop and even get some merchandise to remember your time in Montauk.
8. Gin Beach
Gin Beach is a beautiful sandy area located near the entrance of a large lake. It is a popular spot where people can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and taking leisurely walks. There are also a few seafood restaurants and cafes nearby.
The beach is situated on the Long Island Sound side of the peninsula, providing calm and protected water that is ideal for swimming, although it can be a bit cold. The views from the beach overlooking the estuary and ocean are breathtaking, especially during the mesmerizing sunsets that create a mix of warm colors on the water’s surface.
Aside from relaxing on the beach and exploring its small rock formations, visitors can peacefully stroll along or grab a bite to eat at one of the local eateries.
7. Kirk Park Beach
If you’re looking for a beautiful beach close to the city center but far away from the hustle and bustle, Kirk Park Beach is the perfect spot. It has stunning white sands that feel like a peaceful escape from the nearby shops and restaurants, which are conveniently located just a short walk away.
The beach is over 500 feet long and is overseen by attentive lifeguards during the summer. It also has bathroom and shower facilities available all year round. Both locals and tourists love to come here to sunbathe, swim, and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
After enjoying the beach, make sure to stop by the well-known John’s Drive-In on your way back to town. They serve delicious burgers and ice creams in a charming retro environment.
6. Hither Hills State Park
Although there are many hotels and B&Bs in Montauk, a lot of people prefer spending the night camping at Hither Hills State Park. This beautiful park is located just a short drive down the peninsula and offers peaceful beaches, ponds, and forests that border Napeague Bay and Harbour.
Originally planned to be a recreational complex with casinos and hotels, the area was fortunately transformed into a park in 1924. Since then, generations of people have visited Hither Hills to enjoy outdoor activities, swim in the ocean, and stay at cozy campsites. You can hike, hunt, and fish here, and even go cross-country skiing during winter.
There are plenty of places to have a picnic and a playground to enjoy, while you are never too far from the amazing sandy beaches and breathtaking views.
5. Deep Hollow Ranch
Deep Hollow Ranch offers a wonderful opportunity to go horseback riding in a beautiful area with picturesque countryside and pristine beaches. It is located between Lake Montauk and the open Atlantic, allowing visitors to feel as if they have stepped back in time to experience the cowboy and cowgirl life of the past.
Founded in 1658, Deep Hollow Ranch is believed to be the oldest ranch in the entire United States. The Keogh family now owns and operates the ranch, which includes barns, pastures, and corals that offer a glimpse into America’s rich ranching history.
The highlight of a visit to Deep Hollow Ranch is the chance to go on a scenic horse ride through rolling dunes, fields, and hills. While riding along the winding paths, visitors can enjoy the same stunning scenery and views that cattle ranchers experienced in the past.
4. Montauk Point State Park
Montauk Point State Park is not only known for its beautiful lighthouse but also offers many other attractions. The park boasts stunning cliffs, scenic viewpoints, and a wide variety of wildlife and nature to explore.
It is located at the easternmost tip of both the South Fork and the entire state, bordering the Long Island Sound, with Camp Hero situated just south of it. While hiking along the park’s nature trails and through its lush woods, visitors often have the opportunity to observe seabirds in flight and seals sunbathing along the shore.
Informative plaques are scattered throughout the park, providing interesting information about its plants and animals. During the summer season, there are playgrounds, picnic areas, and a concession stand available for visitors to enjoy.
With breathtaking views of the sound and ocean, Montauk Point State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone in the area.
3. Camp Hero State Park
Camp Hero State Park is a great place for both people who love nature and those who enjoy outdoor activities. It is located at the easternmost part of Long Island. During World War II, it was a military base, but now it has beautiful woods and wetlands with many trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
The US Army chose this location in 1942 to protect New York City from a potential sea invasion. Today, visitors can see old bunkers, barracks, and a large rusty radio tower. The park has been kept mostly natural, so many birds and animals make it their home, and there are also lovely beaches along the shore.
In addition, some paths on top of the cliffs offer amazing views of the ocean and the Montauk Point Lighthouse in the distance.
2. Gosman’s Dock
Across the lake’s inlet from Gin Beach sits the lively and well-loved Gosman’s Dock. It stands out as one of the town’s best spots for both shopping and dining, featuring a handful of small stores and restaurants that offer breathtaking views of the shimmering waters.
What began as a single seafood restaurant in 1943 has evolved into a vibrant shopping area, showcasing a variety of items like clothes, shoes, jewelry, and toys. Building on their success, the Gosman family has expanded to include a clam bar and gourmet fish market. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a sushi bar, grill, and a clam and chowder house right by the water.
During the summer, the outdoor eating areas provide a tranquil setting to relax and enjoy the sights of boats sailing in and out of the majestic Montauk Harbour.
1. Ditch Plains Beach
If you want more sun, sea, and sand, head to the beautiful Ditch Plains Beach. It is located on the Atlantic coast near Montauk and is well-known for its great swimming and surfing. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months to keep everyone safe.
The beach is backed by steep cliffs and lush vegetation, offering stunning views of the sparkling shoreline. Surfers have been coming here for a long time because of the large waves and long break. In recent years, bodyboarders and wakeboarders have also started coming.
Besides enjoying the water and lounging on the sand, you can go for windy walks on the cliffs. When you’re done, you can grab some food at the Ditch Witch Food Truck before getting back in the waves.
