Montauk, New York

Montauk is known for it’s long-history as a fishing village at the far east end of the Hamptons. In recent years, it’s been a hot spot for 20 and 30 year olds from NYC who rent summer share houses and party their faces off. While I’ve certainly been a part of the latter, these days, I like to come to Montauk a few times a summer to enjoy all that it has to offer — from beautiful beaches, to farm stands, restaurants, and more.

GETTING THERE:

You can easily take the LIRR from Penn Station to Montauk (the last stop!), or drive out, which may take anywhere from 3-4 hours depending on the traffic.

STAY:

There are some great options of Airbnb’s in the area, and a handful of chic hotel options, too. I’d recommend Gurney’s Beach, Sole East, Surf Lodge, Gurney’s Resort, or Marram. I’ve also been dying to stay at the new luxury wellness resort in nearby Watermill, Shou Sugi Ban.

EAT:

Some of my favorite casual spots include Goldberg’s Bagels, Happy Bowls, Bluestone Lane, Montauk Market, Tacombi, Hooked, & The Lobster Roll. If you’re looking for a nicer lunch or dinner option, we’ve been to George’s Lighthouse Cafe, Scarpetta, Duryea’s, & Harvest. If you’re looking for a bit of a party scene, Ruschmeyers, Surf Lodge, & Navy Beach can provide that, depending on the night.

And, if you want a truly local experience, call Bennett Shellfish at 631.903.5817 to order their local catch of the day. The Bennett family is thirteenth-generation baymen who go into the water every day, no matter the weather, to bring the public fresh shellfish. After placing your order, you can pick it up at their house (see below left photo!)

DO:

Grab a blanket, order some wine, and hang out by the vineyards at Wölffer Estate Wine Stand. They usually have live music on Friday or Saturdays evenings.

Check out Balsam Farm Stand for local produce, and if you happen to be in Montauk during September, they have a huge selection of gorgeous pumpkins.

Gurney’s puts on quite the Beach Party on Saturday and Sunday’s all summer long. You’ll have to rent an overpriced beach bed to do so, but if you have a big group it’s worth it.

There’s a beautiful hiking path along the Bluffs near Ditch Plains Beach. Park your car near the entrance at Shadmoor State Preserve and follow the trail along the water.

Spend a day (or two) at Ditch Plains Beach. Bring some towels or a blanket, along with a cooler, food, and drinks and relax for the entire day. Ditch Plains is known for it’s surfing, which is always fun to watch. We also love going on walks as Ditch Plains has huge dunes, which are beautiful. At night, you can even drive your car on the beach to set up a fire pit.

Walk around the grounds at the Montauk Lighthouse — which has stood tall at the Island’s eastern tip for more than 200 years.

GET FIT:

Soul Cycle, Body Tech, New York Pilates, Yoga Lila, Swerve, and B Yoga. Plus, a lot of the Montauk hotels host their own workout classes in partnership with major NYC studios. I know last year Gurney’s partnered with HigherDOSE, and Physique 57 was at Surf Lodge.

LET’S PARTY:

Gurney's, Ruschmeyer's, Montauket, Liar’s Saloon, The Surf Lodge, 668 The Gig Shack, Sloppy Tuna, Montauk Beach House, Grey Lady, Crows Nest, The Point, Memory Motel.