The Top 10 Things to Do and See in Montauk, New York
Courtesy of Zum Schneider
Characterized by its carefree lifestyle, Montauk is full of characters—including its attractions. From German beer halls to historic horseback tours, this town boasts New York’s most eclectic travel itinerary. Here are the top 10 things to see and do on your visit to Montauk.
Deep Hollow Ranch
Make Montauk’s beautiful vistas even better at Deep Hollow Ranch. A Montauk must-visit, the United States’ oldest working ranch hosts horseback tours of 3,000 acres of New York beaches and countryside. This local legend welcomes all experience levels and backgrounds and promises to make an American cowboy out of any Montauk visitor.
The only way this easygoing beach paradise could be improved upon is by pairing it with a perfectly picked local beer. Infused with the same carefree flavor as the town itself, Montauk Brewing Company churns out laid-back brews with names such as Summer Ale and Wave Chaser IPA. Between its Insta-worthy packaging and beachfront brew barn, this brewery specializes in serving up a taste of summer year-round.
Had one too many beers or fish sandwiches? (Yes, that is possible). For help with getting your body back on track, make your way to Naturally Good Foods and Cafe. Since 1985, this health-conscious haven has kept Montauk locals healthy and, just as importantly, happy with natural and organic groceries, cosmetics, and more. Tip: come hungry to this healthful café, where fan-favorite fresh yellowfin tuna sandwiches are enjoyed with abandon.
Raise your glass in a “prost” to this German biergarten
Restaurant, German, $$$
Enjoy a taste (or 12) of Munich in Montauk at Zum Schneider Montauk. The Montauk outpost of this East Village hot spot serves up the same cheesy bacon spätzle, bratwurst rolls, and fan-favorite brezn that biergarten patrons have come to expect, as well as a locally inspired menu of seafood specialties. Whatever you order, be sure to wash it down with one of Zum Schneider’s dozen German draft options.
Situated inside a “reconfigured guestroom” at a Montauk hotel, ROOM 09 is not your ordinary shopping experience. Featuring finds from underground, established, and designer vintage brands, this multi-brand boutique (which has earned write-ups in Harper’s Bazaar and Hamptons Magazine) also offers live musical performances and installations. Promising patrons that “there will be miracles,” ROOM 09 is too modest to admit the store is a miracle in itself.
Whether your outdoor persona is a surfer or shutterbug, you’re sure to savor an experience at Ditch Plains Beach. Situated on the Montauk Peninsula, the beach boasts dramatic bluffs, walking trails, and board-friendly waves, lending itself to adventurers and admirers alike. Tip: be sure to pack a parking permit in your beach bag—the only beach day souvenir worse than a nasty sunburn is an even nastier ticket.
One of Montauk’s premier attractions is its nature. No Montauk site offers more to see than Montauk Point State Park, a space hosting everything from New York State’s oldest lighthouse to surf-fishing sites to trails enjoyed year-round by hikers and skiers. Tip: don’t miss the waterfront views at this state park, where you can observe the Atlantic Ocean as it converges with the Block Island Sound.
One of many seafood-focused restaurants in Montauk, New York, Inlet Seafood Restaurantstands out for its fresh fish catches, many of which were still swimming a day before. Trust six commercial fishermen (and Montauk residents) to deliver the town’s freshest locally landed seafood; you can watch the fishermen unload it less than 150 feet (45.7 meters) from Inlet’s kitchen. The boat-to-table fare here includes fluke piccata, tuna tartare with avocado, and what’s promised to be “the freshest sushi you’ve ever tasted.’
Don’t let the name fool you: this little “lake” boasts as much action as any big-name ocean around. In fact, Lake Montauk hasn’t been a lake at all since 90 years ago, when former Montauk owner Carl Fisher first let the ocean water in. Nearly a century later, the site marks the town’s main port and is home to New York State’s biggest sporting fishing fleets. Today, you can take to the sea (sort of) yourself thanks to Lake Montauk’s popular ferry and fishing charter services.
How many boutiques can you name that boast a “shop by ethical attribute” feature? At the one-of-a-kind *Share With…, shoppers can consume in good conscience thanks to the lifestyle store’s bounty of fair-trade, local, and organic offerings. The highly curated selection here features everything from clothing to beauty products, helping make ethical outfits the new hottest style.
