Hamptons Guide: Montauk
Drive to the very Eastern tip of Long Island and you’ll find yourself in Montauk. Montauk definitely has a more laid back atmosphere then East Hampton or Southampton. The crowds are young and the store fronts colorful. The drive up is scenic, as you pass lush trees and fields, past the town and eventually you see bright blue and white of the crashing waves of the ocean outside your window. Since we stay in Southampton for the summer, our time in Montauk is a day trip here and there, especially when we have friends or family visiting, it’s a great place to take them.
Hamptons Guide: Montauk Day Trip
Morning: I suggest that after arriving in Montauk you first make a stop in the town for coffee and breakfast at Bluestone Lane. I enjoy their flat white and avocado toast but they have a large selection for you to choose from to get your favorites. If you enjoy shopping you can also take a bit of time to stroll and shop the beachy stores.
Late/Morning early afternoon: Bring your walking shoes because once you’re caffeinated and ready to go, just one quarter mile east of Montauk village is Shadmoor State Park. Named for its shad bushes, you’'ll enjoy walking the Shadmoor trails leading you around rolling hills to the bluffs for epic shoreline views. Remember to bring and wear a good bug repellant to avoid tics.
Once you’ve taken in the views, continue your drive to the tip of the Island to the Montauk Lighthouse (Address | 2000 Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954). This idyllic destination is rich with history and a designated National Historic Landmark. Montauk Lighthouse is New York State’s oldest lighthouse. Commissioned by President George Washington is 1792, the Montauk Lighthouse was completed in 1796. Check hours and admission in advance (found here) and schedule enough time for a climb to the top. Once you climb the narrow stairway to the top, you’ll be stunned by the 360° views of Block Island Sound, and the ocean.
After you’ve taken in the views, visit the museum for more information on the history of the Lighthouse and of Montauk itself. On the property there is also a Memorial to the Amistad revolt providing another great opportunity to reflect on the history of the United States.
Late Afternoon: By now, you’ll be hungry and I have two favorite options to share with you. The first, you can just head right back to the town for lunch. There are a lot of good options but our family favorite is Tacombi. My kids love the corn esquite, and the taco selection is great and includes barbacoa (another of my kids’ favorite) and seafood options. When my wife and her sister took the little Kamimura’s here it was taco order after taco order. They couldn’t get enough. The adults can enjoy a well-deserved Paloma or mezcal and tequila while younger guests will love the watermelon or pineapple juice.
If you take the Tacombi option, you might want to end your visit with a dip in the ocean. We save our swimming for the beaches of East and Southampton just because it is more convenient.
The second lunch option for a day trip to Montauk that I really love is the famous beach shack Lunch-Lobster Roll (Address | 1980 Montauk Hwy, Amagansett, NY 11930). You’ll have to begin your drive home and make a stop just off of Montauk Highway. Serving Lobster rolls since 1965, Lunch is a quintessential Hamptons experience.
This popular eatery serves up oceanside classics like lobster bisque and clam chowder and, of course, the lobster roll. It’s a fun and nostalgic place to grab a bite. It feels very beachy and East Coast cozy.
Fun Fact: You can see the inside of the Lobster Roll on this clip from The Affair. Our servers were slammed but friendly.
So, when it is safe to travel and reopen I hope you can make a little day trip to Montauk and enjoy some of the eats and sights I’ve shared here. Have you been to Montauk? What are some of your favorite locales and places to see? Sound off in the comments below.
