A Beginner’s Guide To Montauk: Where To Stay, Eat, Drink, & Shop
Before you read any further, I have a confession to make: I’m from the West Coast. I didn’t grow up taking the LIRR out east, I don’t have a sprawling family home in Sag Harbor, and most of my early knowledge of the Hamptons came from episodes of Gossip Girl. Whew! That being said, I am an avid traveler, a proud East Coast transplant and the type of person who does hours of research before visiting any location. When I first experienced the famous Hamptons a few years ago, I was determined to have the ultimate summer experience—even if I was only there for a weekend. Since then, I’ve been back to the Hamptons, and specifically Montauk, a handful of times. Each visit gets better and better. If you’re a Hamptons newbie like me and aren’t totally sure what things to do in Montauk, I present to you: A Beginner’s Guide To Montauk: Where To Stay, Eat, Drink, & Shop.
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If you’re planning a trip to Montauk over a spring, summer, or fall weekend, I hope you are reading this guide in advance of your trip. It may seem obvious, but the best way to guarantee you’ll get a table at The Surf Lodge for dinner on a Thursday night is to make a reservation. The sooner, the better!
Another hurdle to overcome when planning a trip to Montauk is transportation. Montauk is relatively easy to get around once you get there. There are a variety of options thanks to New York’s efficient modes of public transportation—I know people who rent cars, take the train or the Jitney bus, or even a helicopter to get there. I was able to walk to “downtown” Montauk from my hotel which made it easy to be spontaneous and adventurous. Don’t worry, Ubers are ready and available in Montauk for your evenings out.
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Most hotels also offer some mode of complimentary transportation (I’m talking about a beach cruiser bicycle). But some places take it to the next level—on my most recent trip to Montauk, I stayed at The Surf Lodge and was greeted by a fleet of Land Rover Defenders in the parking lot. Guests were able to use the cars for up to three hours a day free of charge or overnight for a fee. Conveniences like this can be the make-or-break point when deciding where to stay.
Keep reading for your Montauk weekend itinerary.
To Stay:
The Surf Lodge
If you like being by the action, you’ll want to stay at The Surf Lodge. This Montauk hot spot is the spot for local live music, highly anticipated DJ sets, and a mean order of chicken fingers. While the location is best known for its waterfront dinner and party scene, the property also includes sleek guest rooms. Guests can enjoy direct access to the Surf Lodge’s music events on the property or borrow a Land Rover Defender, free of charge, for three hours a day to explore Montauk.
The complimentary Defender is a great way to get around for those who travel from New York City by train and may not have access to a car. Go for a drive in the plush Land Rover to the lighthouse or the beach and discover the full “out east” experience.
Gurney’s Resorts
For some people, spending time at the pool, spa, or beach club is the ultimate form of vacation relaxation. If that sounds like you, it may be worth spending the money to stay at Gurney’s, Montauk’s deluxe beachfront resort. Gurney’s Resorts has a cozy feeling to it with wood-slat buildings, a lodge-style lobby, and long stairs leading down to the beach—the perfect vibe for the grey mornings in Montauk. The property has three restaurants, including a rooftop bar, that are open to guests and visitors alike—just make sure you have a reservation.
Even though I wasn’t a guest, I was able to make a day reservation at The Seawater Spa. My massage included access to the multiple indoor spa pools, sauna, and steam room. Pro tip: the spa treatments are less expensive Monday-Wednesday than they are on the weekends.
To Eat:
Duryea’s
I’m often weary of restaurants that I’ve seen posted over and over again on Instagram out of fear that they may be overhyped. While it seems like every influencer that I follow has posted a picture of the famous Duryea’s $100 Lobster Cob salad, I’m happy to report that the restaurant lived up to every high expectation. The atmosphere of the waterfront restaurant is casual (you order your meal via a paper checklist and pay at the counter) but the food tastes and looks gourmet.
The restaurant has a sign upon entering that says, “We’re all famous here”, giving a cheeky nod to the establishment’s no-reservation policy and the frequent celebrity visitors—if you want to try the famous salad, you’ll have to wait for a table like everyone else.
Scarpetta Beach
I rank Italian restaurants based on their spaghetti pomodoro. Based on this criteria, Scarpetta Beach catapulted to the top of the list—the ocean view wasn’t too bad either.
This upscale Italian restaurant is located within Gurney’s Resort though you don’t need to be a guest to dine there. Arrive at your reservation early to enjoy a sunset drink at the outdoor bar.
Clam Bar
This roadside hotspot will tempt you as you drive in and out of Montauk. Clam Bar is located on the side of Montauk Highway and is a casually cool place to dine. The menu consists of—you guessed it—clams and other seafood dishes but you can also order items like a grilled chicken club or kale Caesar salad. This seafood shack is a seasonal establishment so make sure you get your fix between April and October.
Drink:
Sel Rrose Montauk
One of my favorite bars in New York City is also one of my favorite bars in Montauk. Sel Rrose is the perfect spot to enjoy a seasonal cocktail and sip on some oysters from the raw bar. The restaurant bar is open until “late” which also makes this a great option for a nightcap. You might even see some celebrities—Alix Earle recently made a TikTok at Sel RRose drinking with friends on a girl’s trip.
Montauk Brewing Company
If you live in New York and are a beer aficionado, you’ve probably already tried a can of Montauk Summer Brew. Montauk Brewing Co. is a can’t-miss spot for an afternoon of brews. You can visit the Montauk location for a beer tasting and pick up a growler to take home with you. The location is dog and kid-friendly (you just have to be 21+ to enjoy the beer).
To Sip:
Hampton Coffee Company
I started each morning of my trip with an iced latte from Hampton Coffee Company. The roast is strong, the staff is friendly, and if you get there early, the line won’t be too long. Hampton Coffee Company has locations throughout the Hamptons but the Montauk outpost is the most convenient if you’re staying in the area. It’s located on the main street in Montauk so you can stop in before you do a little bit of shopping.
Left Hand Coffee
If you can’t resist a trendy coffee shop (guilty!) you’ll love Left Hand Coffee. Each coffee blend is named after a famous surf spot and is available to take home in chic, minimalist packaging. Despite Montauk’s rustic feel, this coffee shop is on the modern side. If you want to really commit to the local aesthetic, make sure to pick up some merch with your Americano.
To Shop:
Tombolo
Tombolo is home to vintage-inspired resort wear that you’ll want to wear even when you’re not on vacation. From matching terry cloth sets (with lobster embroidery) to thick knit sweaters (think coastal grandmother), Tombolo has something for everyone to love. The brand also has a store in Manhattan but each location has a different selection so it’s worth a stop in.
Wyld Blue Montauk
Since you’ll be in the neighborhood, you must stop at Wyld Blue. This store is built around a serene, neutral aesthetic and is a fun place to decorate your hypothetic al Hamptons home. If you’re like me and you don’t have your own place out east (just yet), grab a souvenir candle to take home with you. You can light it while you manifest.
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