Location: Montauk
Top Things to do in Montauk
Things to do in Montauk, New York (NY): The Best Nature & Parks
A 200-year-old lighthouse serves as a beacon for the Long Island town of Montauk, where fishing, beachcombing, kayaking and surfing vie for your attention. Pack a camera and binoculars for seal watching walks in Montauk Point State Park during the winter. Second House, a 1700s cottage built for East Hampton shepherds, adds to the local history. Summer season brings live music to the town's pubs and cafes. Hither Hills State Park provides access to ocean swimming, a 40-acre freshwater pond and camp sites.
Restaurants in Montauk
1. Ditch Plains
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Located on the Montauk Peninsula, this popular beach is noted for excellent surfing and body boarding.
Reviewed By fuwa1818 - Cincinnati, United States
Beautiful in the mornings! Not very crowded and mainly friendly locals out on the water. Catch a lesson with Coreyswave if you'd like to learn. Surf is consistently good for beginners in the summer. IMPORTANT: If you're visiting, none of the lots are open to cars without an East Hampton beach parking permit. I parked in the free lot at Shadmoor State Park and took the 20 min walk to Ditch. Phenomenal way to start the day with a clear mind!
2. Hither Hills State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
Reviewed By CherryTravels17 - New Jersey, United States
My husband and I visited Hither Hills State Park on a Saturday. It is quite large and with minimal cell service in the area, we got lost looking for the Coastal Trail. We came across the Walking Dunes Trail by accident. (There was free parking on the street bordering the trail.) We only did the first loop but it was very unique and featured views of the water, dunes and forest. We later found the Coastal Trail and parked in the lot at the end of Navy Road. (Parking was free.) The trail was easy and had a nice mix of forest and water views.
3. Montauk Downs State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By AmagansettGal
The new reservation service makes life a lot easier. There are still some cons, but overall the pros outweigh.
4. Navy Road Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
5. Montauk Point State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
Reviewed By JohnRegoPark - Rego Park, United States
It's a far place, no doubt about it, but it is really worth it. The ride from New York is generally smooth until you get to the Hamptons when all of a sudden the highway becomes a street, and there are lights. The park itself is wonderfully laid out. There is ample parking, bathroom facilities, picnic tables, and hiking paths. You can get down to the water and walk around the base of the lighthouse. The lighthouse itself is not to be missed. There is a small charge to get into the museum which is the bottom floor of the lighthouse. The exhibits chart the history of the lighthouse, which has never been moved. The efforts to keep the sea at bay are very interesting. Because of covid restrictions, there is no place to buy food here. This is a wonderful day trip from anywhere on Long Island and will supply a lasting memory.
6. Atlantic Avenue Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By StephenCr0ss - Dublin, Ireland
Toilets at the beach. Excellent parking. Wonderful clean beach. Lovely to walk on especially if you are lucky enough to have a dog.
7. Gin Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By StephenCr0ss - Dublin, Ireland
This is a great little beach at the eastern end of Lake Montauk. Windy end of the Lake. Follow the road to the airport and keep going. Nice drive. Some of the reviews say it’s a restaurant - I don’t think so but there are restaurants around.
8. Shadmoor State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By CherryTravels17 - New Jersey, United States
My husband and I visited Shadmoor State Park on a Friday. The parking lot was small but we had no problems finding a space. (Parking was free.) The trail was easy and had beautiful views of the ocean and bluffs.
9. Camp Hero State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
This state park had a long history as a U.S. military facility.
Reviewed By Ranger0213 - Hicksville, United States
Great place. Amazing views. We hiked to the Montauk Lighthouse area and you can go around the Lighthouse stepping on large rocks, it was a little scary. but most of the rocks are flat. Cool experience.
10. Lake Montauk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By caps584 - Staten Island, United States
Sitting by the lake, which is actually an inlet of block island sound, is one of nature’s great pleasures. The smell of the salty air and the glow of the sun on the water can soothe your soul.
