The lovely hamlet of Montauk lies at the eastern end of Long Island in New York. Montauk remains a popular getaway destination as it boasts attractions such as pristine shorelines and numerous state parks, as well as proximity to Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy boating, fishing, and water sports. Additionally, local activities near most Montauk vacation rentals include hiking, cycling, horseback riding, surfing, and sightseeing. Here are the top things to do in Montauk.
1. Explore the Montauk Point Lighthouse and Museum
Montauk Point Light, located on the farthest eastern tip of Long Island, is one of the oldest active lighthouses in the United States. You can climb to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the coast, then head downstairs to the museum to study photographs, documents, and memorabilia about the lighthouse and the local whaling industry. Next to the lighthouse is the Montauk Oceans Institute and Surf Museum, which offers displays on surfing history, oceanography, and marine science.
2. Surf With CoreysWave Professional Surf Instruction
Surfing is a popular water sport in the waters around Montauk, and CoreysWave offers lessons to beginning and intermediate surfers of all ages. Experienced instructors emphasize safety, technique, paddling, and wave timing, and the Kids’ Surfing Academy focuses on getting children comfortable and confident in the water. The school provides both surfboards and wetsuits.
3. Shop at Montauk Farmer’s Market
The Montauk Farmer’s Market takes place every week in summer and early fall at the Montauk Village Green. Organic farmers and other vendors come from all over Long Island for the event. Shop for fresh fruit and vegetables, honey, wine, cheese, and spices. You can also find warm and delicious baked goods such as breads, pies, cookies, and brownies. While you shop, enjoy live music by acclaimed local musicians.
4. Ride Horses at the Deep Hollow Ranch
Deep Hollow Ranch, established in 1658 and renowned as the oldest working ranch in the United States, offers horseback rides along the beaches and trails of eastern Montauk. The guides match horses and tours to your size and riding ability. The ranch also has a summer pony camp for children.
5. Learn History at the Second House Museum
The Montauk Historical Society runs the Second House Museum. Built in 1746, it is the oldest building in the hamlet of Montauk and highlights local history. The Montauk Indian Museum is also on the Second House grounds; this museum focuses on Montauk Native American history with displays, videos, and workshops on Native American skills such as basket-making, cookery, and wampum-making.
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6. Push Off at the Montauk Skate Park
Montauk Skate Park, located north of the village downtown area on Eden Street, is a large skateboard and inline skating facility with an emptied out 13-foot deep pool as well as a half-pipe, bowl, and table top sections. It’s a great place for skateboarding enthusiasts to hone their skills; local experts also offer lessons through online Go Skate Skateboard School.
7. Enjoy Nature at Hither Hills State Park
Pristine Hither Hills State Park and adjoining Hither Woods Preserve and Lee Koppelman Nature Preserve lie on the western edge of Montauk. These natural attractions provide 3,000 acres of beautiful beaches and woodlands that are ideal for hiking, cycling, ocean swimming, and fishing. In the preserves you can observe wildlife such as white-tailed deer, raccoons, foxes, and other mammals. Overhead, watch for bald eagles, ospreys, and red-tailed hawks.
8. Rent a Bicycle at the Montauk Bike Shop
Cycling is an excellent method of getting around in Montauk and exploring its many nature trails. Montauk Bike Shop rents road bicycles, mountain bikes, youth bikes, and trailers for infants and toddlers. The shop also offers guided tours of the trails in Hither Hills.
9. Golf at Puff n Putt Family Fun Center
Puff n Putt Family Fun Center is at the southern end of Fort Pond near Kirk Park Beach. The facility features an exciting 18-hole golf course with holes of varying levels of difficulty. You can also rent canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and stand-up paddle boards for fun on the pond.
10. Visit The Art Barge
The Art Barge lies at the western edge of Montauk on Napeague Harbor. Located on a two-story authentic World War I Navy barge, the Victor D’Amico Institute of Art is a combined art gallery, studio, and school. The lovely gallery with its unique natural lighting showcases paintings by local artists. The Art Barge offers classes in watercolors, collage, pastel, and other media for adults and children.
11. Spend a Day at the Camp Hero State Park
Camp Hero State Park, located on the southeastern end of Long Island, is a decommissioned military base converted into a park with trails for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. The park also has a picnic area with grills and a beach that’s popular for surfing and surf fishing. In winter, cross-country skiers use the trails.
12. Montauk Yacht Club Tennis
The Montauk Yacht Club maintains four outdoor tennis courts overlooking beautiful Lake Montauk that are open to the public during the tourist season. Play a game in the open air surrounded by spectacular scenery. The yacht club also offers lessons and clinics in tennis and tennis aerobics.
13. Soar the Skies with Montauk Parasail
For a unique and unforgettable thrill, try parasailing high over Long Island Sound, Lake Montauk, and the Atlantic Ocean. You take off and land from the back of a boat, so you can stay completely dry if you want. Optionally, you can ask to take a dip in the water. Children four years and over are able to parasail accompanied by a parent or instructor.
14. Montauk Downs State Park and Urban Golf Academy
Montauk Downs State Park features a renowned 18-hole golf course, a driving range, and practice putting greens. Children as young as four can learn to golf at the park’s Urban Golf Academy, which runs day camps and evening clinics for young golfers. The state park also has a swimming pool and a wading pool for children.
15. Learn to Sail with Sail Montauk
If you desire to experience the iconic New England pastime of sailing, Sail Montauk can provide lessons to help you get started. Accredited by the American Sailing Association, Sailing Montauk offers basic sailing courses that include sailing terminology, rules of navigation, navigational aids, the use of safety gear, and how to handle a boat. The school also has special junior sailing camps for children.
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