If you are visiting New York, a must do is Montauk. Located at the very tip of the peninsula known as the South Fork of Long Island, Montauk is a seaside paradise. Montauk is easily reached via automobile, bus and train. To reach Montauk by car, take route 27 as far East as it goes — and you will end up in Montauk. The Hampton Jitney Bus also goes to Montauk, as well as the Long Island Rail Road.
There are many hotels and motels in Montauk, too many to list in this brief article. Book early during the peak summer season though — rooms move quickly.
Visiting the lighthouse is a great way to familiarize yourself with Montauk. To reach the lighthouse, simply continue through town down route 27 until it ends. Go via bicycle if you want a real workout, the hills are formidable. The lighthouse charges seperate fees for parking and for admission, so bring some extra cash. There is a museum and gift shop along with the lighthouse. Climbing the lighthouse is a must if you are physically able. The view from the top is fantastic, although you are only allowed out of the side facing west. Walking on the rocks that serve as erosion control for the lighthouse is a great thing to do — you don’t need to pay the admission fee, which is an added bonus.
One thing I must say about Montauk is — Watch out for the ticks! You will see signs near the lighthouse in the grass and the woods warning about them. They can give you Lyme disease and other illnesses, so beware. Always spray yourself with strong bugspray and wear clothing that makes the ticks easy to spot. Check yourself (or better yet have someone check you) for ticks each time you go into tall grass or the woods. If you are willing to put up with ticks, Montauk offers some really great hiking and trekking.
Montauk’s beaches are second to none. The most accessible beach is right alongside town, with a public parking lot next to the IGA supermarket. This beach is popular with families because the beach is sandy and the waves are relatively calm. If you want to hang with the “in” crowd, then head over to Ditch Plains beach. Ask directions from any establishment in town and they will give you precise directions — it’s around half way towards the light house on the south side of 27. Ditch Plains is very popular with surfers and the younger crowd. The waves are big and the beach is a bit rocky so watch out.
The port of Montauk is another fun place, there are great views of the boats going in and out of the harbor at Gosman’s. If you have a budget, consider going fishing. Party boats offer half and full day fishing on the low end of the scale, while on the high end there are private charter boats available that can take you sportfishing. Pick up one of the local newspapers to get more information on the fishing scene.
You will not have trouble finding good eating in Montauk., especially seafood. If you have the money, don’t miss out on Dave’s Grill (Harbor) or The Harvest (Town). For cheap eats try Salivar’s (Harbor) or John’s (Town).
Nightlife is pretty happening during the summer season, so ask around to find the right place for you — it all depends on what kind of crowd you want to hang with, from elite hamptonites to rough local fisherman.
Now you have enough info to get out to the East-End of Long Island and experience Montauk firsthand. See you at the End!
