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What Should I do on my Vacation to Montauk?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

Montauk, New York is located at the very end of the peninsula that is Long Island. The town is lined with beaches and, as such, it has become a very popular place to travel to on vacation. Many people who live and work in the New York City area find a need to get away from the bustle of the city and enjoy some beach time in the summer. After all, it’s tough to catch a cool ocean breeze in Manhattan on a sweltering summer day. Montauk is accessible by both car and the Long Island Rail Road, and takes between two and a half and three and a half hours to reach from Manhattan.

In the summer, Montauk can actually be a bit crowded, as many beach towns are on holidays weekends and other peak travel seasons. If you plan to visit Montauk in the summer, make sure to book your lodging in advance, otherwise you might find yourself without a place to stay. If you have a good deal of time to plan your trip, you might want to stay in one of the guest houses or bed and breakfasts in Montauk. Many of them are quite charming and comfortable.

The beach is a popular summer destination in Montauk.
The beach is a popular summer destination in Montauk.

Montauk is also a wonderful place to visit in the off season. Although the weather won’t encourage you to wear your bathing suit to the beach, Montauk is a wonderfully serene and beautiful place to vacation between the months of October and April. Although not all of the restaurants stay open year-round, many of them do. One of the best restaurants in town is Harvest. It is known for its delicious entrees that are served in wildly generous portions. For some great bar food or sandwiches in a relaxed setting, be sure to have lunch or dinner at O’Murphy’s.

A power walk around Montauk in the off season is both relaxing and refreshing.
A power walk around Montauk in the off season is both relaxing and refreshing.

For the history buff, or anyone who simply wants to enjoy a gorgeous view of the ocean, the Montauk Point Lighthouse is not to be missed. The lighthouse is the oldest one in New York State. In fact, President George Washington authorized its construction. In addition to still functioning as a lighthouse, the site now houses an informative museum. Visitors can climb up into the top of the lighthouse for a spectacular sight. However, if you visit during one of the busy seasons, you may have to wait a while for a turn. The top of the lighthouse is so tiny, that only two people can squeeze in at a time.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Discussion Comments

Mor

There's actually quite a lot to do around Montauk. There's a lot of fishing I know, although I've never been out fishing. They claim to have more saltwater fishing records than any other port in the world, so it can't be too bad!

And there are a lot of State Parks and Montauk resorts and things like that. I know the oldest operating ranch in the States is there as well but I'm not sure if that's open for visitors or not.

browncoat

@irontoenail - Montauk is pretty much part of East Hampton and if you've ever read or seen movies about New York you know that the Hamptons is where everyone goes over the summer, so I think you made a wise decision.

Although it's not that bad as long as you know what to expect. If you have a group of friends who go everywhere and you have somewhere to stay it can actually be quite nice.

I've only done it a couple of times, but each time it's been pretty good. I think it would also be good in the off season, although I've never made it out there at that time.

irontoenail

Montauk sounds like a lovely place to visit. I was in New York for a while a few years ago and I was told I should try to check out the lighthouse as I am a huge history buff.

Unfortunately I was there during the summer and I realized that there were probably going to be hoards of other vacationers there as well.

I didn't really want to have to battle them all, as I wasn't that interested in the beaches and I was trying to travel as cheaply as possible.

So I figure, the next time I'm in New York I will try to make it in the off season so I can go and have a look at the lighthouse in peace.

Not to mention, a beach in the cooler months can be quite lovely on a clear day.

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    • The beach is a popular summer destination in Montauk.
      By: Dirima
      The beach is a popular summer destination in Montauk.
    • A power walk around Montauk in the off season is both relaxing and refreshing.
      By: Syda Productions
      A power walk around Montauk in the off season is both relaxing and refreshing.
    • President George Washington authorized the construction of the Montauk Point Lighthouse, which is the oldest lighthouse in New York.
      By: Georgios Kollidas
      President George Washington authorized the construction of the Montauk Point Lighthouse, which is the oldest lighthouse in New York.
    • Montauk offers beaches that can be enjoyed by visitors all summer.
      By: Liv Friis-larsen
      Montauk offers beaches that can be enjoyed by visitors all summer.