jagovino My husband and I have been going to Montauk alone every summer for a few years. It has become “our place”. We just love the laid-back beach vibes, the amazing food, and of course the fact that you are surrounded by the ocean. Every year when we go, we see many families enjoying the town and we say to ourselves, “maybe we should bring the kids?” Then we snap back into reality and realize what a gift it is to have this alone time together. This summer, we found ourselves in the Hamptons visiting friends and decided to take a trip to Montauk with our boys and they fell in love with it as quickly as we did. Now, we are hoping to find a rental for at least a week next summer to go back and enjoy our favorite place. Here is my guide to Montauk, with or without kids, but honestly each idea can be done as a couple or with your kids and it would be enjoyable. If you head “out East” this summer and visit some of these places, be sure to let me know!
Where to Stay
The thing about Montauk is that for years it was a sleepy beach town that in the last 10 years or so has really blown up and become more and more of a scene. Although that makes it more crowded and a little more “hamptonsy”, it still holds onto that old-school beach charm. One of the ways Montauk really stays true to its roots is by offering many motel options along the beach to stay in. Most of these motels have been upgraded in the last few years and are nicely decorated with minimal amenities but enough to lay your head at night. My husband and I love to stay at Haven. It’s on the bayside and there is a private strip of beach across from the motel for guest access. There is also a pool and a relaxing courtyard where they hold get-togethers and bonfires during the week. Haven is no thrills- the rooms are small and the bathrooms are even smaller, but they are clean, airy, and just what you need to rest while you are in Montauk. They also have bigger guest rooms for families including suites. If we were to stay with our kids in Montauk, we would most likely rent a VRBO or Airbnb in the Ditch Plains area, which is super family-friendly, or close to town so that we can walk to the beach. Other good motels/ hotel options are Montauk Blue with rooms facing the ocean, Montauk Manor which is more hotel-like and much bigger than the other motels, or Sole East, which is more boutiquey but has a pool and a restaurant on site. If you really want to splurge, check out Gurneys.
Where to Eat
If you like seafood, Montauk is your place. There are so many great seafood options. I will divide them by family-friendly and couple-friendly below.
Family Friendly
- Gossmans Clam Bar- Quick and easy ordering, sit by the bay, kids menu with other options besides seafood, lots of space for kids to run around and ice cream and toy stores next door!
- 668 the Gig Shack– Nice spot to eat outside, super good food and space for kids to run around while they wait.
- Clam and Chowder House at Salivars- more formal but a great family spot with amazing views and a solid menu including a kids menu.
- Naturally Good- great options for lunch on the go. Call in your order and its ready for you to pick up and head to the beach. Great sandwiches and salad options.
- Jonis Kitchen– Be prepared for a line but its worth the wait. Super healthy, great ingredients, perfect for breakfast or lunch.
- Johns Drive-In: Old School burgers and fries and ice cream, perfect spot for kids that wont break the bank!
Couple Friendly:
- Inlet Seafood Restaurant– Amazing views, lots of tables, great food selection including some of the best sushi on the island! Great for lunch or dinner.
- Muse at the End– Great appetizers and other options besides seafood. Cute place, small outdoor seating area right in town.
- The Crows Nest– Much of a scene here but you can’t beat the views and the large grassy area that opens up to the beach. I would recommend going for just drinks or having a reservation, the wait can be long.
- Navy Beach Restaurant– Another pretty “scene-y” place but youre right on the beach and the food and drinks are excellent.
- South Edison– Great food with an eclectic menu right in the middle of everything- walk to the beach.
Best Views
The Montauket– If you want to get the absolute best view on all of Montauk, you should check out the Montauket. Once a bed and breakfast, it’s a bar/ restaurant/ hang out with the most incredible views of the ocean. Grab a few beers, sit at one of the picnic tables, watch the sunset and then order a lobster roll and fries. The word has gotten out about this secret gem so it does get crowded, so go on the early side. Also, check out their cute gift shop right next store with vintage goods and Montauket gear- my husband loves his trucker hat from here!
Things to Do
The number one thing to do in Montauk is to go to the beach. The beach is free to guests and there is ample parking on the streets. Or better yet, use one of the bikes many of the motels offer to get there. The beaches get crowded, so plan on arriving early and bring food and drinks and everything you will need for the day. Depending on where you sit, you can walk right into town to get extra sunscreen or ice cream, or a drink, but make sure you check out where you sit to see what is available around you. The waves in Montauk can get pretty big also so if your kids like bodyboarding or surfing, they can definitely take advantage. Ditch Plains beaches are a little further up and are where most of the surfing takes place. You can also arrange for a surf lesson while you are in Montauk.
Other than the beach and the amazing restaurants, there are plenty of novelty shops along the main road, Montauk Highway. You can also arrange to rent kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards while you are there or go mini-golfing at Puff n’ Putt. There is also the Montauk lighthouse, which is a great day trip with kids to explore and walk around. If your family likes to hike, or you want to do this without kids, check out the Hither Hills State Park for some incredible views and beach trails. Renting a bike to get around is also a great option. If you wanted to take a day trip to some of the other Hampton towns, East Hampton and Amagansett have great shopping and Sag Harbor is very family-friendly.
Places to Avoid/ Tourist Traps:
Lobster Roll aka Lunch: If you have ever seen the show, “The Affair”, then you are familiar with this famous establishment. Ever since that show aired a few years ago, this restaurant has gotten more popular, especially for people new to Montauk. It’s located right as you enter Montauk, technically in Amagansett, on the Montauk highway and its cute decor and beachy vibes attract many visitors. Word to the wise- drive right past! The food is decent but to wait over an hour for a regular lobster roll is just not worth it to me when there are so many other good places for fresh seafood on the island.
Duryeas: My husband and I used to love going here, mainly for its location right on the bay and its amazing views. But the $65 price tag for a lobster cobb salad and the charge of 4$ for water, regular, old tap water, turned us off! Not to mention the number of bougie people who frequent this place and roll up with their Bentleys and $2000 beach bags. It’s just not our scene anymore, and just like I said before, there are so many other great spots in Montauk to check out. Go down the street to the Montauket for equally if not better views and way less attitude!
