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Getaway Guide: Montauk, NY

Located at the Eastern tip of Long Island, the charming town of Montauk, N.Y., promises playtime any Manhattanite can get behind. This small town is home to some of the area's best restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and hotels as well as some of the area's most beautiful natural landscapes. Get away for a weekend you won't soon forget.
Getting There

Montauk can be reached by car, Hampton's Jitney (bus) and the Long Island Railroad. Follow I-495/Long Island Expressway east to CR-111. Take exit 70 to CR-111 and turn right onto CR-111 south. Follow CR-111 south to its end. Turn left to Route 27 east and follow it east to Montauk, NY. Montauk sits roughly 117 miles from Manhattan, and travel time varies with traffic conditions and average drive time is 2.5 to 3.5 hours from Manhattan.

What to Do

Montauk Point Lighthouse Sign
(credit: Thinkstock)

The Montauk Point Lighthouse
2000 Mountauk Highway
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-2544
www.montauklighthouse.com/

Price: $9 adults/$8 senior citizens/$4 per child younger than 12

For a bit of history, Montauk Point is the fourth oldest lighthouse in the United States, and remains active even today. It features a new visitor center and a historical exhibit right on the premises. Hours vary by season, so check in before heading out.

Deep Hollow Ranch
(credit: deephollowranch.com)

Deep Hollow Ranch
Suffolk County Park
Route 27 (three miles east of Montauk Village)
(631) 668-2744
www.deephollowranch.com/

Deep Hollow Ranch offers horseback riding, a petting zoo, summer barbecues, group events, weddings, pony parties and boarding. Trail rides are available, and riders of all abilities are welcome to participate. Managed by the Dickinson family since the 1800s, this ranch offers a taste of the American West right here in the East. Right down to the Amish-constructed barn, even a day at Deep Hollow Ranch promises plenty of old-school living.

Hither Hills State Park
(credit: nysparks.com)

Hither Hills State Park
164 Old Montauk Highway
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-2554
www.nysparks.com/

Price: $28 per night for camping on weekdays/$32 per night on weekends/$56 out-of-state visitors on weekdays/$64 weekends/$10 vehicle entrance fee

For camping with handy beach access, consider visiting Hither Hills State Park. The 168-acre site offers visitors a prime ocean front location plus a playground, fireplaces, walking trails and picnic areas. Campsites must be reserved.

Shadmoor State Park
(credit: nysparks.com)

Shadmoor State Park
900 Montauk Highway
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-3781
nysparks.com/

Shadmoor State Park offers visitors 2,400 feet of ocean beach accessed by two stairways on 91 acres of parkland. History buffs may enjoy exploring the concrete bunkers that were built during the second World War, which originally housed artillery guns to protect the coast from its enemies. Dogs are allowed but must remain leashed, and the leash may not be longer than six feet in length. There are no parking fees at Shadmoor State Park.

Montauk Downs State Park
(credit: nysparks.com)

Montauk Downs State Park
50 S. Fairview Ave
Montauk, NY 11754
(631) 668-3781
www.nysparks.com/

Price: $43 per person for NY residents on weekdays for 18 holes of golf/$48 per person on weekends/$86 per person non-resident on weekdays/$96 per person weekends.

Montauk Downs State Park offers an 18-hole, par-72 course designed by pro golfer Robert Trent Jones. This championship-length course also offers a driving range, a swimming pool, a wading pool, six tennis courts, a clubhouse and a grill room for breakfast and lunch.

Camp Hero State Park
(credit: nysparks.com)

Camp Hero State Park
1898 Montauk Highway
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-3781
www.nysparks.com/

Camp Hero State Park offers visitors an extensive system of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Its 415 acres feature heavily wooded areas, plus a long expanse of beachfront along the Atlantic Ocean and a historic military installation. Come in the winter for great cross-country skiing, or bring a picnic and enjoy food a la fresco under a tree or in the sand. This park is open 24 hours a day to fisherman with permits.

Dining

Montauk Bake Shoppe
(credit: montaukbakeshoppe.com)

Montauk Bake Shoppe Limited
29 The Plaza # A
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-2439
www.montaukbakeshoppe.com/

Montauk Bake Shoppe Limited promises quality baked goods made fresh on the premises. Open from March through December, this place accepts call-ahead orders as well. Expect a crowd, though it's always worth the wait. Be sure to call ahead for cupcake orders.

Naturally Good Foods Cafe
(credit: naturallygoodfoodsandcafe.com)

Naturally Good Foods and Cafe
38 S. Etna Ave.
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-9030
www.naturallygoodfoodsandcafe.com/

Naturally Good Foods and Cafe features organic fair trade coffee and tea as well as vegan baked goods. The shop opened in 1985 and offers customers organic produce and groceries, cosmetics, vitamins and herbs all at prices any family can appreciate.

Joni's
34 S. Etna Ave.
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-3663

Locals and long-time visitors in the know stop in to Joni's for tasty treats such as fish tacos and blueberry smoothies. Run by a local, cuisine-conscious mom, Joni's offers something for everyone, even vegans and those with special dietary needs.

Lodging

Montauk Yacht Club and Resort
(credit: Montauk Yacht Club and Resort/Facebook)

Montauk Yacht Club Resort and Marina
32 Star Island Road
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-3100
www.montaukyachtclub.com/


Price: from $249

The Montauk Montauk Yacht Club Resort and Marina is one of the more popular places to stay in Montauk, and as a result, it often books up well before the summer season begins. The establishment began its 80th year of operation in 2012 and was named one of the Top Ten Marina Destinations in North America, Mexico, Bahamas and the Caribbean by Yachting Magazine. It features 107 casually elegant rooms including 23 well-appointed villa guest rooms.

Stone Lion Inn
(credit: harvest2000.com)

The Stone Lion Inn 
51 Edgemere St
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-7050
www.harvest2000.com/

Price: from $250/two-night minimum

The Stone Lion Inn features eight waterfront suites and is connected to the Zagat-rated restaurant East by Northeast. All rooms feature balconies facing the water and come with a beach parking pass. Please note that this is an adults-only hotel, and guests must be 21 years or older to check-in.

Sole East
(credit: soleeast.com)

Sole East 
90 Second House Road
Montauk, NY 11954
(631) 668-2105
www.soleeast.com/

Price: from $189/two-night minimum

Sole East offers 26 guest rooms and is conveniently located just 50 feet from a path that runs through the dunes to the beach and ocean. Sole East also provides bikes for rent and offers a large, relaxing pool for guests to enjoy.

T.R. Threston is a travel writer and historic non-fiction writer currently living in New York City. She worked as a travel agent for a number of years before turning to a career in writing for magazines, newspapers, online media and guidebooks. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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