10 Best Things to Do in Montauk

The Walking Dunes Trail covers about 2.7 miles of easy ground with scenic views and is something of a hidden gem of the region among outdoor adventurers. The trail is rated as easy, so it's a good option for hikers of just about any skill level.

It's popular for nature escapes, photo opportunities, bird-watching, and relaxing walks in the wild. Dogs on leashes are welcome on this trail as well. The trailhead can be reached by car with a short 9-minute drive from downtown southwest along the coast.

Montauk Point State Park is known for its stunning panoramic views of the endless Atlantic Ocean and Block Sound Island waters as well as nature-watching opportunities. The view is awe-inspiring, and visitors often catch a glimpse of seals sunning themselves on the rocks below. Hikers and cross-country skiers can take advantage of the nature trails that crisscross the park.

Surf fishing and hunting are allowed in season, and the park includes a gift shop and restaurant. Among the most popular attractions here is the Montauk Point Lighthouse, a National Historic Landmark that offers sweeping views of the ocean and island sound. The park is about a 16-minute drive up the coast from downtown Montauk.

Camp Hero State Park is a wild and undisturbed stretch of land that once served as a military base and today offers dense forest canopies and wetland experiences. The park is attractive to nature lovers, outdoor adventurers, and history buffs alike, and is a bit of a hidden gem of the area. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant here, as is the opportunity to lose yourself in the thick, green maritime forest.

The trails are friendly for hiking, biking, horse riding, and dog walking. Surf fishing is allowed with a permit and is considered some of the best around. The park is located on the extreme eastern end of Long Island.

Ditch Plains Beach is a serene stretch of golden sand and ocean waters framed by towering cliffs and panoramic views popular with sunbathers, swimmers, and those looking for relaxation. It's a hidden escape from the hustle and bustle of the region amid local parks, dining, shopping, and outdoor adventures.

If you're looking for a place to relax between nature watching and excitement, this beach is a solid option where you can find peace and quiet among natural surroundings and lovely vistas.

Lake Montauk is a protected saltwater bay that serves as a main shipping port and hosts a casino, yacht club, and other attractions. The island's owner in 1927 blasted the land between the inland lake and ocean and allowed the saltwater to blend, turning the body into a bay.

People come here to enjoy the amenities at the yacht club or do some gaming at the casino on Star Island. A ferry takes visitors here to Martha's Vineyard, Block Island, and New London. The lake is also famous for fishers scoring record catches in its waters. It's about a 9-minute drive northeast from downtown.

Deep Hollow Ranch comprises 3,000 acres of preserved countryside offering horseback tours of the coastline guided by experienced cowboys and cowgirls. The ranch is on the easternmost tip of the island and offers family-friendly horseback riding experiences to riders of any level of experience. From horseback tours to pony rides, there's something here for adults and kids of all ages.

The ranch also hosts parties and offers kids' summer camp activities. It's the oldest working ranch in the United States and has been family-owned and -operated since the beginning.

Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course features a challenging 18-hole golf course with a championship-caliber design and offers nearby walking trails and a skate park. The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., is open to the public, and is located within the grounds of a state park, making it something of a rarity among public courses.

Publicly accessible tennis courts and a pool are also located on the grounds. There's something here for the entire family for a fun and relaxing day out. The park is about a 7-minute drive from downtown Montauk.

Kirk Park Beach is a relaxing and secluded stretch of sand, grassy picnic areas, and calm waters with experienced lifeguards for safe swimming. It's a serene location that is considered among the best beaches in Montauk. Not only is the beach accessible with a free parking area, but there's also a supermarket across the street where you can stock up on snacks.

When you want to have a meal away from the sand, you can head for the nearby park and picnic grounds to spread out for lunch, then head back to the beach for the afternoon.