Montauk is known by many Long Island residents as "The End." This is because it is the easternmost point of the island and New York state.
Montauk has a rich history. It is named after the Native American Montaukett tribe that fished, hunted, raised cattle, and lived on this land. Lord Gardiner, the first white man to settle here, made his way across the sound from Connecticut in 1639. King Charles I had granted him land. Gardiner became friendly with the Montauketts, especially the first known chief, Wyandanch.
In the 1700s, ranchers who grazed livestock on the Montauk peninsula paved Old Montauk Highway. The famous lighthouse that many visit today was ordered to be built by President George Washington in 1792. This was the first lighthouse to be built in New York and the fourth in the country. Montauk is also home to the first first cattle ranch in the United States, Deep Hollow Ranch. In the 18th century, eastern Long Islanders were not farmers, but strictly graziers. They often had permanent residents slightly more west on the island, and brought the cattle to Montauk for the warmer half of the year. This required homes to be built for these workers.
For many years, the famous First, Second, and Third Houses were the only residential buildings in the town. The First House was named that because it was simply the first house you reached when entering Montauk, Second House being the second, and Third House being the third. First House was built in 1744 across from Hither Hills State Park. The primary function of the grazier here was to enter all cattle onto the Common Pasture List and repair fences. Second House was built at the south end of Fort Pond in 1746. Here, the keeper looked after sheep. This house was This is now a museum run by the Montauk Historical Society. Third house was built in 1747 between Lake Montauk and Oyster Pond. This was the most extravagant and important house. Many wealthy workers stayed in this home encompassing a fireplace in every room. Third House keeper oversaw all cattle and made sure they remained in their proper fields. The headquarters for the County State Park is now in that same building.
In 1879, a man named Arthur Benson bought all of Montauk from the Native Americans for $151,000. In 1882, due to his contributions, the Stanford White houses were built. These are very large, extravagant homes with a renaissance style.
In 1895, Austin Corbin extended the Long Island Railroad from Sag Harbor to Montauk. The plan was to have Montauk be the main port for international trade.
The developer of Miami Beach, Carl Fisher, had a vision to make Montauk the Miami Beach of the North. He laid out the entire town, including the tall office building, the indoor tennis courts, the Yacht Club, the Surf Club, and gambling casino on Star Island. He is also responsible for placing the jetty in Lake Montauk, allowing the lake to be a saltwater harbor. The stock market crash of 1929 crushed some of his plans, but many accomplishments were still made and remain today.
During World War II, a large portion of Montauk was turned into a Navy base. A seaplane base was found at Fort Pond. Also, Camp Hero was established and disguised to appear as a New England fishing village from above.
In the 1960s, prefabricated "Leisurama" homes that you could purchase through Macy's department stores were built and sold in Montauk. These homes were completely furnished and even included as much as toothbrushes for the family. Also in the 1960s, as Montauk's popularity as a summer resort town continued to increase, many of the motels were built throughout town.
Today, Montauk still remains a very large tourist location and is home to the largest commercial and recreational fishing fleet in the state of New York. It boasts the claim that it has more saltwater fishing records than any other port in the world.
Montauk has a humid subtropical climate and is one of the northernmost locations in North America with this climate type. The Atlantic Ocean brings warmer winters than inland areas of the same latitude as well as cooler springs and summers. The monthly daily average temperature ranges from 32.3 °F (0.2 °C) in January to 72.4 °F (22.4 °C) in July. There is 43.6 inches of precipitation annually, which is fairly evenly distributed throughout the course of the year.
Montauk is easily accessible by car, by bus, by rail,and even by boat.
Taking a plane to New York is easy. There are three airports to chose from in the region. John F. Kennedy Airport (JKF) and LaGuardia Airport, both in Queens, and MacArthur Airport in Islip are all easily the first step to getting to Montauk.
Either travelling in your own car or by rental car it is easy to get out to "The End". The only road that goes out to seaside town is Sunrise Highway (or Route 27), which runs from New York City all the way to Montauk. Along the way Sunrise Highway turns into Montauk Highway yet it is still known as Route 27.
The Hampton Jitney bus service runs from Manhattan to Montauk.
There are also local buses run by Suffolk from town to town.
The Long Island Railroad (LIRR) is an alternative to driving. It too runs from Penn Station in Manhattan to Montauk.
There are also places at which one can dock their boat and also ferries that run from other East End locations.
If one has their car, it can certainly come in handy to see and do everything one wants to in Montauk. If not, or if one has had one too many drinks, there are other alternatives.
Montauk's Best Taxi, 11 Shore Road, ☎ (631) 668-5520
Surf Taxi, 414 W Lake Dr, ☎ (631) 668-1111
Camp Hero State Park, 1898 Old Montauk Hwy (Enter the park at the main entrance (East Gate) a half mile west of the Montauk Point Lighthouse, and park at one of two small parking fields), ☎ (631)-668-3781. 8am-4pm. This State Park formerly housed U.S. Army and U.S. Airforce bases. Roads cross the park, along with an extensive system of trails for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding, a beach used by surfers and surfcasters, a picnic area with grills and an old maritime forest$8.
Hither Hills State Park, 164 Old Montauk Highway, ☎ (631) 668-2554, . A beautiful state park that has camp grounds, grills, and beach access. It offers families, couples, and individuals a great place to enjoy a day or even a weekend. Great outdoor recreation.(41.016335831100001,-72.021677481799998)
Montauk Point Lighthouse, 2000 Montauk Hwy, ☎ (631) 668-2544, . The Montauk Lighthouse is a historical lighthouse with a beautiful view of "The End" of Long Island. It is the easternmost lighthouse on Long Island.Adult: $9 Seniors: $7 Children: $4.
There is plenty to do in Montauk. It's a popular destination for fishing and beach activities. Children will also have plenty to do.
-Public parking at the beach is reserved for residence. Visitors can purchase a parking permit at Town Hall Annex at the Montauk Playhouse.
-Dogs are not allowed on the beaches between 9am and 6pm from May 15 through the end of September. When permitted, dogs are allowed to run off leash.
-Beach fires are permitted on most beaches however East Hampton Town has a list of regulations which must be followed.
Ditch Plains Beach, (east of the Village). Great spot to surf. There is a parking lot, outside showers/restrooms, few food stops.
Fort Pond, Fort Pond Bay. Great place to launch ocean kayaks. The beach is pebbly, so be prepared. No restroom or public parking.
South Edison Beach, (End of South Edison Street.). Popular beach with a life guard on duty during the summer months. There are public restrooms on site. Restaurants and shops are within a walking distance.
Elizabeth II Charters, 440 West Lake Drive., ☎ (631) 668-3860, .
Flying Cloud, 468 West Lake Drive., ☎ (631) 668-2026, .
Marilin Fleet and Ebb Tide, 470 West Lake Drive., ☎ (631) 668-2818, .
Miss Montauk, 426 West Lake Drive., ☎ (631) 668-1545, .
Viking Fleet, 462 West Lake Drive., ☎ (631) 668-5700, .
Numerous restaurants for every taste are in Montauk. There is an abundance of fresh, locally caught seafood markets, restaurants, and bars. No matter what it is that you are looking for, fine dining or a casual eatery, you can easily find it in Montauk.
Crabby Cowboy Cafe, 435 East Lake Drive, ☎ (631)-668-3200, .
Bars and lounges are all around Montauk. Local bars are often frequented by fisherman and tourists alike.
The Hideaway, 364 West Lake Drive, ☎ (631)-668-6592, . The Hideaway is a local Mexican restaurant in the village of Montauk. They make many things from scratch including their salsas and tamales. Although the majority of the restaurant is Mexican, they also offer barbeque and seafood. Being a Mexican restaurant, you must have Tequila and that is exactly what The Hideaway has, except 30 DIFFERENT KINDS!!!!
Liar's Saloon, 401 West Lake Drive, ☎ (631) 668-9597. Located on West Lake Drive, Liar's Saloon is an inexpensive dive bar that offers $1 beers everyday! Along with cheap beers, you can get delicious cocktails in a very laid-back atmosphere (even includes a deck.) On top of all of those great things, it even offers a beautiful view of Lake Montauk! Come enjoy the view while you sip on $1 beers or cocktails of your choice.
The Point Bar and Grill, 697 Montauk Highway, ☎ (631) 668-1500, . Sunday–Saturday: 12pm–4am. Come enjoy great burgers, local seafood and wings at the Point Bar and Grill! The atmosphere of this bar is family friendly with a sports bar type of feeling. The bar is lined with 16 flat screen T.V.'s and drink specials for every sports game. During the summer season, The Point Bar & Grill is home to several bachelor and bachelorette parties with DJ's spinning the most popular jams. There is even an event called "Sloppy Sundays" during the summer season. On the website, it says "participate if you dare!"
The Sloppy Tuna, 148 Emerson Avenue, ☎ (631)-647-8000, . The Sloppy Tuna is a restaurant, bar and nightclub located right on the beach in Montauk. Come get a delicious bite to eat while you enjoy the amazingly beautiful view. The Sloppy Tuna is very casual and beach friendly during the day while DJs spin during the night. As stated on the website, "Come as you are, respect the locals and the ocean, and get ready to leave the world behind you at the Sloppy Tuna!"6-20$.
The Surf Lodge, 183 Edgemere St, ☎ (631)-483-5037, . The Surf Lodge is a beautiful place for people to stay while visiting Montauk. It has a relaxing and calming atmosphere where people can surf, fish, eat exceptional dinners and view the gorgeous sunsets. Along with being a hotel, the Surf Lodge offers a classy and sophisticated bar where you can get delicious drinks and appetizers. Come have an enjoyable experience at the Surf Lodge!
Montauk offers a wide array of hotels, bed & breakfast, and motels to accomodate all visitors. The interesting thing about Montauk is that you will not find any chain operated hotels or motels. This is because Southampton zoning laws forbid chain hotels. Therefore each hotel, motel, and bed & breakfast is independently owned and operated.
Gurney's Inn Spa & Salon, 290 Old Montauk Hwy., ☎ 631-668-2345, . Nestled among the dunes of Montauk, New York, at the very tip of Long Island, Gurney's Inn Resort & Spa has, for eight decades, been a place for stressed New Yorkers to escape the pressures of the city. It's spectacular ocean views and remote, wild, windswept setting, combined with one of the nation's few true sea water pools make it a true year-round destination - a place where the cares of the world seem mercifully distant.
Hartman's Briney Breezes Motel, ☎ 631-668-2290, . Overlooking Montauk's famed white, sandy beaches with breathtaking Ocean View from all of our newly renovated rooms, each with a terrace or balcony. We have 1 and 2 room accommodations.
Memory Motel, 692 Montauk Highway, ☎ 347-387-1721. World famous Motel & Bar immortalized by the Rolling Stones in the mid 70's. 13 room Motel with moderate rates attached to rowdy and packed bar which features live music and trendy djs.
Montauk Manor, 236 Edgemere St., ☎ 631-668-4400, . Perched on one of the highest points in Montauk with stunning views, this wonderful old building is a historic landmark that has been restored and turned into a modern luxury resort hotel / condominium. The facility has a restaurant, tennis courts and indoor swimming pool and is within walking distance of town and the beach. Newly renovated conference facility.
The Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina, 32 Star Island Road, Montauk, ☎ +1 888-MYC-8668, . Has long been a destination for visitors to the shores of Long Island's South Fork East End.
Ocean Resort Inn, 95 S. Emerson Ave, ☎ 631-668-2300, . Footsteps to the Ocean - Jacuzzi's for two, Ocean view rooms & suites.
Sands Motel, 71 S. Emery St., ☎ 631-668-5100, . 75' from ocean beach, located near the western end of the village. Motels amenities include 50' pool, bedrooms & efficiencies, w/ phones, A/C, refrigerator, Wi-Fi Internet access, TV/HBO, all rooms non-smoking. Deluxe 2-1/2 room suites with full kitchen & private balcony; 2-bedroom cottage; BBQ's. CHILDREN WELCOME.
East Hampton Town Police Montauk Precinct ☎ 631-668-3709
Montauk Fire Department ☎ 631-668-2464
East Hampton Village Ambulance Calls ☎ 631-324-6868
Sag Harbor Ambulance Calls ☎ 631-725-0058
East Hampton Veterinary Group ☎ 631-324-0282
Long Island Power Authority ☎ 631-755-6900
Suffolk County Water Authority ☎ 631-288-1034
US Coast Guard, Montauk ☎ 631-668-2992
East Hampton Town Clerk Office ☎ 631-668-5081
Amsterdam Beach State Park, . Amsterdam Beach State Park is a 122 acre park in East Hampton, NY, just east of Montauk. Although the park is undeveloped, it includes 1,288 feet of ocean shoreline, 54 acres of wetlands and several ponds for your viewing pleasure. The area has been nicknamed the "Montauk Moorlands."
Shadmoor State Park, 900 Montauk Highway, ☎ (631) 668-3781, . Shadmoor State Park is a 99-acre state park located in Suffolk County, New York. It is one quarter-mile east of Montauk. The park has trails for hiking, biking and even cross-country skiing. It even offers several hilltop views that are perfect for bird-watchers.