Welcome to Montauk
Background
In 1686 the Montauk Indians sold Montauk to a group of East Hampton settlers. So began Montauk’s history as a summer pasture for cattle, sheep and horses. The annual cattle drive in which some 1200 to 1500 cattle would come from all over Eastern Long Island were a big local event, and townspeople went out in numbers to watch the riders herd their livestock.
The Montauk Lighthouse was commissioned by George Washington and built in 1797. It was a Coast Guard station for many years and its signal light and foghorn warned ships to stay clear of the treacherous rocky shoals that extend outward from the point.
More recently, legend has it that treasure chests of pirate booty are buried in Montauk. No pirate loot has ever been found (supposedly) however in more recent history plenty of loot, in the form of liquor, could be found on Montauk’s beaches. During the 13-year prohibition period, the Rum Runners, as they were called locally, used Montauk as a drop-off place for liquor. Old timers remember signals from ships moored out past the legal limit rousing the men to sea in small boats to bring in the cargo under the cover of darkness. The cargo, liquor, was brought to the sand dunes in small boats, where it was dug into the dunes, to be later picked up and transported to New York City in armed trucks.
Fun Fact
The hit Netflix show Stranger Things was originally a story about Camp Hero in Montauk! Local stories about time travel and mysterious happenings are very much commonplace. There are even two documentaries on it! Rumored CIA science experiments and local stories galore. It was too expensive to film here.
Beaches
- Ditch Plains - is probably the most famous. World class waves are a surfer’s dream. Try the Ditch Witch for lunch.
- Nick’s beach - is at the corner of S. Emerson and S. Essex. This is where the action is with proximity to the bars and hotels of town.
- Kirk Beach - is directly behind the IGA. Take the stairs over the Dunes. More of a family beach than some of the others.
- Hither Hills State Park - has a great beach and there is camping available. Call ahead for reservations
- Gin Beach - is a super bay beach with amazing views of the Sound and Block Island.
- Groceries, etc…
Restaurants
- Back Yard at Sole East-Mediterranean inspired cuisine. Super fun spot with beautiful gardens and a fun atmosphere. Owners are top notch.
- Harvest on Fort Pond- Idyllic location sitting on the water, wonderful views and consistently great food over the years.
- Navy Beach- Classic American cuisine leaning heavily into seafood. Dine with your toes in the sand watching the sunset or hang at the fun bar.
- Salivars- Italian seafood overlooking the marina. What could go wrong? Great live music-check the schedule.
- South Edison- Extensive raw bar with outdoor seating. Fun.
- The Montauket-Old school bar feel inside, fantastic casual outdoor area set atop a cliff with the best sunset views in the Hamptons. Period.
- West Lake Fish House-Best sushi on the east end. Fun and casual. Live music (call ahead to check).
- Star Island Grill-American fusion/seafood. Outdoor dining. Fun spot.
- Montes- Think Raos ! Solid Italian food
- Mavericks - Most things at this seafood-focused steakhouse are solid, like bone-in tuna ribeye served like a steak with a spicy harissa sauce for dipping, crunchy fried chicken with caviar, and locally made pasta tossed with gently cooked lobster. Cocktails are also top-notch
- Duryea's Lobster Deck-Lunch, Dinner: The views over Fort Pond Bay are superb in this hottest of hot spots. No better sunset. Great dockside dining and outdoor vibe with the yacht set and a classic menu including grilled or steamed lobster, fresh local fish and Duryea’s famous lobster roll, also a Clam Bake, small plates, salads, raw platters, and a kids’ menu.
- Inlet -A beautiful waterfront restaurant at the end of East Lake Drive with spectacular sunset views overlooking the sound. Named one of the 10 best seafood restaurants on Long Island by Newsday
