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Things to do in Montauk
Where to sip, dance, and have fun
There’s nothing quite like the town’s marina-side bars with live music, fresh cocktails, and a breezy, open-door vibe. Mary Lou’s Montauk opened in June 2025 and is already one of the hottest places to play in the Hamptons. The outdoor dining area hosts bands during the day and looks out to docked boats on the oceanfront. At night, it transforms into a lively disco-DJ scene for dancing, table service, and a ready-to-dance crowd of all ages. On weekends, prepare to wait in line for a wristband.
For a more old-school scene, Marlena’s Pack Out is the long-time Montauk Harbor stop for a mudslide, a view of the docks, and the occasional karaoke night, while Dive Bar Pizza keeps things deliberately scruffy with cold drinks, surf and skate videos, local music, and pizza served right on the harbor.
On Main Street, pop into Montauk Vintage for some stellar antiques, knick-knacks, and clothing. You’ll be sure to come across some really fun and well-maintained hidden gems. Even if you’re not a hotel guest, be sure to stop at The Bird at Daunt’s for its Thursday Trivia or Saturday night Speakeasy. The space transforms into two completely separate vibes—both are fabulously fun and worth the visit. And if not booked at The Yacht Club, head to its glitzy outdoor cocktail bar for live music on Fridays, or book a court at the newly-opened Privé Padel, available for non-hotel guests, too. Or spend time at Solé East Resort, which brings a St. Tropez–inspired vibe to the East End. The hotel offers an elevated place to play poolside with lots of events, including live DJs on the weekends.
Where to play in nature
As someone who grew up on Long Island, I can attest that despite all of the aforementioned glitz, Montauk is the pinnacle of New York’s coastal wilderness. Sitting at the absolute tip of the island, it acts as a geographic crossroads where the open Atlantic Ocean meets the calmer waters of the Block Island Sound. As for where to explore it all, Montauk Point has both ocean and bay beaches—if no preference, flirt with both. Ditch Plains Beach is great for all travelers, though it’s best known as a family option (with a few stunning places for surfing as well). Don’t miss out on the beloved-by-locals, family-run food truck here: Ditch Witch serves tasty favorites from cold noodles and poke bowls to Greek salads and cinnamon buns.
