Montauk

Montauk is a hamlet of 3,300 people (2010) in East Hampton on Long Island in New York.

Understand
Montauk is known by many Long Island residents as "The End," because it is the easternmost point of the island and New York state.

Montauk has a rich history. It is named after the Montaukett tribe that lived on the lands that now encompass Montauk. Urban legend tells of Captain Kidd burying treasure somewhere in Montauk around 1700. Montauk is also home to the oldest ranch in the United States, Deep Hollow Ranch.

At the point of the hamlet stands Montauk Point Lighthouse, the first lighthouse built in New York and fourth-oldest lighthouse in the United States.

Montauk 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.

Get in
Montauk is easily accessible by car, by bus, by rail, and even by boat.

By plane
East Hampton Airport offers a larger runway suitable for light jets with a number of charter companies.

Otherwise, taking a commercial flight to New York is easy. There are three airports to chose from in the region. John F. Kennedy Airport and LaGuardia Airport, both in Queens, and MacArthur Airport  in Islip are all easily the first step to getting to Montauk. However, the Queens airports, in particular, are quite distant from Montauk, and taxi fares to or from those airports would be prohibitively expensive.

By car
It's easy to get out to "The End" in your own car or by rental car. 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.

By bus
The Hampton Jitney bus service runs from Manhattan to Montauk. There are also local Suffolk County buses that run from town to town.

By train
The Long Island Railroad (LIRR), run by MTA, is an alternative to driving. Most trains run from Jamaica station in Queens, where it's an easy change from other trains from Manhattan and other parts of New York City.



By boat
Seasonal ferry service operated by Viking Fleet runs between Montauk and Block Island, New London, and occasionally Martha's Vineyard. Marina's and anchorages are available for private yachts.



Get around
Once in Montauk, the most efficient and convenient way to see all the sights and destinations is by car. While some hotels are within walking distance to many sites, there are more that are spread out. Taxis are plentiful.

Do
There is plenty to do in Montauk. It is renowned for its fishing and even claims to have more saltwater fish records than any other port in the world. There are six state parks, the famed Montauk Point Lighthouse, and many restaurants, shops, and sights.

Buy
Numerous specialty shops, restaurants, and markets line Main Street (Montauk Highway). It is here that you can find an array of goods, treats, and fresh, local seafood.

Eat
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.

Drink
Bars and lounges are all around Montauk. Local bars are often frequented by fisherman and tourists alike.

Sleep
Montauk offers a wide array of hotels, bed & breakfast, and motels to accommodate 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.