Day trips to Long Island, New York to do this summer
People walk along the shore next to the Montauk Lighthouse in Montauk. Credit: Gordon M. Grant
Getting There : Directions to Montauk are short and simple: head east. The ride isn’t always so easy, especially during peak season when other beachgoers head to Long Island’s easternmost point. The road on Sunrise Highway will eventually merge into a single lane, passing through areas of the Hamptons that are home to some of the most renowned beaches in the country. If you prefer not to drive, the Hampton Jitney bus service has connections at MacArthur Airport via reservation, or take the Long Island Rail Road.
Restoration scene: Breakfast in Montauk starts with a tough decision: a stack of pancakes. Anthony’s creperie (710 Montauk Hwy.) or John’s creperie (721 Montauk Hwy) ? The answer: the one in the long-standing establishments has a table available first. Other basic restaurants include Harvest on Fort Pond (11 S. Emery St.) for Italian, Gosman wharf (500 W. Lake Dr.) for seafood, Shagwong Tavern (774 Montauk Hwy.) for clams, and The Lobster Roll aka LUNCH (1980 Montauk Hwy.) for, well, lobster rolls.
Montauk’s ever-expanding menu continues to evolve with a growing list of restaurants like navy beach (16 Navy Rd.), where diners can dine on a private beach overlooking Fort Pond Bay with their toes in the sand; Joni’s kitchen (28 S. Etna Ave.), with creative breakfast offerings, acai bowls, salads, wraps and healthy alternatives; and The Inlet Seafood Restaurant (541 E. Lake Dr.), for sushi and views of Long Island Sound. Wash everything Montauk Brewing Co. (62 S. Erie Ave.)
Gurney’s Resort in Montauk may look like a summer getaway close to home. Credit: Courtesy of Saunders & Associates
Exploring nature: Almost an island unto itself with water to the north, south and east, Montauk offers natural beaches and towering cliffs. There’s plenty to choose from – some sandy, some rocky – including favorites like Ditch Plains, Gin Beach and Kirk Park Beach. Book a beach chalet at Gurney’s Resort & Seawater Spa (290 Old Montauk Hwy.) And consider their Beach Club, which features king-size daybeds on a private beach. Or simply stroll along the shores of Montauk Point State Park Beach to take in views of the Montauk Lighthouse as ocean waves crash against the rocks along the end of Long Island. Hike or bike the various nature trails along the cliffs and viewpoints of various parks including Camp Hero State Park, Shadmoor State Park, and Hither State Park Hills.
Become active: Click on the links on Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course (50 S. Fairview Ave.), a public 18-hole, par 72 course. CoreysWave (53 Deforest Road). Rent a bike at Montauk Cycle Company (463 W. Lake Drive). Horseback riding at Deep Hollow Ranch (8 Old Montauk Highway). Or just grab a boat, kayak, canoe or jet ski from various rental locations and set sail.
MORE LONG ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE AND PUBLIC GOLF COURSES