Montauk on a Budget: Your Guide to an Affordable Summer Adventure
Welcome to your Montauk Summer Travel Guide! This guide is packed with all the essential information you need to know before starting your adventure. From insider tips on how to save money while traveling to Montauk, to uncovering the best beaches, party spots, and more, this blog has got you covered!
Oh, Montauk, I just love you! After an amazing long weekend in the picturesque surf town of Montauk, New York, my boyfriend and I find ourselves missing it only a day after arriving home.
Situated at the easternmost point of Long Island, New York, Montauk (the end) offers a unique blend of chic sophistication and laid-back New England summer vibes. With its pristine beaches, warm and welcoming locals, vibrant nightlife, delectable cuisine, and endless opportunities for enjoyment, Montauk truly offers an unforgettable experience.
In this guide, I will share everything we learned while exploring this beautiful destination over a long weekend. My goal is to equip you with everything you need to know to make the most of your Montauk trip, ensuring that you seize every moment of this amazing trip you are planning or going on!
Let’s get into it!-
Montauk on a Budget: Your Guide to an Affordable Summer Adventure
How to get to Montauk
Coming from the North (New Hampshire, Maine, Boston) the fastest, most efficient way to get to Montauk avoiding as much traffic as possible is this way-
New London Ferry
Drive to New London Connecticut and hop on the New London car ferry that takes you over to Orient Point. The ride is about one hour and 20 minutes long. If it’s a nice day, head to the upper deck and soak in the beautiful views! This ticket cost us about $90 for two people in a Subaru Forester with a Thule box on the roof. Prices will vary depending on car size and amount of people. Go online and buy your tickets ahead of time to secure your spot.
Once you arrive in Orient, you can either drive the rest of the distance to Montauk or get on two more ferries. We took the two ferries and loved the drive, and easy ferry rides. It made for a fun adventure.
Take two more ferries or drive from here
You will land in Orient, NY off the first ferry. You now have the choice to drive the rest of the distance to Montauk or take two more quick ferries. On our way down we took the two more ferries and it ended up being very easy and we even lucked out with an amazing sunset. On the way home we skipped the two ferries and drove right to Orient due to light traffic.
The next steps for the ferries: Drive from Orient to Green-port where you will board North Ferry to Shelter Island for $18 cash only. This ride is 5-8 minutes long, a pretty small ferry that runs every 15 minutes.
Arrive on Shelter Island, a beautiful place we want to go back and explore more! When you get off the ferry, drive directly through the Island to South Ferry, this will take less than 10 minutes. Get in line and board your last ferry! Another one that is much smaller in size, cash only (around $14) and also runs every 15 minutes.
Taking the three ferries made for a really fun adventure, especially with the nice weather we had on our travel day. If you are coming from the North, I definitely recommend taking at least the New London Ferry. This will save you so much time…we asked many locals if they think driving all the way back from Montauk to NH would be a good idea and each one advised against it. The ferry(s) are relaxing, easy, and fairly cheap for how far they get you and your car.
**mistake we made on our way to Montauk**
Montauk, New York was the destination we put into apple maps when planning the trip to see how far the drive was. We knew to take Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York traffic into consideration but thought it would take us about 5-6 hours based on the GPS. We realized we messed up as our GPS started directing us towards the water in New London, Connecticut. I looked into the step by step directions on my phone and was shocked to see there were THREE ferries involved that we had no idea about.
Thankfully, the New London ferry had room for us on their next trip. The kind ferry attendant explained the different routes we could take. He encouraged us not to try and drive past the city because of how much longer it will take us. The three ferries would be the most time efficient way for us to get to Montauk at a reasonable time. So That’s what we did! It was quite the adventure to start out our trip!
Coming from farther away?
Fly into JFK or LaGuardia and take further transportation from there. I recommend renting a car so you have the freedom to explore as much as possible.
There is also an airport you can fly private into right on Montauk which is another great option.
Where to stay in Montauk
Montauk- Campground
Hither Hills Campground is where you want to be! This is where we stayed during our time in Montauk and just loved it. Hither Hills is located right outside of town and is right on the ocean.
The campground is very clean, affordable and well taken care of. We booked last minute and got lucky on finding a site. I recommend booking a site as soon as you can! It’s a popular campground, you will not find another like this in the Montauk area.
Check out my post on Camping in Montauk before you book your site!
Montauk- Hotel
Gurneys– A stunning, luxury hotel located on the ocean in a great location just outside of town. You can’t go wrong staying here! We drove by everyday and talked about how we would love to stay here one day when we come back to Montauk, an absolutely beautiful resort!
The Surf Lodge– The coolest place in Montauk! The Surf Lodge is THE place to be. They draw in big names each week who preform all summer long, absolutely amazing food and drink and the coolest atmosphere. The rooms are beautiful, book ahead of time because this hotel is on the smaller side.
Montauk- Airbnb
Traveling with a group? Airbnb is the best option for you!
The homes in Montauk are very well taken care of, just beautiful. There’s a good range of different budget options with options located all over Montauk, some right on the ocean and others more inland.
Things to do in Montauk
Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or interested in exploring all Montauk has to offer, you will enjoy yourself! Here are my recommendations-
Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum
Perched majestically at the easternmost point of Long Island, is where you can find the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum. This iconic lighthouse, built in 1796, has witnessed centuries of maritime history and continues to captivate visitors with its rich heritage. It costs $15 per person to enter the museum and climb to the top of the lighthouse.
The museum has many historic artifacts and pretty interesting facts and stories to read about. Give yourself some time to walk through and read all about it.
Climb the 137 steps on the spiral staircase to the top of the lighthouse and you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and scenic landscapes.
The Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum is a must-visit destination while in Montauk. We were so happy we spent an hour exploring it!
Montauk walking trails
The Walking Dunes– The Walking Dunes, situated within Hither Hills State Park, offer a truly unique hiking experience in Montauk. These dunes, found along Napeague Harbor, exhibit a fascinating characteristic—they are constantly shifting. To reach the Walking Dunes from Montauk town, take Route 27 west and turn right onto Napeague Harbor Rd, shortly after passing Morty’s Oyster Stand. Follow the road until you reach the parking area and the trailhead at the end.
We took our shoes off for the majority of the walk, we found that way to be the most comfortable. The entire walk took us about 25 minutes.
Shadmoor State Park– A great way to see Montauk’s stunning coast line from a new point of view! The trail is very easy, it’s in the woods for a bit then opens up to the ocean’s edge. The views this trail rewards you with are some of my favorite in Montauk!
You will pass by a couple of old WWII bunkers which make the walk even better. One of them you can still go into and climb to the top!
Once at the ocean, we ended up climbing down the cliffs after seeing a some locals do so and hung out on the beach a while which is very peaceful (Ditch Plains).
Just be cautious of ticks since you will be walking in woodsy areas.
Montauk beaches
Montauk’s beaches are amazing…crystal clear blue/green water, light brown sand and often pretty quiet. Take some time to explore a few different ones! They are all unique in their own way.
- Ditch Plains– great for surfing or to relax on and watch the surfers
- Hither Hills State Park– large beach, easy to find your own area to spread out
- Block Island Sound (Sunset Beach)– very small, calm beach on the north shore, this beach reminded me of being on a tropical island, extra clear water and only tiny waves
- Kirk Park Beach– within walking distance from town, great place to make bonfires at night
Shopping in Montauk
The main strip in town offers a lot of shopping options.
Beach t-shirt shops, cafes, vintage stores, local artisans, clothing, bikini and surf shops and more! No big name brand places down here which we really liked.
Our favorite stores in town:
- Mako’s Vintage
- Montauk Mainstay
- Air + Speed
Rent a bike
This is a popular activity to do in Montauk, you can pretty much bike everywhere.
For e-bike and traditional bike rentals rent from Montauk Cycle Company.
Surf at Ditch Plains beach
Head over to Sunset Surf Shack for surfboard and wetsuit rentals then grab your board and catch some waves on Ditch Plains Beach!
You can find smaller waves on this beach so don’t be intimidated.
Watch the sunrise or sunset
On a clear day in Montauk, be sure to see either the sunrise or sunset! It’s truly magical. The colors in the sky over the water are amazing.
For sunrise– We liked to wake up early and head out to Hither Hills beach since we were right on the campground. It was amazing!
For sunset– The Montauket is THE sunset place to be on the Island. Make it a point to get there at least one night for it! Grab some drinks, listen to some live music, take in the views and enjoy yourself. Checkout the coolest vintage shop right outside the Montauket while you are there!
Where to eat in Montauk
Breakfast/coffee in Montauk
- Joni’s– healthy breakfast & lunch spot
- Goldberg’s Bagels– get here early & enjoy the most delicious bagels in Montauk (the line can get very long)
- Montauk Bake Shoppe– looking for something sweet for breakfast? Try their well known jelly croissant! You will not be disappointed…we brought a bunch home for family and they loved them.
- Hampton Coffee Company– great coffee & iced tea!
- Bluestone Lane– an Australian coffeeshop + sells the cutest bikinis!
- Anthony’s Pancake House – The most popular sit down breakfast place in town. Arrive early to beat the rush.
- Breakfast at your campsite low cost Idea- bring english muffins, eggs and sausage for a breakfast sandwich + some fruit then head into town to grab some coffee!
Lunch in Montauk
- 668 The Gig Shack– lively place located right in town with delicious food!
- TT’s– tacos & tequila! Two tacos for only $10 & the best margs!
- Naturally Good Foods & Cafe– healthy grab and go options
- Make lunch from your car and eat it by the beach low cost idea- make a protein packed chickpea salad before your trip and leave it in your cooler for an easy lunch! We made one with: chickpeas, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, red bell pepper, black olives, feta cheese, olive oil, white wine vinegar, parsley, salt & pepper. This meal was cheap, easy and served us well!
Dinner in Montauk
- Crow’s Nest– a unique place that’s right on the water and offers delicious food and drink. If you can only go to out dinner one night while in Montauk, go here!
- Sel Rose– an amazing oyster bar
- 668 The Gig Shack– popular dinner spot in Montauk and often have live music!
- The Surf Lodge– beautiful food in an awesome location, make reservations for dinner here on a nice night!
- Dinner at your campsite low cost idea- charcuterie board, grilled marinated chicken/salmon with roasted potatoes!
Bars/nightlife in Montauk
Montauk truly comes alive with its fun nightlife scene! Whether you’re looking to enjoy a refreshing midday drink or dance all night long, this town offers some great options.
Montauk Brewing Company
Local brewery with great atmosphere!
Outdoor seating/standing only. The surf beer and the tropical IPA were our favorites!
Bounce
Located right next to the beach, you’ll have awesome views and delicious drinks. The design is pretty cool at Bounce.
Try their frozen marg!
Shagwong
Local vibes, live music, mix of all ages, dancing- overall fun place to be. We loved Shangwong!
TT’s
Tequila!! TT’s can get pretty crazy late night.
The Mountauket
The Montauket is the ultimate sunset hotspot! With its authentic local vibe, we had an absolute blast at this venue. The outdoor live music added to the lively ambiance, and we loved how inexpensive the drinks were.
Keep in mind that parking at The Montauket can be quite limited, so we recommend taking an Uber if possible.
The Memory Motel
Head here for late night for dancing!
The Point
Located just across the street from the Memory Motel, another place that guarantees a good time!
Hideaway
An overall good time! Stop by Hideaway at least one night!
The Surf Lodge
Be sure to experience the most trendy nightlife scene of Montauk at The Surf Lodge, where celebrities and influencers flock every weekend throughout the summer. Check out the lineup of notable names playing at this iconic venue during your visit!
It’s worth noting that entry fees can be on the higher side, reflecting the exclusivity of The Surf Lodge
Tips to know before you go to Montauk
- Locals and tourists are friendly! Montauk is pretty small, you will probably see the same faces multiple times during your visit
- If you want to have a beach bonfire it has to be contained in a metal container
- Be aware of where you park! Some places require a permit. We never had any trouble with finding parking. Just always double check you are parked in a place you can be, the tickets are expensive!
- Ocean temps (early June) were pretty warm- especially for us coming from Seacoast NH
- Ticks! Unfortunately Montauk has a lot of ticks. It is a beach town but they still have very thick wooded areas. Whenever you go on a hike/walk be sure to check all over once you are finished. If you camp, check your gear as well as yourself everyday.
- Bring cash
- Weather can change drastically day-to-day. Be prepared for hot sunny days, cold & wind!
How to save $$$ in Montauk
During our visit to Montauk, we were mindful of our budget and made it a priority to save money whenever possible. While Montauk isn’t crazy expensive, there are certain places that can get a little pricy. Here are some tips to save $$$
- Camp instead of staying in a hotel
- Make most of your own meals and only eat out a handful of times- make breakfast at your site, sandwiches for on the go during the day, and grill something for dinner!
- Buy beer, wine or liquor at a store and drink at your campsite or on a beach
- Fill up on gas outside of Montauk- gas prices are significantly higher
- Do as many outdoor activities as possible! Explore the area on your own by driving and walking different trails, town, beaches, etc.
Overall vibe in Montauk
Montauk emanates a vibrant, surf-inspired, New England atmosphere that effortlessly captivates all who visit. It’s nearly impossible not to fall in love with this coastal gem!
As a popular escape from the bustling streets of NYC, Montauk exudes a sense of relaxation and a laid-back beach vibe that makes it an ideal vacation destination. The stunning beaches offer ample space, ensuring you never have to struggle to find your own idyllic spot to unwind.
Being first-time visitors to Montauk and Long Island, we were pleasantly surprised by the warm reception from both the locals and fellow tourists. Keep your eyes peeled for celebrity sightings, as it’s highly likely you’ll come across at least one during your stay in town!
Conclusion
Montauk is a fantastic destination for travelers seeking a memorable summer getaway! With its surfer charm, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife, it offers a unique and enjoyable experience.
We truly fell in love with this surf town and hope to visit again with friends and family in the future to show them how amazing it is!
Have you been to Montauk? What did you think of it? Or do you have plans to visit this summer?
Let me know if you have any questions or comments about Montauk in the comments below, I would love to hear from you!
Also be sure to follow along with me on Instagram for more travel photos and updates!
I hope this guide has been helpful and if you are traveling to Montauk soon, have a blast!
sierra
Hello there! It's wonderful to have you here. I'm Sierra, a NH native with a love for travel and adventure. I have a constant desire to explore beautiful places around the world and go on awesome adventures! I seek to inspire others to travel to see all the beauty and culture the world has to offer! 🌞⛰️🌼🫶🏼🦋🌲📸🥾💛
6 Comments
simplyjolayne
Great photos. There are so many destinations on the East Coast that I would love to explore.
sierra
Thank you! 🙂 The East Coast has so many beautiful destinations to explore.
Jess
Love this guide! Seems like a wonderful place to visit in the summer.
sierra
Thank you! 😀 Montauk in the perfect summer destination!
Amanda
I grew up in a coastal town and just love the ocean and the water. I’ve actually wanted to visit Montauk for awhile now. Thank you for these helpful tips, I’ve saved it for future trip planning!
sierra
I hope you can visit in the future, it’s a beautiful place! Thanks for checking out my post 🙂