Summer is Far From Over in Montauk

The best places to stay, eat and shop in this perfect beach town.

The summer is anything but coming to an end out east. Montauk, which was once a locals-only playground, is now also, for better or worse, a hot spot destination for New Yorkers in search of weekend escapades (myself included). With a rapidly increasing number of businesses popping up all over town, it can be tough to know where to spend your precious weekend hours. Here are my cents:

Where to Stay

Hero Beach Club is one of my favorite spots. It’s low-key, chic and perfectly situated on the beach at the edge of town. Since Montauk is a bit of a parking nightmare in summer—I once received a ticket while sitting in my car—and Uber prices have been skyrocketing, Hero’s location is a huge perk.

Spend your days rotating between the pool, beach and green lawn for a game of cornhole. They also host nightly bonfires and s’mores sessions, which are a great reminder of life's simple pleasures.

Marram Montauk is another on-the-beach, close-to-town spot. The boutique hotel offers a relaxed luxury experience. Take advantage of the yoga classes, meditation sessions and nature walks, plus for those seeking an authentic Montauk moment, try the Engstrom Surf Camp at Marram. They have wetsuits by Cynthia Rowley, so do it for the adventure… or do it for the gram.

Where to Eat

Coffee: 

There are an astounding number of coffee places in Montauk, all of which are always busy. Left Hand, Bluestone Lane, and Hampton Coffee Company are all great options.

Brunch: 

La Fin Kitchen & Lounge is one of Montauk’s newest restaurants. Enjoy views of the harbor, good music and delicious farm-to-table food.

Lunch:

Duryea's Lobster Deck is a Montauk must. It offers a view that may be mistaken for the Mediterranean, an incredible lobster roll, oysters, rosé, need I continue?

Dinner: 

The Crow’s Nest is arguably the best dinner spot in Montauk. Go for an early meal and then catch sunset and an after-dinner drink down by the water. If you don’t get the lobster fettuccine, it doesn’t count.

TT’s Montauk delivers a winning combo of tacos and tequila. And don’t be surprised if you bump into SI Swimsuit model Brooks Nader here.

Where to Shop:

Wyld Blue is a gold mine of carefully curated clothing, vintage pieces, accessories, home goods and everything in between. If you find yourself extending your vacation with nothing left to wear, Wyld Blue will take care of you.

I never hit Montauk without stopping at Destination Haus. It’s an experience more than it is a store. Highlighting designers and artists from around the world, you’ll be sure to find a special piece, whether that be handmade jewelry, tableware from South Africa or the owner's personal photography of Montauk. They also provide a picnic event service so you can wow a group of friends with a special set-up on the beach.