Sometimes one can get out and explore, escape everyday life, and refresh and renew with a road trip close to home. After what I can only share as a challenging last few months to 2023, this travel couple did just that. We took a mini break to Montauk, a hamlet located at the farthest eastern point of Long Island, New York.
Most famous for the 1796 Montauk Point Lighthouse which stands at the peninsula’s tip in Montauk Point State Park, visitors can also enjoy beautiful ocean views as well as explore a museum that houses historical documents signed by George Washington. Camp Hero State Park, once a military base, is right next door and should not be missed. has WWII bunkers and a radar tower. Read more about this park by clicking here.
Although it was January and yes, it was cold, spending a couple of days in this Long Island town proved the perfect respite from the busy holiday season and everyday life.
During the summer, tourists from around the world and Manhattanites descend on this town to enjoy its beaches, laid-back attitude, and delicious seafood. They arrive via car, bus, or train, passing through the famous Hamptons, including Bridgehampton, Southampton, and East Hampton as well as Amagansett. When we pulled into this hamlet, it was asleep for the season except for its locals and tourists like us. Its roads were practically empty, devoid of the summer traffic. Many establishments and eateries were closed until Spring and there was a peaceful tranquility, exactly what this travel couple sought.
After a quick grocery stop to pick up some items for our stay, we arrived at our accommodation choice: Montauk Manor. Nestled on a hill, Montauk Manor was built in 1926 in its beautiful Tudor style and is a four-story condominium apartment hotel. In 1984, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. While its amenities like tennis courts and an outside pool were closed for the season, this did not dampen our plans. We enjoyed our well-appointed room equipped with a kitchen, as well as the beautifully decorated lobby, still decked out for Christmas, as well as its grounds.
Fresh air, peace, and some good hiking were on our travel menu. So here are our trip highlights which can be done in any order.
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR MONTAUK GETAWAY
Montauk is relatively compact and all of these sites are within a few miles of each other. Depending on the season, fees may be charged and some sites may be closed. For example, the lighthouse was not open but we had visited it before so it wasn’t a concern. Always check websites for all details, e.g. opening times, closures, fees, etc.., before you head out to avoid disappointment.
Montauk State Park…
offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean where it meets the Block Island Sound and Block Island can be seen off in the distance. Parking is available for walks along the rocky shoreline, or a visit to the neighboring Montauk Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in New York State, commissioned by President George Washington in 1792.
Visitors can hike the nature trails, cross-country ski, or take a trail to watch the seals sun on the rocks offshore. The latter can be accomplished by taking the Seal Haul Out Trail. Park your car on the shoulder of Camp Hero Road just off Montauk Highway (Route 27) and the 3/4 mile trail begins just a short walking distance across the road. The trail winds through a forest and wooden pathways across swamps and winds up at the beach with these beautiful views. Unfortunately, we did not see any seals this time, but the hike was lovely and you can’t beat the view.
Shadmore State Park…
features more than 2,400 feet of beach and 100-foot bluffs along the Atlantic Ocean. The park is largely undeveloped and has no infrastructure beyond elevated platforms for birdwatching and trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.
Before becoming a park, the land was used as part of the coastal defense system for New York City during World War II. Two concrete observation bunkers from that time remain visible at the site.
Hither Hills State Park…
offers an extensive sandy beach, a campground near the ocean, hiking and riding trails, hunting, fishing, and more. It is known for its Walking Dunes Trail, which contains migrating dunes rare in the Eastern United States. Most beach dunes are linear and do not migrate.
After this visit, we took a short drive down to the harbor which provided us with beautiful postcard views.
Montauk Village
is quite compact, and like in many small towns, there are no chain stores. Although some establishments were closed for the season, we still got in a bit of shopping, touched base at the Visitor’s Center, and took a photo op at The Memory Hotel, which inspired The Rolling Stones song of the same name.
Dining
Finding open Montauk restaurants during the winter months can be challenging but it’s perfectly doable. Since our hotel accommodations included a kitchen, we prepared our breakfasts, which we prefer anyway. For lunches and dinners, we did find some good eateries, mostly in the inexpensive to moderate price range. We passed on any upscale places. Our recommended establishments are John’s Drive-In for some good old-fashioned burgers, Blade & Salt for pizza, Shagwong’s for some pub grub including delicious seafood, and Alimentari for Italian fare.
No matter the season here’s hoping that one day you choose to visit this beautiful town. To read about more fun places to experience in Long Island, click here.
