Exploring Montauk Off-Season

The Hamptons are a tourist haven during the summer months, but they are gaining popularity during the off-season. Montauk is a beautiful place to visit any time of the year, and the off-season ensures you won’t be battling crowds as you soak up the natural beauty. 

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the crowds descend on the beaches, restaurants require hard-to-come-by reservations, and even walking the quaint streets means being prepared for crowds of people doing the same. The rest of the year, Montauk reverts to a peaceful and attractive fishing village filled with stunning architecture and natural beauty. 

The vibe in Montauk is different than the rest of the Hamptons. Montauk offers a slower pace and radiates tranquility that draws you in and invites you to disconnect from the harried pace of everyday life.  The following suggestions for how to spend your time in the off-season will ensure you do not run out of things to do, but the best part about visiting Montauk is that it is perfectly acceptable to do nothing at all. Soak in the vibe of this seaside village, and move at your own pace. 

• Drive to Montauk if possible. The drive itself is part of the charm of a visit. Montauk is affectionately dubbed “The End” because it sets on the most eastern point of Long Island. You will drive through the other villages and communities that make up the area referred to as The Hamptons. The drive lets you soak up the sites from the different communities and provides plenty of opportunities to stop and explore other parts of the Hamptons. Tip: If you are a fan of fresh-baked bread and amazing cheeses, stop at Breadzilla in Wainscott. The smells when you open the door are worth the stop and it is a great place to stock up on snacks before you arrive in Montauk. 
• Good bread and cheese deserve a great wine to accompany them. Throughout the Hamptons, and in Montauk, you will find several wineries to visit. Attend a wine-tasting or two, and buy a couple of bottles of your favorite choices.
• For staying in Montauk, Gurney’s Resort is a popular Hamptons destination. Even if you do not stay there, plan a meal at the on-site restaurant. Ocean Colony offers apartment-style rooms complete with small kitchens. Whether you want an uber-luxurious resort or a cozy cottage nestled in the pines, you will find it in Montauk. In the off-season, prices are lower and there is more availability to choose from. 
• Catch a sunrise at the Montauk lighthouse. Camp Hero State Park is a mere five-minute walk from the lighthouse and offers 415 acres of shoreline and trails. If nature is your thing, visiting this state park in the off-season will provide you with endless opportunities to explore.
• Once you have your fill of the beauty of the lighthouse and Camp Hero, return to town for breakfast or lunch in the quaint downtown area. You will find a wide selection of diners, bakeries, and pancake houses to warm up and relax over a delicious meal. 
• The walking dunes are another popular outdoor activity in Montauk. You have to take a brief hike through the woods to arrive at the dunes, but the view will make the walk worth every step. 
• Walk the beach.  Temperatures in the off=season can range from brisk to downright freezing, but you still shouldn’t miss the opportunity to take a lazy stroll down the beach. Dress appropriately and soak up the sea air. Admire the architecture of the homes and businesses that line the waterfront if you can tear your eyes away from the beauty of the ocean. 
• Allow plenty of time to stroll the village streets. There is plenty of Victorian architecture and quaint shops to explore. Some are closed during the off-season, but you will find great deals in those that are open. 

However, you choose to spend your time in Montauk, relax, and enjoy the laid back pace of the off-season. You can do as much or as little as you choose while surrounded by the historical beauty of the area.