MONTAUK

At the tip of Long Island’s South Fork, 125 miles east of New York City, is the beachy, laid-back, and historically colorful hamlet of Montauk. Initially, it was inhabited by the Montaukett Native American tribe, from which the hamlet got its name; but the land on which modern-day Montauk stands has also seen famous shipwrecks, pirates, the Amistad slave revolt, cowboys, cattle drives, Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders, a thriving fishing industry, and developers with big dreams.
 

Between 1879 and 1895, renowned entrepreneurs Arthur Benson (who owned all of Montauk at the time) and Austin Corbin (banking and railroad entrepreneur) had visions of turning Montauk into a deep water port for ships from Europe; and while Corbin was successful in getting the railroad extended to Montauk, on land he purchased from Benson, both developers died before a steamship terminal could be built. 

By 1926 Carl Fisher had bought approximately 10,000 acres of Montauk with the vision of creating a world-class resort much like Miami Beach. He began building a collection of Tudor-style buildings, many of which still exist. They included a hotel, a school, churches, an office building, shops, houses, a golf club, a surf club, and a yacht club. The ultimate excitement and glamour he envisioned for Montauk was lost when the stock market crashed in 1929, and an unpretentious fishing community was left behind to cope with the depression, the destruction of the 1938 hurricane, and the mammoth construction projects of the United States Army and Navy during World War II. 

Today, there is a prominent surf culture in Montauk, and its fishing docks are crowded with people all summer. They offer a grand mix of commercial fishermen, party boat customers, whale watchers, sightseers, marinas, boatyards, shops and restaurants. 

One of the most incredible things about Montauk is that, despite all the changes it has endured, hundreds of acres of protected parkland still exist, and the grandeur of the bluffs and the beauty of its bays and ponds are still intact. There are six state parks where hiking, camping, and boating can be enjoyed. 

Known as one of New York’s best beach getaway destinations, Montauk is an excellent option for real estate investment, and it offers a tight-knit community for those who wish to make Montauk a permanent residence. The housing market is an eclectic mix that includes Scandinavian-style beach shacks, rustic fishing cottages, historical shingle-style homes, and luxury modern beachfront homes. As a whole, they embody the spirit of Montauk; a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming place to call home.  

 

 

Montauk residents enjoy a relaxed, informal lifestyle that revolves around the many local outdoor attractions and magnificent natural landscapes. Home to the largest recreational fishing fleet in the state, Montauk is particularly popular among avid boaters and anglers, who take full advantage of the deep seas accessible from any of the numerous marinas and private docks along the coast.

 

Montauk offers a diverse range of dining options: 

One local favorite is Harvest on Fort Pond; a rustic, family-friendly venue with unbeatable sunset views over Fort Pond. Harvest serves a Tuscan-style menu of hearty Italian dishes alongside expertly crafted cocktails. The outdoor seating area is surrounded by lush greenery and makes for an unforgettable al fresco dining experience, especially during the warm summer months. 

For an experience of genuine Montauk hospitality, don’t miss the beloved Inlet Seafood restaurant on Lake Montauk, which is run by commercial fishermen and serves delicious meals in a casual setting. 

And, if freshly caught lobsters and a healthy dose of sea air are in order, look no further than Gosman’s Restaurant, where patrons can laze in the sun and enjoy sweeping water views while dining on some of Montauk’s freshest seafood.

Nothing says Montauk more than a lazy day spent on the beach, and The Beach Club at Gurney’s is undeniably one of the best spots to get a bite to eat and take in some rays in peace. Offering guests access to a 2,000-foot-long private beach and regular live music events, The Beach Club is the perfect spot to enjoy the best of Montauk’s beachfront recreation.

 

There’s no shortage of fun and exciting things to do in Montauk. The annual Montauk Music Festival is one of the hamlet’s most highly anticipated events. It brings local independent musicians and artists from across the country to promote the Montauk music scene. Boating enthusiasts will be equally pleased with Montauk’s facilities, as the hamlet is home to several marinas and docking areas. The Montauk Yacht Club is the most popular among recreational sailors. Now under the management of Gurney’s, the club has been voted one of the top ten marinas in North America. For residents who prefer land-based activities, the Montauk Point State Park offers incredible views of the coast and the Atlantic Ocean, a network of hiking and equestrian trails, and picnic grounds that can become very busy during summer vacation. The park is also a great stop on your way to the iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse. Alternatively, history buffs and visitors intrigued by Montauk’s history will certainly enjoy a visit to Camp Hero, a decommissioned military base still complete with WWII bunkers and known to be the inspiration for the hit series Stranger Things.