If you’re anything like us, you want to be where you can see and be seen without having a serious case of FOMO—and the best place for that this summer is the East End of Long Island, specifically Montauk (or as the locals like to call it, the End of the World). Hop the next Jitney toward the Hamptons, the land of perfectly manicured gardens and oceanfront properties to die for—but the hot spots that make up the farthest town on the South Fork are where you’re headed. From hotels that turn into nightclubs to restaurants offering up a must-stop shopping experience, you’ll want to hit them all. Grab your pool float and your chic one-piece and get ready for a Montauk bucket list that’s sure to be the highlight of your summer vacay.
The Surf Lodge
The Surf Lodge is that perfect mix of beach chic and effortless refinement with whitewashed walls, bleached floors, Frette linens, hanging chairs and a surfer aesthetic that's inviting and artsy at the same time. It even has a weekend concert series with an amazing lineup (we're looking forward to Lupe Fiasco and Ben Harper) and a beach-party vibe that extends all night long. Be warned, there will be lines.
Gurney's Montauk
Waterfront views aren't just for the tropics. This is literally the only resort and spa in town that offers oceanfront views from every single room. But what makes it even more of a go-to spot is the vintage feel it's cultivated on its very own private beach. Sip rosé and bask in the New England rays on cushioned king-size day beds complete with yellow stripes. When you're tired of the sand, head over to the Fashion Collective for pop-up shops like 6 Shore Road and Joie. Or take a fitness class or refresh at the Finnish Rock Sauna or Russian Steam Room. There's literally something for everyone.
The Montauk Beach House
Aptly named (it’s just one block away from the ocean), this destination boasts the laid-back feel of a real beach house. Rooms are homey (your morning coffee hails from Left Hand—the best grounds of the North and South forks). If you're in need of a down-home beach vibe with a calendar full of events from dusk till dawn, this is your place.
Solé East
It's not hard to see Solé East is a celeb favorite (Adrian Grenier and Georgia Fowler both have been seen enjoying concerts and taking a dip in the pool), with bungalow-style rooms and weekend pool parties (cocktails and BBQs) at the Backyard that have a total chilled-out vibe. And with daybeds and drink service all day while a DJ spins poolside, why would you ever want to leave?
The Sloppy Tuna
The name (seriously) says it all. This is Montauk's ultimate day-drinking spot, and Rocky's Rooftop (which overlooks the Atlantic) makes it even easier to mingle in a seriously casual environment with cornhole games, plastic cups and a beach vibe that's, dare we say, a tad sloppy. DJs play until 4am. Bottoms up!
Navy Beach
Welcome to the waterfront restaurant dreams are made of. With a total nautical nod, Navy Beach's dishes aren't only some of the best in town (try the jumbo lump crab cake and buttermilk fried chicken), they're served with some of the best views around. The spot sits on a 200-foot private beach, where you can park your boat (if you're lucky enough to have arrived on one) at Fort Pond Bay and catch the best sunset views in the Hamptons. And if you're trying to feed your shopping addiction while dining, Miansai is setting up a 1949 Airstream through the summer for swoon-worthy beach picks.
