Nestled at the end of New York’s Long Island, Montauk is a spectacular holiday destination that offers expansive parks, beautiful beaches, and plenty of relaxing sea breezes.
But with beauty comes costs – and Montauk is certainly not cheap! That’s exactly why we made this guide for where to stay in Montauk.
Written by our expert travel guides, this article breaks down the different areas of Montauk by category, so you’ll know exactly where to stay based on your needs and interests.
So whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway for two, a beach vacay with friends, or a relaxing holiday with the kids, our guide will show you everything you need to know – plus a few hidden gems.
So without further ado, here’s our guide for where to stay in Montauk, New York.
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Montauk.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Chilled out cottage near the strip | Remade Fishermans Home
If you’re planning on making the most of Mountak’s generous offering of bars and restaurants, this place wouldn’t be a bad call. Kirk’s Park is a pretty bustling area during the day. This cottage has a lot of space, making it ideal for a group or for hosting.
Cute Home close to Central Village | Best House in Montauk Village
Located super conveniently, this cozy house is the perfect place to stay if you’re visiting Montauk for the first time. You’ll be in walking distance to the village centre, the beach and most hotspots of the area. You can chill in your garden during the day and fire up the BBQ in the evening. The house sleeps 6 people, so it’s ideal for a group of friends or small families as well. It was recently renovated, so you can enjoy high-quality amenities and a brand-new home!
Daunts Albatross Motel | Best Motel in Montauk
If you’re hoping to explore Montauk on a budget, this is your best bet for accommodations. Set in central Montauk, this motel has a great location and clean rooms. It is within walking distance of the beach and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby.
Montauk Village
If you’re visiting Montauk for the first time there’s no better place to stay than Montauk Village. Located at the heart of the hamlet Montauk Village is a buzzing holiday destination with restaurants, shops, bars and beaches. It’s great for anyone looking to lounge on the beach and enjoy a quintessential American summer holiday.
Montauk Village
Montauk Village is the heart and soul of the hamlet. It’s where you’ll find restaurants and shops, as well as pristine beaches and buzzing bars. This popular holiday destination attracts thousands of people each year to enjoy its beautiful views and relaxed atmosphere.
Kirk Park
Kirk Park is a low-key beach located just outside of the centre of Montauk. It draws a diverse crowd of locals, tourists and the occasional celebrity to enjoy its white sand beach and stunning Atlantic views.
Ditch Plains
Ditch Plains is a fantastic beach located at the east end of Montauk. Its remote location on the island, away from the hustle and bustle of central Montauk, gives this stretch of sand a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. It’s here that you can enjoy a relaxing day of lounging on the sand and staring off into space.
Culloden Point
Gin Beach is a beautiful beach located north of central Montauk. Separated from the rest of the city by Lake Montauk, Gin Beach has a calm and relaxing atmosphere that’s perfect for holiday travellers.
Montauk is a popular holiday destination located in northeastern New York. It is one of the five hamlets of East Hampton and is most famous for its stunning white sand beaches and its relaxed atmosphere.
Known to many New York residents as “The End,’ Montauk occupies the easternmost point of Long Island. It is home to six lush and expansive state parks, as well as one of the largest commercial and recreational fishing fleets in the state of New York.
There’s plenty to see and do in Montauk, from lounging on the beach and surfing the waves to enjoying fresh seafood and visiting historic sights. To help you plan your trip to Montauk, this guide will highlight the “can’t miss” activities and attractions by interest and area.
Montauk Village sits at the heart of the region. It is a small and charming town with plenty of shops, restaurants and bars.
Directly south of Montauk Village is Kirk Park Beach. A lively and vibrant area, Kirk Park is where you’ll find a good mix of bars, cafes and restaurants.
Head east from here you’ll arrive in Ditch Plains Beach. An oft-overlooked part of the hamlet, Ditch Plains is where you’ll find stunning natural scenery, a beautiful beach and some of the best waves in New York.
And finally, Gin Beach is a beautiful and relaxing stretch of sand located on the northern shores of Long Island. It’s a kid-friendly beach with gentle waves an is ideal for a day of building sandcastles and basking in the sun.
Still not sure where to stay in Montauk? Don’t worry, keep scrollin’ and we will get into the good stuff.
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
Montauk’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
In this next section, we’ll take a look in detail at the best places to stay in Montauk. From luxury hotels to cosy bed and breakfasts in Montauk, I’ve got you covered.
Each is a little different from the last, so be sure to read each section carefully and pick the neighborhood that’s right for you!
1. Montauk Village – Where to stay in Montauk first time
If you’re visiting Montauk for the first time there’s no better place to stay than Montauk Village. Located at the heart of the hamlet Montauk Village is a buzzing holiday destination with restaurants, shops, bars and beaches. It’s great for anyone looking to lounge on the beach and enjoy a quintessential American summer holiday.
Montauk Village makes an excellent base for exploring the Hamptons. From here, you can easily visit six state parks and enjoy a vast network of hiking, biking and cycling trails.
Looking for a more relaxing holiday? Grab your towel and head to nearby Kirk Park Beach where you can bask in the sunshine, stunning views, and refreshing sea breezes.
Things to See and Do in Montauk Village
- Eat fresh and delicious seafood at Backyard Restaurant.
- Enjoy an incredible meal and an unforgettable sunset at Navy Beach.
- Dive deep into the history of Montauk at the Second House Museum.
- Explore the grounds of beautiful Hither Hills State Park.
- Play around of 18 holes at the Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course.
- Dine on exquisite seafood dishes at Surfside Inn.
- Feast on tasty American fare at Ruschmeyer’s Restaurant.
- Kickstart your day with a satisfying breakfast or brunch at ALL DAY at Breakers
- Head to nearby Kirk Park Beach and spend a day relaxing at the beach.
Cosy apartment with an ocean view | Lovely Montauk Bungalow
Bring the local calming atmosphere into your home with this cost little chalet. With its log burning fire and ocean views, its the perfect spot to unwind for a few days. It’s just outside the heart of Montauk village, so you’ll be getting a healthy dose of privacy without sacrificing much in return.
Sea-Sational Ditch Plains Salty Air Cottage | Best Budget Option
Breakers at the Ocean is a delightful three-star motel in central Montauk. It’s within walking distance of the beach as well as great restaurants and lively bars. This motel boasts 20 clean and spacious rooms with modern amenities. You’ll have access to a private beach and an outdoor pool.
Cute Home close to Central Village | Best House in Montauk Village
Located super conveniently, this cozy house is the perfect place to stay if you’re visiting Montauk for the first time. You’ll be in walking distance to the village centre, the beach and most hotspots of the area. You can chill in your garden during the day and fire up the BBQ in the evening. The house sleeps 6 people, so it’s ideal for a group of friends or small families as well. It was recently renovated, so you can enjoy high-quality amenities and a brand-new home!
Beach Plum Resort | Best Resort in Montauk Village
This is one of the most affordable options in Montauk Village. You’ll enjoy modern facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool and free wifi. This resort has 29 bright and comfortable beds, as well as a relaxing garden. It’s also ideally located for exploring Montauk on foot or by car.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REI2. Montauk Village – Where to stay in Montauk on a budget
Montauk Village is the heart and soul of the hamlet. It’s where you’ll find restaurants and shops, as well as pristine beaches and buzzing bars. This popular holiday destination attracts thousands of people each year to enjoy its beautiful views and relaxed atmosphere.
It’s also where you’ll find the best options for affordable accommodations in Montauk. Now, it is worth noting that Montauk is an incredibly expensive holiday destination, and budget accommodations are hard to come by. Although you won’t find any backpacker hostels in the area, there are a handful of motels that offer a financial break from the high-end hotels and oceanside resorts.
Things to See and Do in Montauk Village
- Lace up your shoes and spend a day exploring charming Hopping Frog Pond.
- Grab a rod and cast a line off Navy Beach Pier. If fishing’s not your thing, you can always just enjoy the view.
- Explore the grounds of the Hither Woods Preserve that has trails, a sandy beach, and plenty of picturesque picnic spots.
- Go for a stroll at Fort Pond Bay Park.
- Rent a paddleboard and glide across the water at Navy Road Park.
- Dig into a delicious plate of Belgian waffles at Bex Waffles.
- Sink your teeth into a hot and savour slice at Pizza Village.
Montauk Pool, Hot tub, Peloton bike, private | Private Room With Pool
Renting out an entire pad in Montauk is expensive. If you don’t have the brass for that then check out this well priced private room near Montauk village. It has it’s own entrance and bathroom so you still get that much needed privacy. Perhaps best of all though, you can also use the swimming pool, peloton bike and the hot tub!
Daunts Albatross Motel | Best Motel in Montauk Village
The Daunts Albatross Motel is our pick for where to stay in Montauk Village if you’re on a budget. Set in central Montauk, this motel has a great location and clean rooms. It is within walking distance of the beach, restaurants and lots of shops. There’s also a swimming pool and laundry facilities.
Boho Bayfront Artist’s Condo | Stunning Apartment in Montauk Village
Montauk definitely isn’t the cheapest, however, there are a few hacks on how to save some money. If you’re choosing to stay at this stunning condo, just bring two friends with you and split the costs at the end. You’re promised amazing views from your private balcony and a charming artist home that has been designed with an eye for detail. With it’s super homely and welcoming vibes, you’ll feel like you’re at home straight away.
3. Kirk Park – Best area to stay in Montauk for nightlife
Kirk Park is a low-key beach located just outside of the centre of Montauk. It draws a diverse crowd of locals, tourists and the occasional celebrity to enjoy its white sand beach and stunning Atlantic views.
This bustling and lively area is also our pick for where to stay if you’re looking for nightlife in Montauk. Just a short walk from the beach is a vast array of bars, restaurants and pubs serving up good drinks, upbeat music and a whole host of great times.
Love to eat? Kirk Park is for you! This beachside neighborhood is home to a myriad of cafes and eateries that offer delicious seafood and dishes from cuisines from around the world.
Things to See and Do in Kirk Park
- Eat seafood at Harvest On Fort Pond.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at Mr John’s Pancake House.
- Sip refreshing cocktails at The Point.
- Indulge at the Montauk Bake Shop.
- Enjoy a delicious meal at The Muse at the End.
- Sample a few beers at Montauk Brewing Company.
- Feast on American fare at Shagwong.
- Kickstart your day with a filling breakfast at Joni’s.
- Spend the night at The Sloppy Tuna.
- Try the white wine mussels at 668 The Gigshack.
- Party well into the night at The Montauk Beach House.
- Rub elbows with celebrities at The Surf Lodge.
Chilled out cottage near the strip | Remade Fishermans Home
If you’re planning on making the most of Mountak’s generous offering of bars and restaurants, this place wouldn’t be a bad call. Kirk’s Park is a pretty bustling area during the day. This cottage has a lot of space, making it ideal for a group or for hosting.
Steps from the Ocean | Best Guesthouse in Kirk Park
Want to be as close to the beach as possible? This stunning home is the right place for you. Sleeping up to 12 people, it’s ideal for big families or a group of friends. You’ll be in a beachfront location, meaning that you just need to step out of the front door and you’ll feel the sand under your feet. Regarding the price, it’s definitely not the cheapest place, but if you split the bill at the end, everyone gets a slice of super affordable luxury and a great trip experience.
Ocean Resort Inn | Best Resort in Kirk Park
This peaceful three-star resort is our recommendation for where to stay in Kirk Park. It’s located near the heart of Montauk and there are bistros, bars and shops on its doorsteps. You’ll enjoy bright rooms with kitchenettes, cable TV and microwaves. There’s also a pool and bike rental service.
Oceanfront Home in Downtown Montauk | Best House in Kirk Park
Being in the best area for nightlife is one thing, but staying right in front of the ocean is luxury on a completely different level! This amazing beachfront house couldn’t be in a better location – only a few minutes from Kirk Beach, but far enough from the buzz to enjoy a good nights sleep. If you you and your friends want to explore Montauk’s nightlife, there’s no better option than this massive 3-bedroom beach house!
A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!
Jetpac eSIMs work just like an app: you download it, pick your plan, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.
Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and ditch the plastic.
Grab an eSIM!4. Ditch Plains – Coolest place to stay in Montauk
Ditch Plains is a fantastic beach located at the east end of Montauk. Its remote location on the island, away from the hustle and bustle of central Montauk, gives this stretch of sand a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. It’s here that you can enjoy a relaxing day of lounging on the sand and staring off into space.
Situated at the tip of the South Fork, Ditch Plains is also where you’ll find some of the best waves for surfing. Whether you’re a newbie or a novice, you’ll have so much fun grabbing a board and crashing through these near-perfect waves. That’s why Ditch Plains gets our vote for the coolest neighborhood in Montauk.
Things to See and Do in Ditch Plains
- Visit the Ditch Witch food truck and snack on everything from delicious burrito to cinnamon buns!
- Learn to hang ten by signing up for Surf Camp Lessons.
- Enjoy the views as you hike the easy clifftop walk at Shadmoor State Park.
- Take a stroll through Rheinstein Estate Park.
- Eat creative and delicious dishes at The Crow’s Nest.
- Hike through the woods and onto the beach at Amsterdam Beach State Park.
- Rent a board and hit the waves.
- Grab a towel and spend a day lounging on the sands at Ditch Plains Beach.
Cute Beach House | Charming Home in Ditch Plains
This amazing home is a bit more affordable than the others on the list. but that doesn’t mean that it’s lacking any value. The charming beach house is just a couple of minutes from the sea and located in a quiet neighborhood. You can enjoy your morning coffee on your private terrace and relax before you head out to explore Montauk. The hosts are known to be incredibly kind and always ready for help and great recommendations.
The Crow’s Nest Inn | Epic Hotel in Ditch Plains
This is one of the best places to stay in Ditch Plains thanks to its comfortable beds and excellent location near the beach. It offers cosy rooms that are outfitted with modern amenities to suit any and all travellers. You’ll also enjoy free wifi throughout your stay.
Upscale Montauk Villa | Best Villa in Ditch Plains
Looking for some luxury? Stop right here, we’ve got the perfect place for you. This stunning upscale villa is a real treat. The super bright living area is only being topped with the private hot tub on your massive patio. Invite your friends over for a BBQ party and fire up the grill. The beach is in short walking distance as well. If you’re travelling with your four-legged friend, you’ll be pleased to know that this place is pet friendly too.
5. Culloden Point – Best neighborhood in Montauk for families
Gin Beach is a beautiful beach located north of central Montauk. Separated from the rest of the city by Lake Montauk, Culloden has a calm and relaxing atmosphere that’s perfect for holiday travellers.
Our pick for where to stay in Montauk for families, Culloden point is a kid-friendly area. The beach is composed of soft golden sand and gentle waves lap the shoreline. Here, your little ones can run, jump, laugh and play in a safe and clean environment.
Gin Beach is also an ideal base for anyone looking to get back to nature. Surrounded by Montauk Point State Park, Gin Beach is in close proximity to a myriad of hiking, biking and trekking trails.
Things to See and Do in Culloden Point
- Hike out to the Historic Montauk Lighthouse, which was built in 1796 under the authorization of President George Washington.
- Shop for snacks and tasty treats at the Gin Beach Market.
- Eat casual seafood and classic American fare at Rick’s Crabby Cowboy Café.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth with a cone of delicious ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s.
- Dine on fresh seafood at Gosman’s.
- Sip a cold beer and enjoy a good meal at The Dock Bar & Grill.
- Trek the trails and enjoy amazing views at Montauk Point State Park.
Open plan studio suited to a family getaway | Ocean Front Resort
If you’re looking to treat the entire family to some sun, sea, and waves, you could do a lot worse than this. It’s in an ideal location for both the beach and the villages great range of cafe’s and restaurants.
Coastline View Studio | Whole Apartment With Killer View
This sun drenched studio apartment is perfect for families, couples or friends looking to get away and discover Montauk! Be one of the first guests to enjoy high quality linens, super fast wifi and cable TV! Located in Sun & Sound Resort in Montauk’s famed harbor district. This unit is perfectly located to experience all that Montauk has to offer…
Sit back on the balcony and enjoy glass of wine as the sun sets perfectly over Culloden Point.
Family Beachhouse in Safe Location | Best House in Culloden Point
Travelling with your family doesn’t have to be stressful. This amazing beach house accommodates up to 6 people, offering enough space for even slightly bigger groups. Located close to the beach, it’s only a short walk from your doorstep until you can feel the sand under your feet. The hosts are known for going above and beyond for their guests, so you can be sure that you and your family are being taken care of to the absolute max!
Sun and Sound Montauk | Best Resort in Culloden Point
This is our top recommendation for where to stay in Gin Beach. This comfortable resort provides clean rooms with kitchenettes and a range of necessities. Ideally located in Montauk, this resort is just steps from the beach, delicious restaurants and plenty of tourist attractions.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Montauk
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Montauk and where to stay.
What To Pack For Montauk
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Montauk
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Montauk
Montauk is a venerable holiday destination that attracts thousands of visitors every year. It has stunning golden sand beaches, lush state parks, and a myriad of fun and funky seafood shacks and beachside bars.
In this guide, we’ve looked at the best places to stay in Montauk. It is, unfortunately, a very expensive place to stay and there aren’t any hostels, but we’ve done our best to include affordable motel and hotel options, alongside some more luxurious accommodations.
If you’re still not sure where to stay in Montauk, here’s a quick recap of our favourites.
Daunts Albatross Motel is the most affordable option in Montauk. It has a great central location, clean rooms and is within walking distance of the beach and a lot of restaurants.
Ocean Resort Inn in Kirk Park is our favourite hotel. It has bright and well-equipped rooms, and you’ll have access to a pool and bike rentals.
If you need more inspiration for an ocean-retreat from the city, Fire Island also has a variety of accommodation options to suit any budget.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in USA instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂