Montauk beaches rank among the top in the country. Great rolling breakers move in on miles of white gleaming sand. No boardwalks or development here, it’s all natural In some places low rolling dunes rim the beach, in others high cliffs. Montauk is known for its spectacular 70-foot high bluffs, which stretch all the way to the point. On the north side of Montauk the protected waters of Block Island Sound are much gentler than the ocean. Here the beaches can be rocky or sandy and provide the best beachcombing treasures.
AMSTERDAM BEACH
Must Hike To Access, Remote, Unspoiled, Quiet, No Facilities, Dogs Ok
Walk the trail at Amsterdam Beach State Park and be rewarded by one of the most breathtaking vistas of unspoiled shoreline on the east coast. Meander along the intermittently sandy and rocky shoreline eastward or westward and be humbled. The 50-minute round-trip wooded hike to the beach includes a tunnel of American Holly and several exotic large oaks. Bring insect repellent and water as the beach has no facilities, no lifeguards…and probably no other people. Park (free) on the south side of Rt. 27 across from Deep Hollow Ranch. ehtps.org/amsterdam-beach-preserve/
DITCH PAINS BEACH (surfer spot, families, can get crowded, permit parking)
Popular with surfers, this beach is two miles east of the village on the ocean with parking by permit only. The super long break makes surfing ideal for newbies or veteran long boarders. This iconic beach has beautiful cliffs rising at its western end at Shadmoor Park, restrooms, outdoor showers, lifeguards during the summer season, and concession trailers that serve more than just snacks. Parking restricted so arrange drop offs if you must drive.
EDISON BEACH
Sandy, Walkable From Village Hotels, Close To Everything, Limited Parking
Contiguous with Kirk Park beach at the heart of the Village at the end of South Edison Street, this popular beach has a lifeguard on duty during the summer months, restaurants, restrooms, and stores nearby. Limited public parking.
GIN BEACH
Sound Side, Calm, Families, Boat Watching, Walk To Shagwong Point, Resident Permit Parking
At the end of East Lake Drive on Block Island Sound and named for the cattle gins, or pens, that resided here for hundreds of years, Gin Beach is great for families with children, with gentle water and sandy beaches. You can watch the boats come in and out of Montauk Harbor. Parking by resident permit only so arrange drop offs If you must drive. Restrooms, outdoor showers, a concession trailer, and lifeguards during the summer season.
HITHER HILLS STATE PARK
Public Parking, Many Facilities, Sandy, Families
our miles west of town on Old Montauk Highway. Lifeguards daily from mid June–Labor Day. Non-campers pay a $10 parking fee. Nice playground, picnic tables, outdoor showers, restrooms, a changing area, and a general store.
KIRK PARK BEACH
Montauk’s Main Town Beach; Parking; Wide, Sandy, Open, Families
West of town at the IGA supermarket. Park for $35 at Kirk Park parking lot, which contains public restrooms (across from 7-Eleven). Lifeguards, restaurants and stores in walking distance. If only in town for a few hours, this is the beach.
MONTAUK POINT STATE PARK BEACH Public Parking, Views,
Facilities, Rocky, Hiking, Explore, No Lifeguards
Not a traditional “beach”. Park at the lighthouse parking lot (fee during season), walk down to the rocky shoreline and enjoy majestic views of the lighthouse, watch surfcasters on the rocks, or meander around the hills overlooking the ocean. The fit can hike the rocky shoreline in either direction and enjoy unspoiled Montauk coastline or carefully cross atop the lighthouse revetment and watch the ocean’s relentless assault on the giant boulders (note: the revetment is slated for overhaul in 2020 and may be off-limits when construction starts).
NAVY ROAD BEACH
Sound Side, Calm, Pebbly, Kayak Launch, Families, No Facilities, Resident Permit Parking
On beautiful Fort Pond Bay at the end of 2nd House Rd., over the railroad tracks. Great for launching kayaks, paddleboards, and small boats. A favorite spot for locals and families. The beach is pebbly, so take swim shoes. Parking by resident permit only. Dine waterside at Navy Beach, just down the beach. Boats and small yachts frequently moor in the bay.
THE OTHER BEACHES
Walkable, even if not parkable
Montauk, surrounded by water on three sides, has many more beaches, but most of them are not protected by lifeguards and parking is not straightforward. For those who enjoy walking the beach, there are many options, as all beaches are public up to the high tide mark. A popular walk is from the village to Ditch Plains beach, where you see the cliffs of Shadmoor on the way. At high tide parts of the beach may be impassable.
AMSTERDAM BEACH
Must Hike To Access, Remote, Unspoiled, Quiet, No Facilities, Dogs Ok
Walk the trail at Amsterdam Beach State Park and be rewarded by one of the most breathtaking vistas of unspoiled shoreline on the east coast. Meander along the intermittently sandy and rocky shoreline eastward or westward and be humbled. The 50-minute round-trip wooded hike to the beach includes a tunnel of American Holly and several exotic large oaks. Bring insect repellent and water as the beach has no facilities, no lifeguards…and probably no other people. Park (free) on the south side of Rt. 27 across from Deep Hollow Ranch. ehtps.org/amsterdam-beach-preserve/
preserve/
DITCH PLAINS BEACH
Surfer Spot, Families, Can Get Crowded, Limited Permit Parking
Popular with surfers, this beach is two miles east of the village on the ocean with parking by permit only. The super long break makes surfing ideal for newbies or veteran long boarders. This iconic beach has beautiful cliffs rising at its western end at Shadmoor Park, restrooms, outdoor showers, lifeguards during the summer season, and concession trailers that serve more than just snacks. Parking restricted so arrange drop offs if you must drive.
TURTLE COVE
Considered more difficult than Ditch Plains, Turtle Cove is just west of the Montauk Lighthouse on the ocean side. You can park at the parking lot at the lighthouse and walk to the cove. This is a spot for experienced surfers, with consistent swells and powerful wave action. Be careful of rocks and rips.
THE OTHER BEACHES
Walkable, even if not parkable
Montauk, surrounded by water on three sides, has many more beaches, but most of them are not protected by lifeguards and parking is not straightforward. For those who enjoy walking the beach, there are many options, as all beaches are public up to the high tide mark. A popular walk is from the village to Ditch Plains beach, where you see the cliffs of Shadmoor on the way. At high tide parts of the beach may be impassable.
FORT POND BAY
Montauk’s newest town beach is located right on beautiful Fort Pond Bay and a favorite beach to launch ocean kayaks and other small boats. This is also a popular beach for kids, picnics, and sunsets over the water. The beach is pebbly, so take those swim shoes. Parking by permit only. No restrooms.
NAVY ROAD BEACH
Sound Side, Calm, Pebbly, Kayak Launch, Families, No Facilities, Resident Permit Parking
On beautiful Fort Pond Bay at the end of 2nd House Rd., over the railroad tracks. Great for launching kayaks, paddleboards, and small boats. A favorite spot for locals and families. The beach is pebbly, so take swim shoes. Parking by resident permit only. Dine waterside at Navy Beach, just down the beach. Boats and small yachts frequently moor in the bay.
PUBLIC PARKING
PARKING at the Kirk Park Beach is $35, across from the 7-Eleven, and Amsterdam Beach (limited) and a fee is charged at Hither Hills State Park and Montauk Point. Many other beaches, such as Ditch and Gin, require a parking permit, which is only available to residents and available at Town Hall Annex in the Montauk Playhouse. 631-668-5081.
LIFEGUARDS
Lifeguards are on duty at all public beaches from 10 – 5 weekends starting Memorial Day weekend, then daily from Mid-June – Labor Day, and then on weekends until the end of September, except as noted for certain beaches.
DOGS
DOGS ARE NOT allowed on most beaches 10am – 6pm, May 15 through September 15.
DRIVING ON THE BEACH
NO VEHICLES allowed on the beaches 10am – 6pm, May 15 – September 15. Other beaches around Montauk require various state or county driving permits.
BEACH FIRE REGULATIONS
BEACH FIRES are allowed on main town beaches from 5pm – 12am but must be fully contained in a metal container.
BEACHCOMBING
The best times to go are after low tide, or right after a storm, to find the shells and sea glass that just washed up. The best places to go are on the sound side of Montauk, where many shells, beach glass, and other treasures can often be found.
PARTIES ON THE BEACH
The Town of East Hampton requires any assembly of over 50 people to submit an assembly permit in advance to the town. Tents and other structures are not allowed on the beach except for food service. Amplified music is also not allowed on the beach. For other regulations go to the town of East Hampton web site: ecode360.com/9230282
OCEAN SWIMMING AND RIPTIDES
Montauk is all about beaches! Get out there and explore,
but keep it safe and always watch your kids in the water. The ocean beach can be rough and treacherous on certain days.
Mind the rip currents and if in doubt, stay out. Lifeguards are generally on duty at most beaches from 10am-5pm through Labor Day.
Please note lifeguard status when choosing your spots, and the orange location signs. The sound side beaches (north side of Montauk) are generally calmer..