Want to spend your vacation on the beach? Located at the end of Long Island in New York, Montauk is one of the five hamlets of East Hampton. It’s a popular holiday destination for its amazing beaches, green spaces, and beautiful climate.
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Montauk for families, with friends, or with your partner, Montauk offers lots of amazing choices.
The only real problem with this holiday destination is the price. This is a popular holiday destination, so it can be extremely expensive. On the other hand, the beautiful, white-sand beaches; lush parks, and relaxed atmosphere make Montauk worth whatever price you have to pay!
So, if you’re ready to relax, eat seafood, and enjoy the historic sites, here are the best neighborhoods in Montauk for your first visit or a return trip.
Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Montauk?
- Where to stay in Montauk for a first visit – Kirk Park
- Where to stay in Montauk on a budget – Napeague Beach
- Best neighborhood in Montauk for families – Culloden Point
- Best area to stay in Montauk for nightlife – Montauk Village
- The coolest place to stay in Montauk – Ditch Plains
Where to Stay in Montauk
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Montauk.
Nestled amidst picturesque green landscapes, this hotel stands out as an excellent budget-friendly accommodation option in Montauk. The hotel has a heated outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant along with a selection of deluxe room options.
Ocean Surf Resort boasts an exceptional location right next to Kirk Park at mid-range prices. It also has some fantastic on-site facilities, including a glistening outdoor swimming pool and a spacious terrace area, complete with barbecue facilities.
Situated on Star Island, this stunning hotel captures the essence of luxury with its exquisite yacht, club-style ambiance. The hotel offers a range of lavish amenities, including a luxurious spa, a private beach, and three inviting swimming pools.
Montauk Neighborhood Guide
Montauk isn’t a large area, but it packs a lot of activities and past times into the small space. By choosing the right place to stay, you can be close to what you most want to see or do, and that will help you have the best holiday possible.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Montauk close to everything, then try Kirk Park. Based around the beach, this is a lively area with lots of shops and restaurants where you can grab a delicious meal and relax some more.
The next area to think about is Napeague Beach, with its white sandy beaches and laid-back vibe. This is a quieter area but there are still restaurants and hotels close by.
Culloden Point is the best neighborhood in Montauk for families because the beaches are quiet and kid-friendly with gentle waves. It also has a relaxing vibe that will encourage the whole family to relax and revitalize.
If you want to be in the center of everything, then stay in Montauk Village. It’s a small town with plenty of amenities, and close to beaches and other attractions. This is what makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Montauk for nightlife.
And the final area is Ditch Plains Beach, in the east. This is a quieter area where most tourists never venture, so you can have your beach experience without all the crowds.
Montauk’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Here’s a deeper dive into the best neighborhoods in Montauk close to everything you want to see and do.
Neighborhood#1 – Kirk Park
Where to stay in Montauk for a first visit
- COOLEST thing to do in Kirk Park – Relax on the beach and take in the views
- BEST place to visit in Kirk Park – Harvest on Fort Pond, for amazing seafood
Kirk Park is the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Montauk for your first visit because it offers a bit of everything. With a wonderful, sandy beach, beautiful views, and a lively town area, you’ll find plenty of things to keep you occupied around this beach.
Kirk Park is just outside the center of Montauk and it’s a popular spot for locals and tourists. It also has great nightlife if you feel like heading out after dark for some drinks and a bit of late-night fun.
- See if you can spot a celebrity at Surf Lodge
- Play a family-friendly round of golf at Puff & Putt Family Fun Center
- Have a meal at Sel Rrose Montauk
- Go hiking on The Dune Ridge Trail
- Have a picnic in the park with the kids
- Have a drink at Nick’s on the Beach or The Point Bar and Grill
- Go camping or fishing at Hither Plain Reservation
Best Budget Hotel in Kirk Park
Plum Beach Resort
With bright and spacious rooms with living areas, this hotel is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Montauk if you are on a budget. It has a heated pool, rooms with ocean views, and some of the rooms have their own kitchen and fireplace. And you can’t beat this hotel for convenience either as the beach is only half a mile away from the front door.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Kirk Park
Ocean Surf Resort
Ocean Surf Resort has a brilliant location, being just a few steps from Kirk Park Beach, Kirk Park itself, and Hither Hills State Park. The 3-star hotel also has some amazing on-site facilities, including a refreshing outdoor swimming pool and a spacious terrace area equipped with barbecues.
Best Luxury Hotel in Kirk Park
Hero Beach Club
This beachfront hotel has large, spacious rooms with welcoming decor. It’s close to the beach and to the center of town and has an outdoor swimming pool, in-room massages, and private entrances to each room. Some of the rooms even have a balcony or deck so that you can enjoy the weather and the views during your stay.
Neighborhood#2 – Napeague Beach
Where to stay in Montauk on a budget
- COOLEST thing to do in Napeague Beach – Go hiking along Matthew’s Path
- BEST place to visit in Napeague Beach – Victor D’Amico Institute of Art for some inspiration
The area around Napeague Beach is the best neighborhood in Montauk if you are on a budget because it sees less tourists. This white sandy beach is located between Montauk and Amagansett and offers some reasonably priced hotels and restaurants.
This is a good area to stay in if you want a more relaxed vibe rather than a busy holiday full of bars and other people. You’ll get a bit more peace and quiet in this part of Montauk, and what else could you want from a de-stressing holiday!
- Have a meal at Best Pizza and Dive Bar or Clam Bar at Napeague
- Go hiking, horseback riding, off-roading, or fishing at Theodore Roosevelt County Park
- Check out the bird conservation at the Napeague State Park
- Go kayaking or scuba diving off the beach
- Relax on the sand and get a tan
- Hike the Walking Dunes trail for a real calf workout
Best Budget Hotel in Napeague Beach
The Hermitage
With fully furnished apartments that have full kitchen facilities and private balconies, this hotel offers both complete privacy and convenience. You can play tennis on the hotel’s courts or enjoy the private beach area during your stay and the Hither Woods are just across from the hotel, allowing for each access to all that beauty.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Napeague Beach
White Sands Motel
With a 9.4 star rating on booking.com and a fantastic location near Napeague Beach and National Park, we can see why this is such a popular hotel t stay at in Motanuk. The hotel has a homely feel to it with comfortable furnishings and a super-friendly team of staff.
Best Luxury Hotel in Napeague Beach
Sea Crest
When you stay at this hotel, you’ll enjoy the beachfront location, the outdoor pool with complimentary lounges, and the beautiful views from the rooms. Each of the rooms has a balcony, a dining area, and a kitchenette, as well as a dining area.
And just in case you get bored with all that beach and nature, the hotel has tennis courts so you can work up a sweat before heading in to relax and rewind.
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Neighborhood#3 – Culloden Point
Best neighborhood in Montauk for families
- COOLEST thing to do in Culloden Point– Head over to the Gin Beach market for snacks, people watching, and souvenirs
- BEST place to visit in Culloden Point– Montauk Point State Park for hiking and views
Culloden Point is the best neighborhood in Montauk for families because of its calm atmosphere and separation from the rest of the city. It’s on the other side of Lake Montauk from the city center, close enough to visit easily but also far enough away that you’ll enjoy peaceful days and nights.
The beach at Culloden Point is ideal for kids—soft and gentle—and there are plenty of restaurants and shops in this area to keep you entertained. But of course, it’s the outdoor activities that are the real star in this area. No matter what you enjoy doing in the great outdoors, there’s a place to do it at Culloden Point.
- Enjoy a day on the sand at Gin Beach or Sunset Beach
- Hike to the Overlook for some amazing views
- Go hiking or biking in the state park
- Play a round of golf at the Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course
- Relax and have a meal at the Tiny Harbor Asian Café or Westlake Fish House
- Have a drink at the Boneyard or Liar’s Saloon
- Learn about the history of the area at the Montauk Lighthouse Museum
Best Budget Hotel in Culloden Point
Kenny’s Tipperary Inn
With an on-site restaurant, pool, and large rooms with cable TV and fridges, this hotel offers everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay on Montauk. It’s just a few minute’s walk from the Block Island Ferry and close to the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum. It also has plenty of outdoor facilities so that you can enjoy the warm weather during your stay.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Culloden Point
Haven Montauk
Just four minutes walk to the bay, this hotel offers a relaxing setting close to the center of Montauk. The rooms have their own private bathrooms and some of them have kitchens or views of the sunset. The hotel has lots of facilities that encourage you to enjoy the great outdoors, such as an outdoor pool, BBQ area, and a fire pit.
Best Luxury Hotel in Culloden Point
Montauk Yacht Club
Situated just around the corner from Culloden on Star Island, this beautiful yacht club-style hotel is the epitome of luxury. The 4-star hotel features a luxurious spa, a private beach, 3 swimming pools, and fancy boat rentals.
Neighborhood#4 – Montauk Village
Best area to stay in Montauk for nightlife
- COOLEST thing to do in Montauk Village – Go fishing off Navy Beach and stay to watch the sunset afterward
- BEST place to visit in Montauk Village – Hither Woods Preserve for beaches, picnic spots, and views
If you like to grab your mates and head out at night for some fun, then stay in Montauk Village, the best neighborhood in Montauk for nightlife. This is the center of the tourist activity on the island, so of course, you’ll have access to the best clubs and bars. And the restaurants in the area are pretty good.
You won’t miss out on the beach when you stay in Montauk Village. The island is so long and narrow that the ocean is never far away. That makes it the perfect balanced choice for anyone who wants to relax on the sand in the daytime and with a drink at night. This part of the island can get a little busy in the tourist season, so expect some crowds and some competition for the best accommodation.
- Take the kids to enjoy the Montauk Skatepark
- Relax in the sand on Kirk Beach or Navy Beach
- Try the local food at the 668 the Gig Shack, Hooked, or Pizza Village
- Have a delicious drink at the Montauk Brewing Company
- Go fishing, kayaking, or swimming at the beach
Best Budget Hotel in Montauk Village
Sole East Resort
Set in beautiful green surroundings, this hotel is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Montauk close to everything. The beach is just 550 yards from the hotel and so is the center of Montauk. The hotel has a heated outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant that serves a seasonal menu using local ingredients.
But it’s the 2.5 acres of garden around the hotel that is really special. Relax in a cabana by the pool, have a picnic on the grounds, or just go for a walk and enjoy the natural setting.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Montauk Village
Ruschmeyers Hotel
Ruschmeyers Hotel offers guests brightly lit and modern rooms with authentic beach-style furnishings including wooden deck chairs and beautiful handmade paintings. The hotel is also home to a tasty restaurant and a bar area serving up a delicious storm of food and drink options.
Best Luxury Hotel in Montauk Village
Montauk Manor
Located in a beautiful manor-style house, this house has indoor and outdoor pools as well as on-site spa facilities. The rooms are each unique, with their own style and decorations, and contain a full kitchen and private bathroom. It’s the perfect hotel for activities as it offers everything from tennis courts to horse riding and fishing facilities.
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Neighborhood#5 – Ditch Plains
The coolest place to stay in Montauk
- COOLEST thing to do in Ditch Plains – Go surfing off Ditch Plains Beach whether you’re a beginner or a pro!
- BEST place to visit in Ditch Plains – Shadmoor State Park for its amazing clifftop hike
And finally, we have Ditch Plains, based around a great beach at Montauk’s east end. This is easily the coolest place to stay on the island, it’s also the best neighborhood in Montauk for couples who want a little privacy during their trip. Ditch Plains is on a remote part of the island that sees few tourists, so no one will interrupt your peace and quiet when you stay in this area.
Ditch Plains has great surfing and swimming as well as a relaxed atmosphere. And despite its isolation, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding places to stay and things to eat in this area either, because it’s still close to Montauk village as well as to more local shops and restaurants.
- Go hiking through Amsterdam Beach State Park and then cool off at the beach at the end
- Take surfing lessons and level up your water game!
- Enjoy the peace and solitude of Rheinstein Estate Park
- Test out your game at the Gotham Tennis Montauk
- Go hiking along the Shadmoor State Preserve Trail to see a protected marine environment
- Have a meal at the Crow’s Nest or Naturally Good Sushi
Best Budget Hotel in Ditch Plains
Montauk Villa
Less than half a mile from Ditch Plains Beach, this villa offers comfort and complete privacy for your visit. It has two bedrooms, a full kitchen, private parking, and a balcony where you can enjoy the warm weather. There’s also a playground at the villa to keep the kids occupied while you relax in the hot tub.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Ditch Plains
Don’t Ditch Your Plains
Unfortunately, Ditch Plains isn’t home to any mid-range hotels however, this beautifully decorated holiday home is the next best thing! A 2-bedroom house fitting up to 4 guess it is the perfect place for families or small groups to lodge for the night in Montauk.
Best Luxury Hotel in Ditch Plains
Marram
This hotel is both close to Ditch Plains Beach and to the center of Montauk, offering the best of both worlds. It’s on the beach and has its own private beach area, as well as an oceanside pool. The rooms are bright and airy, with a dining area and a fridge and you can eat lunch and breakfast at the property or just head into town for more choices.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Montauk
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Montauk for couples, for friends, or with your family, you’ll have lots of choices. Just don’t expect to find too many budget choices and snap them up fast if you do find them! Apart from that, relax on the beach and get a tan or work on your surfing or swimming skills. Montauk is known for its outdoor activities, so get out there and enjoy them!
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