If you only have 12 hours in Montauk, here’s exactly where I’d take you.
8:30 AM: Start the morning at Marram with a coffee and a pastry. Contrary to popular belief, Marram isn’t just a beachside hotel — it’s also one of my favorite spots for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon drink. I love grabbing a quick bite, sipping my coffee, and watching the morning surf lessons. If I need to answer emails or get a little work done, it’s one of the best places in Montauk to open up my laptop.
9:30 AM: Head to New York Pilates for a morning workout. With the ocean on one side and Fort Pond on the other, it’s hard to beat the views. The upbeat playlists, energetic instructors, and challenging classes make it the perfect way to kick off the day.
12:00 PM: Spend a few hours at Nick’s Beach. If you’re looking for an easy beach day, this is my go-to. Parking is much more manageable than at some of Montauk’s other beaches, and you’re only a short walk from the center of town if you need to grab lunch or an iced coffee.
2:00 PM: Walk over to Joni’s Kitchen for lunch. It’s my favorite healthy grab-and-go spot before heading back to the beach. I always order the Up in Smoke BBQ Chicken Quesadilla, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
3:00 PM: After the beach, wander through town and pop into a few locally owned favorites. I never skip Below the Blue for custom jewelry or pre-loved when I’m in the mood to hunt for vintage treasures.
5:00 PM: Make your way to Lighthouse Café for live music. Every Friday from 5 to 8 p.m., the café hosts Reggae Fridays with Rum Punch Mafia. It’s one of my favorite ways to ease into the evening with great music, a fun crowd, and a quick cocktail before dinner.
7:00 PM: Dinner at Gin Beach Café. Overlooking Lake Montauk, this hidden gem has one of the prettiest waterfront settings in Montauk. The menu has something for everyone, but the coolest part is their “cook your catch” option, where you can bring in the fish you caught that day, and the kitchen will prepare it for you.
8:30 PM: End the day with sunset at Gin Beach. It’s one of the best places in Montauk to watch the sky light up as fishing boats make their way through the inlet. Whether you’re stretching out on the sand or gathering around a bonfire, there’s no better way to wrap up a summer day.
