I grew up on the island and we’d go to Montauk several times a year. My favorite time is September, October. The weather is perfect and the tourists are long gone. Happy hour snd dinner at The Shagwong is a must.
Unfortunately the club scene in Montauk has changed the low key, family ambiance of earlier years. It’s become over crowded and overpriced. I miss the old Montauk.
Any discussion of Montauk's beach food highlights MUST include Joni's on S. Edison. In town just two blocks from the sand, they make the most delicious and healthy (often organic) wraps and sandwiches, hot and cold plates, smoothies and a throwback vibe that feels like pure holiday. Great service; closes around 3 every day.
Great video Paul. Our family has had a house at Ditch Plains Beach since 1982. I was a lifeguard in Montauk the Summer of 83. I play piano and I filmed some of my videos from our deck with an ocean view. My recently departed father Robert loved Montauk so much that he wrote a song called "Montauk" which 2 musician friends of mine covered. The Montauk Library did an article about my father Robert for Throwback Thursday called The Fisherman. I put these links in my video descriptions since he passed away January 2023. 🎹 👍
We go every year in early Fall when the crowds are gone. Walking the Lighthouse bluff and then eating seafood somewhere out there has been a fun tradition.
Perfection!!! I've searched for years for insider travel guides like this. well played as all your seggestions are spot on and incorporate a whole day and night itenerary. Nightlife and day parties are important to some but overlooked, you nailed it, salute'. Can't wait to watch your other vids and keep up the good work. Hoping you'll visit more spots up and down the east coast weather it's in car from here(LI) or hop in a plane for a destination.
I would go there on day trips with my family in the mid-60s from Western Suffolk County. The place was largely nice uncrowded beaches and Montauk fishing Fleet stations. In 1981, with the incredible explosive growth of the stock market, the yuppies targeted The Hamptons along with Montauk, and they commercialized the place to death , and made the place an expensive madhouse, and destroyed its quiet quaintness 😢
Great video. Just visited this area for the first time, unfortunately it’s cost prohibitive for the middle class For the less fortunate- Bring your own food and drink and then you can thoroughly enjoy your visit. Just a real comment not a criticism.
I love Montauk. We moved there in 1971 when I was 16. Bounce Beach was then called the Pirates Den - my go to beach as a teenager. If you ever do a Part 2 video, would suggest including the views of L.I. Sound from atop Fort Port Bay area, Shepherd's Neck, Montauk Manor, and Deep Hollow Ranch. Great video - thanks for the trip down memory lane.
I have known Montauk for 60 years. Five years ago I returned for the first time in 25 years. The hiking trails are great, but I found the town and harbour area yuppified and outrageously expensive. By the way, Gurney's does not have a "2000 foot long private beach". The beaches are public property up to the mean high water mark, which covers most of the beach.
@@PaulBalzano I was fortunate to have had relatives who lived and worked in Montauk year round, and I loved the place. My uncle, in fact, worked at the old Montauk Manor when it was still a functioning hotel in the early 1960's. I lived in Montauk for a couple of years in the mid 70's, was involved with the NY Ocean Science Lab on Fort Pond Bay (it's now a gated condominium development), and became part of the local fishing fraternity. My relative passed away in the early 90's; after that, if I wanted to come, I would have been on my own. My job as a teacher gave me lots of time off during the summer, but I refused to be part of the Memorial Day to Labour Day high-season tourist throng. When I retired in 2019, I wanted to show my partner the place I had talked about so often, and we came for a week in late September. Happily, the parks were still the same, and we walked miles to my old fishing spots around the lighthouse, in Hither Hills and at Napeague. We avoided the boutiques in town, but we did have to go a couple of times to the Montauk IGA. I always remembered it as being expensive, but the prices now were truly eye-popping. There must be people in town working for minimum wage: it is beyond me how they can survive, unless they have at least two jobs and live crammed into substandard quarters. I had been looking forward to dinner at Gosman's in the harbour, but first we took a stroll through their fish house. The prices for fresh flounder, bass, etc. were ridiculous. I live inland more than 400 miles as the crow flies from the sea, and I can purchase the same fresh fish at home for less than at Gosman's dockside market! I was so angry that I immediately said to hell with the idea of going to the restaurant. The happiest part of the trip was driving up the west side of Fort Pond Bay, to the old "Hangar Dock" near Rocky Point. My father took me fishing there when I was a very small boy; we caught blowfish and the occasional flounder. Then the road was closed off, and remained that way for decades. The road has been reopened, the pier refurbished, and being able to walk out on it again made me very emotional. Another special experience was driving along the back roads at Promised Land. We visited the public ramp where I used to launch my boat to fish for fluke off of Napeague. The ramp hadn't changed much ... still treacherous with a west wind and incoming tide! We had a wonderful chat there with a man who was working on his boat, just like we had chatted earlier with a surfcaster in the lighthouse parking lot. I have always enjoyed the company of fishermen, particularly surfcasters and small boat do-it-yourself types. Salt of the earth! I am glad I went, but it is a shame the way Montauk has priced itself beyond the reach of the people I used to know. The way I see it, if the only grocery store in town is expensive, and the gas stations are expensive, every other merchant who eats food and buys gas has to raise their prices just to survive. The whole thing snowballs, and the result is that the town changes into one that only the very well-off can afford to visit. Too bad! Paul, any comments? I'd love to hear your perspective, but as a local, not a guide for tourists.
@@Cedric-m8d Thanks for sharing your Montauk experiences. Even with all of the changes, Montauk continues to be the best beach town on Long Island. I personally have many cherished memories from spending time there with my family, and will continue to visit when I need a quick getaway.
Hi Dennis. Thanks for your comments. I’ve been going to Montauk for many years and always swim in the ocean there. I can assure you there’s no threat of wild animals that would hurt you. Go and enjoy the beautiful beaches and ocean.
I live in NJ & I've spent way too many hours sitting in traffic when I had to go to any place on that island, to ever get interested in going further on it than absolutely necessary. Now I did read there is a ferry service from Connecticut, so maybe that's the best idea if you don't want to have to go via Brooklyn & traffic for miles & miles ? There are other beautiful places South of Long island I'm told, not as far to go - my daughter & friends used to rent a cottage there each summer - an island without cars - Fire Island I believe it was called. They said it was wonderful.
@@louern123 if you want to be on the beach, Gurneys is the most expensive but a very nice resort. Probably not practical for a family as you’ll need multiple rooms. I suggest you check out the Royal Atlantic Beach Condos or the Surf Club Condos both right on the beach. If looking for something less expensive and off the water try the Montauk Manor. Book early for the summer.
I grew up on the island and we’d go to Montauk several times a year.
My favorite time is September, October. The weather is perfect and the tourists are long gone.
Happy hour snd dinner at The Shagwong is a must.
Thanks for your comments. I agree that early fall is a great time to visit with the crowds gone.
I agree! Late summer and early fall are excellent times to visit when the crowds have gone.
The video was great! Montauk really is the best
Thank you Anthony! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for the detail!!! This is EXACTLY what I was looking for!!!
Glad to hear that James! I hope you’ll consider subscribing my channel and hitting the like button! There’s other cool LI videos you’ll enjoy.
dude~ Greetings. awesome . have a good day- ))
Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you!!!
You’re welcome. Hope you enjoyed the video.
Unfortunately the club scene in Montauk has changed the low key, family ambiance of earlier years. It’s become over crowded and overpriced. I miss the old Montauk.
Yea, it’s not the same as it once was, but still a great place.
You reminded me about how great Montauk is and that I need to get back out there. Thanks for the great coverage.
Brian, Thanks for your comments. Yea, it’s a great place to visit with lots to do and enjoy.
Any discussion of Montauk's beach food highlights MUST include Joni's on S. Edison. In town just two blocks from the sand, they make the most delicious and healthy (often organic) wraps and sandwiches, hot and cold plates, smoothies and a throwback vibe that feels like pure holiday. Great service; closes around 3 every day.
Thanks for the recommendation! I’ve heard about Joni’s and will have to try there next time we’re in town.
This is so awesome and helpful! I need to check these places out. Hope all is well with you as well!
Thanks for your comments Amy. I’m doing well and hope the same for you too!!
In 2002 I worked and lived in Montauk for the nature conservancy, small chill town, girls weren't feeling getting hit on , lol
Thanks for your comments.
Great video Paul. Our family has had a house at Ditch Plains Beach since 1982. I was a lifeguard in Montauk the Summer of 83. I play piano and I filmed some of my videos from our deck with an ocean view. My recently departed father Robert loved Montauk so much that he wrote a song called "Montauk" which 2 musician friends of mine covered. The Montauk Library did an article about my father Robert for Throwback Thursday called The Fisherman. I put these links in my video descriptions since he passed away January 2023. 🎹 👍
Thank you for your comments. Glad you enjoyed the video and sorry about your dad.
@@PaulBalzano Thank you
Just watched “No Hard Feelings” and wanted to look 👀 up this town.
Looks really nice!
Thanks for your comments. It really is nice, and worth the trip for sure!
We go every year in early Fall when the crowds are gone. Walking the Lighthouse bluff and then eating seafood somewhere out there has been a fun tradition.
Thanks for your comments. I agree Fall is also a great time to be in Montauk.
Perfection!!! I've searched for years for insider travel guides like this. well played as all your seggestions are spot on and incorporate a whole day and night itenerary. Nightlife and day parties are important to some but overlooked, you nailed it, salute'. Can't wait to watch your other vids and keep up the good work. Hoping you'll visit more spots up and down the east coast weather it's in car from here(LI) or hop in a plane for a destination.
Hi Joseph, Thanks for your comments and kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed the video!
I would go there on day trips with my family in the mid-60s from Western Suffolk County. The place was largely nice uncrowded beaches and Montauk fishing Fleet stations. In 1981, with the incredible explosive growth of the stock market, the yuppies targeted The Hamptons along with Montauk, and they commercialized the place to death , and made the place an expensive madhouse, and destroyed its quiet quaintness 😢
Thanks for your comments and sharing your experiences.
Great video. Just visited this area for the first time, unfortunately it’s cost prohibitive for the middle class For the less fortunate- Bring your own food and drink and then you can thoroughly enjoy your visit. Just a real comment not a criticism.
Thanks for sharing your comments. Bringing your own food and drinks can certainly make it more enjoyable, and at times, I have done the same.
Thank you for this video! I love Montauk I've been visiting there for over 40 years. Sadly I missed this year but this video took me back.
Thank you Nadine for your comments. It’s not too late to visit.
I love Montauk. We moved there in 1971 when I was 16. Bounce Beach was then called the Pirates Den - my go to beach as a teenager. If you ever do a Part 2 video, would suggest including the views of L.I. Sound from atop Fort Port Bay area, Shepherd's Neck, Montauk Manor, and Deep Hollow Ranch. Great video - thanks for the trip down memory lane.
I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for leaving a comment, and suggestions for version two.
@@PaulBalzano You're welcome, and thanks again for such a beautifully done video!
I have known Montauk for 60 years. Five years ago I returned for the first time in 25 years. The hiking trails are great, but I found the town and harbour area yuppified and outrageously expensive. By the way, Gurney's does not have a "2000 foot long private beach". The beaches are public property up to the mean high water mark, which covers most of the beach.
Thanks for your comments. What took you so long to come back?
@@PaulBalzano I was fortunate to have had relatives who lived and worked in Montauk year round, and I loved the place. My uncle, in fact, worked at the old Montauk Manor when it was still a functioning hotel in the early 1960's. I lived in Montauk for a couple of years in the mid 70's, was involved with the NY Ocean Science Lab on Fort Pond Bay (it's now a gated condominium development), and became part of the local fishing fraternity. My relative passed away in the early 90's; after that, if I wanted to come, I would have been on my own. My job as a teacher gave me lots of time off during the summer, but I refused to be part of the Memorial Day to Labour Day high-season tourist throng. When I retired in 2019, I wanted to show my partner the place I had talked about so often, and we came for a week in late September.
Happily, the parks were still the same, and we walked miles to my old fishing spots around the lighthouse, in Hither Hills and at Napeague. We avoided the boutiques in town, but we did have to go a couple of times to the Montauk IGA. I always remembered it as being expensive, but the prices now were truly eye-popping. There must be people in town working for minimum wage: it is beyond me how they can survive, unless they have at least two jobs and live crammed into substandard quarters. I had been looking forward to dinner at Gosman's in the harbour, but first we took a stroll through their fish house. The prices for fresh flounder, bass, etc. were ridiculous. I live inland more than 400 miles as the crow flies from the sea, and I can purchase the same fresh fish at home for less than at Gosman's dockside market! I was so angry that I immediately said to hell with the idea of going to the restaurant.
The happiest part of the trip was driving up the west side of Fort Pond Bay, to the old "Hangar Dock" near Rocky Point. My father took me fishing there when I was a very small boy; we caught blowfish and the occasional flounder. Then the road was closed off, and remained that way for decades. The road has been reopened, the pier refurbished, and being able to walk out on it again made me very emotional. Another special experience was driving along the back roads at Promised Land. We visited the public ramp where I used to launch my boat to fish for fluke off of Napeague. The ramp hadn't changed much ... still treacherous with a west wind and incoming tide! We had a wonderful chat there with a man who was working on his boat, just like we had chatted earlier with a surfcaster in the lighthouse parking lot. I have always enjoyed the company of fishermen, particularly surfcasters and small boat do-it-yourself types. Salt of the earth!
I am glad I went, but it is a shame the way Montauk has priced itself beyond the reach of the people I used to know. The way I see it, if the only grocery store in town is expensive, and the gas stations are expensive, every other merchant who eats food and buys gas has to raise their prices just to survive. The whole thing snowballs, and the result is that the town changes into one that only the very well-off can afford to visit. Too bad!
Paul, any comments? I'd love to hear your perspective, but as a local, not a guide for tourists.
@@Cedric-m8d Thanks for sharing your Montauk experiences. Even with all of the changes, Montauk continues to be the best beach town on Long Island. I personally have many cherished memories from spending time there with my family, and will continue to visit when I need a quick getaway.
Buen video muchas gracias iré en 2 semanas se ve un lugar increíble 😮
Thanks for your comments. It really is a great place and hope you enjoy your trip.
Excellent video.
Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.
My mom used to live in the lighthouse house
That’s interesting, thanks for sharing.
❤️ 💙 💜 💖 💗 💘 ❤️ 💙 💜
I think parking is $50.
Which parking field are you referring to?
Montauk is a beautiful beach and harbor but I was told " Do Not Go Swimming at Montauk Beach, due to the wild animals Swimming the surf's edge.
Hi Dennis. Thanks for your comments. I’ve been going to Montauk for many years and always swim in the ocean there. I can assure you there’s no threat of wild animals that would hurt you. Go and enjoy the beautiful beaches and ocean.
There is sharks in those waters in the summertime...
Nah, ya just gotta jump in without fear.
SHAME ON ME BEING A NEW YORKER I NEVER KNEW HOW HUGE LONG ISLAND IS FROM BELMONT TO MONTAUK IS A TWO HOUR DRIVE THAT'S INSANE.
It’s actually a beautiful ride out there. Will take longer than two hours though but certainly worth the trip.
I live in NJ & I've spent way too many hours sitting in traffic when I had to go to any place on that island, to ever get interested in going further on it than absolutely necessary. Now I did read there is a ferry service from Connecticut, so maybe that's the best idea if you don't want to have to go via Brooklyn & traffic for miles & miles ? There are other beautiful places South of Long island I'm told, not as far to go - my daughter & friends used to rent a cottage there each summer - an island without cars - Fire Island I believe it was called. They said it was wonderful.
Can i bump into Jimmy Fallon when we go ???❤❤❤
I don’t see why not.
@@PaulBalzano 🤞🏻🙏🏻🤞🏻🙏🏻🤞🏻
@@PaulBalzano hey- do you have any other recommendations for a nice place to stay for a family of 5 that isn’t 3k a night ? 🥺
@@louern123 if you want to be on the beach, Gurneys is the most expensive but a very nice resort. Probably not practical for a family as you’ll need multiple rooms. I suggest you check out the Royal Atlantic Beach Condos or the Surf Club Condos both right on the beach. If looking for something less expensive and off the water try the Montauk Manor. Book early for the summer.
@@PaulBalzano thank you 🙏🏻 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Looks great , but... here in N.C. wayyy less people, had a beach to ourselves, mid July, no one for a mile in either direction. Just sayin.
Thanks, sounds nice. Yea, Montauk is a VERY popular place, especially in the summer (and for good reason).
This is the end of long Island
Yes, indeed!
Ps ...Collecting rocks and taking them off the beach is illegal.
Thanks for watching and sharing your comments.