11 Amazing Things To Do In Montauk This Winter

MONTAUK, NY — Montauk may be the go-to destination during the sun-kissed summer months, but locals know that when the crowds have gone, there's magic to be found in every corner.

Sure, under summer skies, beach-seeking visitors hit Montauk’s pristine sands to decompress, swim, sunbathe and surf. But in December, the low season, travelers can still convene with nature — and save big money, too.

The winter season lasts from mid-November through March when the average air and sea temperatures hover around 40 degrees. But here's the upside — the coveted beach suite at a lavish resort that cost from $1,000 a night on a July weekend costs from $180 by waiting until December.

“Traveling during winter can save you from up to 80 percent on lodging, allowing you to trade up to a higher class of accommodation than you could manage in summer,” Laraine Creegan, executive director of the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, said.

Year-round accommodations include Born Free Suites by the Sea, Daunt’s Albatross Motel, Gurney’s Montauk Resort and Seawater Spa, Montauk Manor, Montauk Motel, Hither House, Kenny's Tipperary Inn, Lenhart’s Cottages, Royal Atlantic Beach Resort, Sea Crest Resort, Uihlein’s Motel, Windward Shores Resort and Sunrise Guest House.

The Montauk Chamber of Commerce has compiled at list of 11 of the best things to do this winter in Montauk. So take the ride, enjoy the illuminated Lighthouse, and make some Montauk memories.

11 Amazing Things To Do In Montauk This Winter

- Take in the Montauk Lighthouse — high on a promontory in Montauk State Park, lit up until January 5, 2020.

- Walk the forest trails, appreciate water views and see the old military installations in the 415-acre Camp Hero State Park. The park is the site of a WWII defensive air force base that is the real-world inspiration for the plot of Netflix’s Stranger Things.

- Cozy up to Montauk Brewing Company’s tap room for a toast.

- Dine or sip a cocktail while overlooking the ocean enclosed in one of Gurney’s Montauk novel, multi-sensory theme, heated igloos installed on its deck.

- Stop at Water Mill’s Duck Walk Vineyards or Sagaponack’s Wolffer Estate tasting rooms.

- Watch die-hard surfers hitting the waves all winter long.

- Enjoy a swim in an indoor pool, one of which is filled with seawater, or pamper yourself in a spa.

- On New Year’s Day observe Montaukers — or join the intrepid crowd yourself — make a mad dash into the Atlantic from Gurney’s beach in the Polar Beach Plunge for a worthy local cause.

- Watch seals bask on rocks.

- Walk the beach, take in the stars of the dark skies and utter quietude of Montauk in winter.

- End winter on the first day of spring on March 22, 2020, at Montauk’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the largest in New York State.