In addition to regular stories on all things that make the Southwest shine, each month The Best of the Southwest takes readers on an easy weekend getaway, sharing the ultimate itinerary for a destination either a quick drive or short flight away, in a column we call Field Trip Friday. Today’s field trip: Montauk. 

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Montauk musts:

• Book a surfing lesson with CoreysWave
• Take a tech break and rejuvenate at MARRAM, where firepits, stargazing and special workshops are waiting
• Visit The Lobster Roll (LUNCH), a Montauk hotspot among celebrities and visitors near and far

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Destination: Montauk, New York

Montauk is often called “The End,” which is ironic given it is among the best places to start the ultimate girls’ trip on the East Coast, especially during the summer months.  

Located on the easternmost tip — or end — of New York, Montauk and its sister waterfront communities make up the posh South Fork of Long Island. Awash in white sand beaches, the resort town offers adventures for every taste.

Getting there: Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) and a quick drive

The easiest way to get to Montauk is to fly to an airport near Montauk, like Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), and then make the quick drive or take a train/bus to the region. 

Adventurous itineraries: Historical landmarks meet water adventures

For the outdoor enthusiasts, start the adventure at the Montauk Lighthouse, which President George Washington first authorized in 1792. It is located at the idyllic Montauk Point State Park, the jumping off point for countless hiking trails overlooking both water and wetlands that are a stark contrast to any vistas in the Valley. Just southwest of the park is Ditch Plains, one of the premiere surfing destinations in the U.S.

Certainly, watching surfers from across the globe catching waves is worth the visit alone, but thanks to CoreysWave, ladies of all ability and experience levels can hop on either a long- or short-board for a lesson. Founded by professional surfer and area expert Corey Senese, the team at CoreysWave takes pride in helping its students learn the basics, but also how to take in the enormity of the surrounding beauty, both on land and sea. Thanks to Catamaran Mon Tiki, also nearby, there are a myriad of eco-tourism options on the water too, notably seafaring adventures on vessels inspired by traditional Polynesian design and stand-up paddleboarding excursions. 

For those looking for a bigger shot of adrenaline, due west of Montauk Point State Park is Sea Turtle Dive Charters. Its focus? Certainly, there are ample SCUBA trips, shipwreck snorkel tours, and even spearfishing adventures from which to choose, but it is also a leading outfitter for those seeking to do shark cage dives. These bucket-list trips take divers approximately 20 miles off of Long Island to safely dive in cages with both mako and blue sharks as well as an array of sea life including mahi-mahi, tuna, whales, ocean sunfish, porpoises and giant sea turtles.  

Relaxing respite: Where to stay

Seeking a more restful visit?

Montauk has visitors well covered there as well as it is also a haven for all things soothing and restorative.  

The newly remodeled Montauk Yacht Club, which is set on 16 acres of pristine coastline, is a quiet waterside resort and sanctuary complete with a private beach, three sparkling pools and Ocean Club Montauk restaurant, which opens in June. The eatery from the mind of award-winning chef Jarad McCarroll is a showcase of locally caught seafood and seasonal produce grown nearby. Montauk Yacht Club is home to the Hamptons’ largest marina, serving everything from small day cruisers to 300-foot superyachts. 

Montauk Manor, also newly renovated for today’s sophisticated traveler, is another must. Beyond the waterfront rooms and suites, it boasts a stunning day spa, both indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, tennis and pickleball courts, summer sunset yoga and Monte’s At The Manor, a top-rated eatery that is as historic and delicious. 

If visiting with a big group of girlfriends, there is also MARRAM, which is nestled among the sand dunes along the water. Its rooms and suites are free from televisions to allow for total immersion in the resort’s many amenities and attractions. In addition to more standard offerings like complimentary bicycles, poolside cabanas, private beach picnics, guided nature walks and oceanfront yoga, MARRAM offers a host of specialty programming including nightly firepits with complimentary s’mores, stargazing sessions, guided meditation, tarot card and astrology readings, and both private energy healing and crystal workshops. They also partner with Mon Tiki for private catamaran charters.  

Foodie finds: An Epicurean dream

Montauk is also a dreamy destination for those looking to indulge in all things epicurean.

The Lobster Roll (LUNCH) is an They area institution. Do not let its roadside shack design — and massive LUNCH sign so no one confuses it for another meal — fool you; The retro-inspired eatery is so good that celebrities from Jerry Seinfeld to Bill Clinton make regular pilgrimages from their homes in Manhattan for a nosh. 

Speaking of Manhattan, one of its most famous restaurants in the three Michelin-starred Scarpetta has an outpost in the area. Located at Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, Scarpetta Beach marries a coastal vibe with a menu of the eateries’ most lauded Italian-inspired fine dining dishes and drinks. 

The region is also home to both Harvest on Fort Pond and La Fin. Harvest boasts an on-site herb and vegetable garden as well as a pond filled with massive fish and curious ducks. Its cocktail bar is that of legend in the area, beloved by locals and visitors alike, and during the summer months, it is among the most serene outdoor dining spaces in New York. On the flip side, La Fin — inspired by the lively atmosphere and aesthetic in St. Barth’s and St. Tropez — is always buzzing. Like Harvest, there is a big focus on sustainable and local ingredients, but with a fabulous French twist. 

Finally, no trip to Montauk would be complete without an exploration of its finest spirits. Montauk Brewing Co. is in the heart of town, housed in a quaint red cottage that – upon entry – welcomes guests onto a massive patio party complete with light ales, hearty stouts, session IPAs, and a host of seasonal inspirations on tap. 

For more information, visit discoverlongisland.com.