Montauk: “The End.”

We call Montauk “The End” as it is the easternmost point of Long Island, where the highway runs out, and the Atlantic seems to stretch forever.

How fitting, then, that Montauk should also be the final stop in our summer daycation series, although I suggest waiting until after Labor Day to visit because of the insane traffic this weekend.

Over the past few weeks, we have wandered through some of Long Island’s most charming towns, discovering lovely shops, memorable meals, waterfront views, and spectacular sunsets. But for our grand finale, we are going all the way to the lighthouse, the ocean and the very end of the island.

So, fill up the gas tank, grab your sunglasses, and leave early. Montauk is not just another destination. Getting there is part of the adventure.

Begin at the Montauk Bake Shoppe

Start your morning at the Montauk Bake Shoppe, located at 29 The Plaza in the center of town. This longtime favorite opens at 6 a.m. and is known for its coffee, freshly baked breads, muffins, scones and famous jelly croissants.

Pick up something sweet, find a nearby bench and enjoy the unmistakable feeling that comes with arriving in Montauk: salty air, beach-town energy and the anticipation of a full day ahead.

My Personal Tip: Try the jelly croissant. This freshly made donut has become part of the Montauk experience!

Continue to the Montauk Point Lighthouse

Next, drive east until you simply cannot drive any farther. There it stands: the iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse.

Commissioned by President George Washington and completed in 1796, it is the oldest lighthouse in New York State. Tour the museum, climb the tower if you are comfortable with the stairs, or remain outside and take in the magnificent views from the rocky shoreline.

In 2026, admission is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors 62 and older. Parking is across the street, and New York residents age 62 and older may park free Monday through Friday with valid identification.

Even if you do not climb the lighthouse, this is one of those places that makes you stop, breathe deeply and appreciate where you are.

My Personal Tip: Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes. The shoreline is rocky, and this is not the place to debut a cute pair of summer sandals.

Lunch at 668 The Gig Shack

Head back into town for lunch at 668 The Gig Shack, located at 782 Montauk Highway. Known locally simply as “The Shack,” it offers indoor and outdoor dining right on Main Street.

The menu combines Montauk seafood with international flavors, including fish tacos, fried local fluke, mussels, burgers and salads. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a fun place to eat and people-watch before exploring downtown.

My Personal Tip: If outdoor seating is available, take it. In Montauk, the passing parade of surfers, beachgoers and vacationers is part of the entertainment.

Browse Downtown Montauk

After lunch, stroll along Montauk Highway and through the surrounding plazas. Browse the surf shops, clothing boutiques, gift stores and specialty markets. Whether you are searching for a new beach cover-up, a locally made keepsake or the perfect “Montauk—The End” sweatshirt, you will find plenty of temptations.

Stop at the Montauk Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center at 742 Montauk Highway for maps, local information and a photo beside the colorful MTK sign.

My Personal Tip: This is the place to purchase one small souvenir from the final daycation. Every time you see it, you will remember the summer we explored Long Island, one town at a time.

Take an Ocean Break at Kirk Park Beach

Before leaving downtown, walk or drive over to Kirk Park Beach on South Emerson Avenue. It offers an accessible way to put your feet in the sand, listen to the waves, or simply sit and enjoy the Atlantic.

The beach is open year-round, with lifeguard-protected swimming during posted seasonal hours. Daily paid parking is available, although downtown street parking may be the better choice if you only want to stop briefly.

My Personal Tip: Keep a folding chair and towel in the car. You may not plan on staying long, but Montauk has a way of convincing you otherwise.

A Sweet Stop at John’s Drive-In

No daycation is complete without ice cream.

John’s Drive-In has been serving burgers and homemade ice cream in Montauk since 1967. Located at 677 Montauk Highway, it offers rotating homemade flavors, soft serve, shakes, sundaes and sorbet.

My Personal Tip: You have been daycationing all day. This is no time to count calories. Get the ice-cream.

End the Day at The Montauket

For the final sunset of our final daycation, head to The Montauket at 88 Firestone Road.

Known locally as “The Hill,” this casual, longtime Montauk gathering place overlooks Gardiners Island and has been welcoming sunset watchers for generations. Come for fresh seafood, lobster rolls, drinks, live music and one of the most celebrated sunset views in Montauk.

Arrive early, find your spot and watch as the sky changes from blue to gold, orange, pink and finally twilight.

My Personal Tip: Do not wait until sunset to arrive. The Montauket is popular for a good reason. Give yourself plenty of time, settle in and let the sunset be the event, not something you rush to catch.

As the sun disappears over the water, take a moment to think about all the places we visited this summer. Each town had its own personality, its own treasures, and its own story to tell.

Perhaps that is the beauty of a daycation. We do not always need an airplane ticket or a hotel reservation to feel that we have gotten away. Sometimes all it takes is a tank of gas, a good friend, family, and the willingness to explore what has been in our own backyard all along.

And so, from the easternmost tip of our beautiful island, we say goodbye to summer and to our daycation series.

Montauk: The End.

Montauk may be “The End” but I hope it is not the end of your Long Island adventures.

Where did you go on Long Island this summer? Which was your favorite town? Send me an email with your responses to:  andreapeponakis@gmail.com