Montauk has the widest range of beaches on the fork, from Ditch Plains, the Hamptons’ main surf break, to calm East Lake Beach on Lake Montauk. Two state parks anchor the east end: Hither Hills with an ocean swimming beach and camping, and Montauk Point with surf, fishing and winter seal walks.
The Town of East Hampton runs the rest: Kirk Park and South Edison near the village, both lifeguarded from 9am.
The pick, by need
Ditch Plains Beach
The surf beach, with guards, a food truck and trails
East Lake Beach (Gin Beach)
Calm lake water for small children, with guards from 10am
Hither Hills State Park
Ocean swimming, camping and showers in a state park
Every beach in Montauk
- Ditch Plains BeachAtlantic Ocean · Lifeguards in season · Town of East Hampton
- East Lake Beach (Gin Beach)Bay · Lifeguards in season · Town of East Hampton
- Hither Hills State ParkAtlantic Ocean · Lifeguards in season · New York State Parks
- Kirk Park BeachAtlantic Ocean · Lifeguards in season · Town of East Hampton
- Montauk Point State ParkAtlantic Ocean · No lifeguards · New York State Parks
- South Edison BeachAtlantic Ocean · Lifeguards in season · Town of East Hampton
The six beaches
| Beach | Water | Run by | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ditch Plains | Ocean | Town | Surf |
| Kirk Park | Ocean | Town | A walk-from-town swim |
| South Edison | Ocean | Town | A guarded village-edge swim |
| East Lake (Gin Beach) | Lake Montauk | Town | Calm water for kids |
| Hither Hills State Park | Ocean | State | Camping, swimming, fishing |
| Montauk Point State Park | Ocean | State | Surf, seals, hiking, no swimming |
Montauk’s water is colder than the town’s reputation suggests, and NOAA’s Montauk station averages about 71 degrees in July and August. See the water temperature page for the month-by-month table. The Town beaches use the same lifeguard calendar as the rest of East Hampton: weekends from Memorial Day weekend, daily from mid-June.
For fees, 4WD permits and parking see Hamptons Beach Pass, and for a worked plan see the Montauk beach-day itinerary.
Stay in Montauk
Renting in Montauk for the summer or the year? Hamptons Key lists monthly, seasonal and year-round homes there from the brokers who hold them.
The rest of the trip
Sources
- Town of East Hampton: Ditch Plains Beach
- Town of East Hampton: Kirk Park Beach
- Town of East Hampton: East Lake Beach (Gin Beach)
- New York State Parks: Hither Hills State Park
- New York State Parks: Montauk Point State Park
Checked October 2026. Rules, hours and fees change; the operator’s posted signs win. How we check.