We’re not usually ones to encourage getting too far away from our favorite city. Well…maybe we are, just as long as you promise to come back at the end of the trip!
New Yorkers know that one of the best things about living in NYC is its proximity to seemingly endless adventures. One minute you can be wandering through the city streets, and the next, you can be on a train headed toward a beach, a mountain town, a charming little village or somewhere that feels a whole lot farther away than it actually is.
And with an extensive network of trains connecting the city to destinations across the region, you don’t even need a car to get your escape underway. Just hop aboard, settle into a window seat and watch the skyline gradually give way to something entirely different.
But have you ever wondered just how far you can actually get from Manhattan without making a single train transfer? As it turns out, pretty far. And at the very end of one of Long Island’s longest rail journeys sits a place that feels particularly magical once the summer crowds disappear: Montauk.
The beloved East End beach town may be synonymous with sunny summer weekends, but fall brings a quieter, cozier side of Montauk—and thanks to a direct LIRR ride, you can experience it without ever getting behind the wheel.
Here’s what to know for this costal autum escape!
What to Do in Montauk in the Fall
When the temperature drops, Montauk sheds its chaotic party atmosphere and returns to its roots as a serene, rugged fishing town.
- Catch the Sunset at Montauk Point Lighthouse: Located at the easternmost tip of Long Island, New York’s oldest lighthouse offers sweeping ocean views. Fall brings crisp, clear air and vibrant autumn sunsets over the Atlantic.
- Hike the Hoodoos at Shadmoor State Park: Walk along towering oceanfront bluffs framed by autumn foliage. The freshwater wetlands and foliage-lined trails make for ideal hiking weather without the sweltering summer heat.
- Stroll Quiet Beaches: Ditch the fight for beach blanket space. Ditch Plains and Kirk Park Beach offer serene expanses perfect for morning coffee walks, beachcombing, and watching die-hard surfers tackle fall swells.
- Explore Camp Hero State Park: Known for its mysterious history (and as the real-life inspiration for Stranger Things), this park features dense forested trails, coastal views, and striking radar installations.
Where to Eat and Drink
Autumn in Montauk means shorter wait times, cozy fireplaces, and fresh seasonal catches.
- The Dock: Tucked away on the harbor, this local landmark serves up some of the freshest clam chowder, lobster rolls, and steamed mussels in town.
- Montauk Brewing Company: Grab a outdoor bench in the heart of town and sample seasonal brews like their Pumpkin Ale or Wave Chaser IPA.
- Inlet Seafood Restaurant: Owned by six commercial fishermen, this spot offers pristine, fresh-off-the-boat seafood and incredible panoramic views of Montauk Harbor.
- Harvest on Fort Pond: Perfect for a warm family-style dinner, Harvest offers Italian-inspired dishes made with local ingredients and a waterfront garden ideal for catching the sunset.
How to Get There from NYC
Taking the train is not only the most relaxed way to reach Montauk—it’s also a scenic journey across Long Island.
- Board the LIRR: Hop on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison.
- Select a Direct Train: Look for direct express trains on the Montauk Branch (available frequently on weekends and select weekday schedules) to skip changing trains at Jamaica.
- Ride to “The End”: Sit back for the ~3 to 3.5-hour ride as the tracks run all the way to the final stop: Montauk Station.
- Getting Around Town: Montauk Station is less than a mile from downtown. Once you arrive, you can easily walk into town, ride a bike, or take a quick rideshare/taxi to your hotel or the beach.