Montauk is a coastal hamlet at the eastern end of Long Island, where the Atlantic Ocean meets Block Island Sound. Its identity is closely tied to fishing, surfing, beaches, and a working waterfront, while its location at the end of the South Fork gives it a more open landscape than many other communities on Long Island. Ditch Plains is known for surfing, while the village center contains restaurants, shops, accommodations, and services along Montauk Highway. The surrounding coastline includes sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, dunes, and grassy areas shaped by constant exposure to the sea.

Montauk has deep connections to the Montaukett people, whose communities used the eastern end of Long Island for fishing, hunting, farming, and gathering. Montauk Point also served as an important observation and signaling location before the lighthouse was built. The Montauk Point Lighthouse became a major maritime landmark and remains an active aid to navigation. Local history is also connected to cattle grazing, commercial fishing, lifesaving stations, and the development of Montauk as a seaside community. Today, these traditions remain visible in the fishing fleet, historic sites, working docks, and museums that preserve the area's coastal heritage.

Montauk Point State Park is one of the area's principal attractions, with hiking trails, fishing access, rocky shoreline, and views toward Block Island. The Montauk Point Lighthouse stands within the park and is the oldest lighthouse in New York State. Hither Hills State Park provides another setting for hiking, swimming, camping, fishing, and beach activities, while Camp Hero State Park combines coastal scenery with former military structures and trails. Other popular locations include Ditch Plains Beach, Kirk Park Beach, Fort Pond, and the trails around Napeague, where dunes, wetlands, and maritime vegetation create a varied coastal environment.

Seafood is central to Montauk's food culture, reflecting its long connection with commercial fishing and the Atlantic waters surrounding the community. Local restaurants commonly feature fish, oysters, clams, lobster, and other seafood, while casual establishments serve dishes suited to a seaside town. Montauk is also known for its surf culture, charter fishing, sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. One lesser-known feature is the meeting of Atlantic waters and Block Island Sound at Montauk Point, where visitors can sometimes see contrasting tidal currents from the shore. The combination of a working fishing harbor, beaches, historic sites, and protected coastal landscapes gives Montauk a distinct maritime identity.