Montauk ranks among top U.S. spots echoing European summer getaways

Montauk just claimed the No. 4 spot nationally as the best American alternative to a European summer vacation — earning stateside status as the closest domestic match to Biarritz, France.

The comparison hinges on what both coastal destinations deliver: serious surf culture, beachside dining worth the Instagram post, and a sort of relaxed luxury that doesn’t seem to try too hard.

New data from SIXT+, a car subscription service, ranked 25 U.S. destinations against European summer hotspots, pairing them based on climate similarity, rising search demand and social media buzz.

New York City ranked sixth on the list as the closest stateside match to Paris.

The ranking taps into surging American interest in “Euro summer” getaways, with Google searches for the trend skyrocketing over the past year.

Rising international travel costs and logistical headaches have pushed travelers to find domestic stand-ins that deliver Mediterranean vibes without the passport control lines.

The Hamptons region, which includes Montauk, draws close three million visitors annually. The hamlet’s position at Long Island’s eastern tip provides both Atlantic Ocean surf and bay-side calm, backing up its versatility as a coastal destination.

Destinations were ranked based on how closely they replicate the European experience and their overall popularity, combining climate similarity scores with search demand increases and social media engagement metrics.

When you go

Montauk packs a range of classic shoreline experiences, from iconic landmarks to rugged state parks and picturesque surf beaches. Below are five must-see places and things to do in Montauk during a summer stay.

• Montauk Point Lighthouse
  The defining landmark of the area and the easternmost point of Long Island. Visitors come for the history, museum exhibits and sweeping Atlantic views from the cliffs.
• Ditch Plains Beach
  One of the most recognizable surf beaches in the Northeast. It’s renowned for consistent waves and a laid-back crowd.
• Montauk Point State Park
  A dramatic stretch of coastline featuring ocean bluffs, walking paths and panoramic views where the Atlantic meets Long Island’s tip.
• Hither Hills State Park
  A mix of dunes, wooded trails and ocean access, offering a quieter, more nature-forward beach experience compared to the town’s busier stretches.
• Fort Pond Bay waterfront and harbor area
  A go-to for sunsets, boating activity and waterside dining, featuring some of Montauk’s most relaxed evening views across the bay.

• Inlet Seafood Restaurant
  A dockside staple on the East Lake Drive side of Montauk Harbor, known for ultra-fresh, locally caught seafood and wide-open sunset views over Block Island Sound.
• Duryea’s Montauk
  An iconic, scene-heavy waterfront destination perched on Fort Pond Bay, featuing mouth-watering lobster rolls and one of the most photographed golden-hour settings in Montauk.
• Navy Beach
  A true beachside dining experience set directly on a private stretch of sand.
• Gurney’s Montauk (Gigi’s / Beach Club dining)
  A resort-based oceanfront dining hub offering multiple concepts, from elevated sit-down meals to casual beachside bites with direct Atlantic views.
• Shagwong Tavern
  One of Montauk’s longest-running village restaurants, known for its no-frills atmosphere, seafood staples, and steady year-round crowd in the heart of town.

_{Top: Summer in Montauk (Brian Harmon, GLI file photo)}