Where Cynthia Rowley Eats, Shops, and Stays in Montauk

“When my daughter was born, I had a big house in East Hampton, and all I did was wash towels for friends who came to visit,” says Cynthia Rowley. “So one day, I got in my car and drove to Montauk, looking for the smallest house for sale.” Twenty-five years later, the designer still calls the small seaside town home. “There’s nothing like the landscape and natural beauty in Montauk,” she says. “And it’s just far enough away that people don’t always want to make the trek—which makes it feel really special. It’s an escape.” If you do decide to make the drive, though, it’s well worth it. Spend your days surfing, swimming, hiking—and truly unplugging. “The best thing about being there is that we’re just on the beach all day, every day,” Rowley adds. “It’s really about being in nature, connecting with it.” Below, her personal guide to the perfect weekend (way) out east.

o Uber — Don’t drink and drive!

o Walk — You can walk along the beach almost anywhere in Montauk, from right in town to Ditch Plains.

o Bike — Montauk is a long haul, especially if you only have 48 hours or so. But there’s so much beauty to take in, and no better way to see it all.

o Marram — Marram is amazing because it’s right on the beach. It’s kind of secluded, but we love that we get to host our annual Cynthia Rowley Surf Camp there.

o Hero Beach Club — Also right by the ocean!

o Airbnb — You really can’t go wrong with an Airbnb. There are some smaller, more rustic options on the bay side that are cute and mellow. It’s a great area for kids—no big waves, just calm water and the most beautiful sunsets.

o Joni’s — I love the Thai Me Up or the classic egg wrap and a smoothie.

o The Surf Lodge — Order the lobster roll with fries.

o Monte’s at the Manor — Located in the Montauk Manor, which is really haunted (I’m serious). The food is so great though.

o John’s Drive-In — For the homemade ice cream. I usually do two scoops: Chocolate Oreo Fudge and Toasted Coconut.

o Air & Speed — For surf stuff!

o Cynthia Rowley — It’s a special location—literally a beach shack turned into a store. My beautiful store manager, Maddie, looks amazing in the clothes and is almost always barefoot. Between the good music and the barefoot manager, it’s way more laid-back than our other store! We even brought in sand in—the store is actually built right in it. And all summer long, we host an artisanal coffee pop-up.

o Farmer’s Daughter — Housed in the old White’s Drug & Department Store, you’ll find its antique clothing collection.

o Surf Engstrom — Pick up a Cynthia Rowley wetsuit and go to Marram, where you can sign up for a surf lesson with my friend Leif at Surf Engstrom. One to two hours is good— then have lunch at Mostrador Marram on-site. It’s excellent.

o Montauk Point Lighthouse — For a scenic walk or hike, be sure to spray yourself for ticks first, then drive out to the Montauk Lighthouse and walk the trails along the ocean. You’ll see sea lions sometimes—it’s really beautiful. Don’t miss the Lighthouse itself at the end, on the very tip of the island. That’s why Montauk is called “The End.”

o Westlake Fish House — I recommend ending your night with some live music. There are always bands playing at Westlake Fish House. Montauket and Solé East are great choices too, depending on the vibe you’re after.