Last Updated on October 24, 2023 by LongIslandMaids
- The Hamptons, located on the eastern end of Long Island, New York, is a popular vacation spot for visitors from all over the world. With its picturesque beaches, quaint towns, and rich cultural scene, the Hamptons offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore local vineyards, or immerse yourself in the art scene, there’s plenty to do and see in this charming destination. In this article, we will explore the best things to do in the Hamptons, providing in-depth information on each activity.
Relax on the beach:
The Hamptons is famous for its stunning beaches, each with its own unique charm. Here are some of the best beaches to visit:
- Main Beach: This beach is located in East Hampton and has consistently been ranked as one of the best beaches in the country. With its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters, it’s the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
- Coopers Beach: Located in Southampton, Coopers Beach is another popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. This beach has lifeguards on duty, making it a great choice for families with young children.
- Ditch Plains Beach: This beach, located in Montauk, is a surfer’s paradise. With its consistent waves and picturesque scenery, it’s no wonder that Ditch Plains is a favorite among surfers from all over the world.
For a more in-depth list of beaches, read our The Ultimate Guide to the Best Beaches in The Hamptons for Your Summer Getaway
Visit a vineyard:
The Hamptons is home to many vineyards that produce some of the best wines in the region. Here are some of the best vineyards to visit:
- Wolffer Estate Vineyard: This vineyard, located in Sagaponack, is known for its award-winning wines and beautiful scenery. Visitors can enjoy a tour of the vineyard and a tasting of their popular rosé.
- Channing Daughters Winery: This winery, located in Bridgehampton, produces a wide range of wines, including Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and enjoy a tasting of their delicious wines.
- Duck Walk Vineyards: With two locations in the Hamptons, Duck Walk Vineyards is a popular choice for wine enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a tasting of their popular Blueberry Port or their award-winning Pinot Noir.
Go shopping:
The Hamptons is home to many boutique shops, offering everything from designer clothing to unique home decor. Here are some of the best places to go shopping:
- Southampton Village: This charming village is home to many high-end boutiques, including Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors. Visitors can also find locally made items at the Southampton Farmer’s Market, held on Sundays from May to October.
- East Hampton Main Street: This street is lined with boutique shops and art galleries, making it a popular spot for shopping and browsing. Visitors can also find locally made items at the East Hampton Farmer’s Market, held on Fridays from May to September.
- Sag Harbor Village: This historic village is home to many shops selling unique and one-of-a-kind items. Visitors can find handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, and local artwork.
Explore the art scene:
The Hamptons is known for its thriving art scene, with many galleries and museums showcasing the work of local artists. Here are some of the best places to explore the art scene:
- The Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center: This museum, located in East Hampton, is dedicated to the work of artists Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner. Visitors can take a guided tour of the studio and house, where the artists lived and worked.
- Guild Hall: This museum, located in East Hampton, showcases the work of local artists and also hosts performances, film screenings, and other events throughout the year.
- Parrish Art Museum: This museum, located in Water Mill, has a collection of over 3,000 works of art, focusing on artists who have lived and worked in the region. Visitors can also participate in workshops and other events offered by the museum.
- Hamptons International Film Festival: This annual film festival, held in October, showcases independent films from around the world. Visitors can attend screenings, panels, and parties throughout the festival.
Visit a farmers market:
The Hamptons is known for its fresh produce, and there are many farmers markets where visitors can sample local fruits and vegetables. Here are some of the best farmers markets to visit:
- Montauk Farmers Market: Held on Thursdays from June to September, this market features local produce, baked goods, and crafts.
- Sag Harbor Farmers Market: Held on Saturdays from May to October, this market has a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, and prepared foods.
- Bridgehampton Farmers Market: Held on Fridays from May to September, this market has a wide selection of local produce, as well as crafts and prepared foods.
Take a bike ride:
The Hamptons has many scenic bike paths, offering visitors the chance to explore the region on two wheels. Here are some of the best bike paths to take:
- Montauk Point State Park: This park has several bike paths that offer stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside.
- Sag Harbor to Shelter Island: This bike path takes visitors on a scenic ride through picturesque towns and over the water on a ferry.
- Peconic Bay Trail: This 22-mile bike path offers stunning views of the bay and takes visitors through several charming towns and villages.
Go sailing:
The Hamptons is surrounded by water, making it a popular spot for sailing. Here are some of the best sailing options:
- Sag Harbor Sailing: This sailing company offers private sailing charters, sunset cruises, and sailing lessons for visitors of all skill levels.
- 27east Sailing: This sailing company offers private charters and sailing lessons, as well as whale watching and seal watching tours.
- Montauk Yacht Club Resort and Marina: This resort offers sailing lessons, as well as boat rentals and charters for visitors who want to explore the waters on their own.
Visit a lighthouse:
The Hamptons is home to several historic lighthouses, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich maritime history. Here are some of the best lighthouses to visit:
- Montauk Point Lighthouse: This lighthouse, located in Montauk, is one of the oldest lighthouses in the country. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside.
- Cedar Island Lighthouse: This lighthouse, located in Sag Harbor, is now privately owned but can be viewed from the water on a sailing charter or boat tour.
- Horton Point Lighthouse: This lighthouse, located in Southold, is now a museum showcasing the region’s maritime history.
Go fishing:
The Hamptons is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, both in the ocean and in the bays and estuaries. Here are some of the best fishing options:
- Montauk Fishing Charters: This company offers private fishing charters for visitors who want to catch tuna, shark, or striped bass.
- Peconic Fishing Charters: This company offers fishing charters in the Peconic Bay, where visitors can catch fluke, porgy, and sea bass.
- Hampton Fishing Charters: This company offers fishing charters in both the ocean and the bays, targeting striped bass, bluefish, and other game fish.
Take a yoga class:
For visitors who want to stay active and centered, there are many yoga studios in the Hamptons. Here are some of the best options:
- Yoga Shanti: This studio, founded by well-known yoga teacher Colleen Saidman Yee, offers classes for all levels, as well as workshops and retreats.
- One Ocean Yoga: This studio, located in Bridgehampton, offers classes in vinyasa, restorative, and gentle yoga, as well as meditation classes and workshops.
- Ananda Yoga: This studio, located in Southampton, offers classes in hatha, vinyasa, and restorative yoga, as well as workshops and teacher training programs.
Go horseback riding:
The Hamptons has many beautiful trails for visitors who want to explore the countryside on horseback. Here are some of the best options:
- Deep Hollow Ranch: This ranch, located in Montauk, offers guided trail rides through the scenic countryside and along the beach.
- Sebonack Stables: This stable, located in Southampton, offers trail rides for visitors of all levels, as well as riding lessons and pony rides for children.
- Stony Hill Stables: This stable, located in Amagansett, offers trail rides, riding lessons, and pony rides for children.
Visit a wildlife refuge:
The Hamptons is home to several wildlife refuges, where visitors can observe a variety of birds and other wildlife. Here are some of the best options:
- Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge, located in Sag Harbor, has several trails where visitors can observe birds, turtles, and other wildlife.
- Quogue Wildlife Refuge: This refuge, located in Quogue, has several trails where visitors can observe birds, turtles, and other wildlife, as well as a nature center and a butterfly garden.
- Shinnecock Bay Wildlife Management Area: This wildlife management area, located in Hampton Bays, has several trails where visitors can observe birds, turtles, and other wildlife, as well as a boat launch for kayaking and fishing.
Take a cooking class:
For visitors who want to learn how to cook with local ingredients, there are several cooking schools in the Hamptons. Here are some of the best options:
- The Edible Schoolyard: This cooking school, located in Bridgehampton, offers classes for adults and children, as well as farm-to-table dinners and other events.
- East End Food Institute: This institute, located in Southampton, offers cooking classes, workshops, and other events focused on local food and sustainability.
- The Naked Bite: This cooking school, located in East Hampton, offers private cooking classes and workshops focused on healthy, plant-based cuisine.
Attend a festival or event:
The Hamptons is home to many festivals and events throughout the year, showcasing the region’s food, wine, and culture. Here are some of the best options:
- Hampton Classic Horse Show: This annual horse show, held in Bridgehampton in August, is one of the largest and most prestigious horse shows in the country, with events for riders of all levels.
- Dan’s Taste of Summer: This annual food and wine festival, held in August, showcases the region’s top chefs and wineries, with tastings, seminars, and other events.
- Sag Harbor American Music Festival: This annual music festival, held in September, features local and national musicians performing a variety of genres, as well as food and craft vendors.
Go golfing:
For visitors who want to hit the links, the Hamptons has several beautiful golf courses. Here are some of the best options:
- Shinnecock Hills Golf Club: This golf club, located in Southampton, offers 27 holes of golf, as well as a driving range, putting green, and clubhouse with dining options.
- Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course: This golf course, located in Montauk, offers 18 holes of golf, as well as a driving range, putting green, and clubhouse with dining options.
- Maidstone Club: This private golf club, located in East Hampton, offers 18 holes of golf, as well as tennis, swimming, and dining options.
Visit a museum:
For visitors interested in art, history, or science, the Hamptons has several museums to explore. Here are some of the best options:
- Parrish Art Museum: This museum, located in Water Mill, showcases the work of artists who have lived and worked in the region, as well as rotating exhibitions of contemporary art.
- East Hampton Historical Society: This historical society, located in East Hampton, preserves and interprets the history of the region through its collections and exhibits.
- South Fork Natural History Museum: This museum, located in Bridgehampton, explores the natural history of the region through interactive exhibits, live animals, and outdoor trails.
Go horse racing:
For visitors who want to experience the thrill of horse racing, the Hamptons has a few options. Here are some of the best options:
- The Hampton Classic Horse Show: In addition to equestrian events, this annual horse show in Bridgehampton also features horse jumping competitions and exhibitions.
- Montauk Downs State Park Racetrack: This racetrack in Montauk offers harness racing during the summer months, as well as simulcasting of races from other tracks.
- Suffolk Downs: This racetrack in Boston, Massachusetts, is about a two-hour drive from the Hamptons and offers thoroughbred racing during the summer months.
Take a surfing lesson:
- For visitors who want to catch some waves, the Hamptons has several surf schools and instructors. Here are some of the best options:
- Flying Point Surf School: This surf school, located in Sag Harbor, offers lessons for all levels, as well as surf camps and stand-up paddleboard lessons.
- Main Beach Surf and Sport: This surf school, located in Wainscott, offers lessons for all levels, as well as surf camps, kayak rentals, and other water sports.
- Corey’s Wave: This surf instructor, based in Montauk, offers private and group lessons, as well as surfboard rentals and sales.
Explore historic sites:
For visitors interested in history, the Hamptons has several historic sites to explore. Here are some of the best options:
- Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum: This museum, located in Sag Harbor, explores the history of whaling and the maritime industry in the region.
- Home Sweet Home Museum: This museum, located in East Hampton, is the oldest surviving home in the village and showcases the life and work of John Howard Payne, the author of “Home Sweet Home.”
- Camp Wikoff: This historic site, located in Montauk, was a military camp during the Spanish-American War and is now a public park with hiking trails and picnic areas.
Take a sunset cruise:
For visitors who want to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Hamptons, there are several sunset cruises to choose from. Here are some of the best options:
- Osprey Fishing Fleet: This fishing fleet, located in Montauk, offers sunset cruises with live music, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres.
- The Montauk Yacht Club Resort and Marina: This resort in Montauk offers sunset cruises on its luxury yacht, the Mar
- Throughout the summer months, visitors can also find various sunset cruises departing from Sag Harbor, East Hampton, and Southampton. These cruises offer a relaxing and scenic way to end the day in the Hamptons.
Conclusion:
The Hamptons offer a variety of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you’re looking for a day at the beach, a visit to a vineyard, or an exploration of the region’s art scene and historic sites, the Hamptons has something to offer. With so many options, visitors can customize their itineraries to suit their preferences and budgets. From the beaches of Montauk to the shopping in East Hampton, the Hamptons provide a unique and unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Tips for Visitors:
Here are some tips for visitors to the Hamptons to make the most out of their trip:
- Plan ahead: The Hamptons can get busy during peak season, so it’s important to plan ahead and book accommodations, activities, and restaurants in advance.
- Dress for the weather: The weather in the Hamptons can be unpredictable, especially during the summer months. Make sure to pack appropriate clothing for the season and bring layers for cool evenings.
- Get a rental car: While there are public transportation options in the Hamptons, having a rental car will give you more flexibility to explore the region at your own pace.
- Explore off the beaten path: While the main towns in the Hamptons are popular destinations, consider exploring some of the lesser-known areas to discover hidden gems.
- Take advantage of local events and festivals: The Hamptons hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, so make sure to check the local calendar and attend some of these unique experiences.
In conclusion, the Hamptons is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and history that this region has to offer. From the breathtaking beaches and stunning vineyards to the vibrant arts scene and historic landmarks, the Hamptons provide something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, this region is sure to exceed your expectations and leave you with unforgettable memories.
Additional Information:
- Best Time to Visit: The Hamptons are most popular during the summer months (June-August) when the weather is warmest and the beach season is in full swing. However, this also means that prices are higher and crowds are larger. Consider visiting during the shoulder season (May or September) to enjoy the same beautiful weather and scenery without the crowds.
- Where to Stay: The Hamptons offer a range of accommodations, from luxurious resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts. Some popular options include The Maidstone, The Surf Lodge, Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, and The American Hotel.
- Getting There: The Hamptons are accessible by car, bus, and train. The Hampton Jitney and the Long Island Railroad both offer transportation from New York City to the Hamptons. If driving, take the Long Island Expressway (I-495) east to Exit 70 and follow signs to the Hamptons.
- Safety: The Hamptons are a relatively safe destination, but visitors should still take precautions such as locking their cars and keeping valuables out of sight.
- Budget: The Hamptons can be an expensive destination, especially during peak season. To save money, consider visiting during the shoulder season or staying in a more affordable accommodation such as a bed and breakfast. Many of the outdoor activities such as visiting the beaches, parks, and wildlife refuges are free or have a nominal fee.
- Local Cuisine: The Hamptons offer a diverse array of cuisine, from seafood and farm-to-table to international cuisine. Some popular dining options include The Lobster Roll, Nick & Toni’s, Duryea’s Lobster Deck, and The Clam Bar.
- Sustainability: The Hamptons have become more sustainable in recent years, with many businesses and residents making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. Visitors can support these efforts by choosing eco-friendly accommodations, transportation options, and dining establishments.
In summary, the Hamptons offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, this region has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, the Hamptons are sure to exceed your expectations and leave you with lasting memories.