Beaches, boutiques and the balmy summer breeze: our Hamptons travel guide

Published

14 December, 2022

Edited

29 March, 2023

Sun, sand and surf form the essence of the Hamptons. Just a two-hour drive from New York City, there are endless reasons why this pristine peninsula has been a favourite holiday spot with city dwellers since the late nineteenth century. Boasting some of the best beaches in the world, there’s no better spot for a relaxing break from the city.

Composed of a constellation of coastal villages, excellent eateries, designer boutiques and stretching shoreline, there’s nothing quite like the magic of a Hamptons summer season. During these balmy, hazy months, the local area fills with an eclectic mix of artists, tastemakers, surfers and artisanal producers, the cafés and bars bustle with vibrant energy and design aficionados coo over the countless magnificent mansions that line the streets.

Visit the Hamptons’ heavenly coastal hideaways

Stretching from Southampton right up to Montauk at the tip of Long Island, the Hamptons is made up of a string of charming seaside communities, each boasting its own unique character and charm. Finding it hard to pick which to visit? Here’s our guide to the Hamptons’ finest spots.

East Hampton

The epicentre of the Hamptons and the easternmost town in the state of New York, East Hampton town includes the village of East Hampton (renowned to be the most beautiful village in the whole of the USA) as well as the heavenly hamlets of Montauk, Wainscott, Amagansett, and Springs. From bountiful luxury boutiques and antique shops to bustling waterfront eateries and breathtaking beaches, there are countless things to do and see in this area. Don’t forget to stop off at Pollock-Krasner House, a wonderful museum where you can learn all about the life and work of Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner.

Montauk

The perfect spot for anyone searching for peace and quiet, Montauk is well worth the drive. Relish the wild beauty of Montauk Point State Park, enjoying the various hiking trails inland or surfing and fishing off the coast. Here you’ll find the iconic Montauk Point Lighthouse, built in 1796 this is New York’s oldest lighthouse and houses a great little museum. Art lovers will want to make tracks for Parrish Art Museum, an expansive museum and open-air space spread out over 25 acres of land and featuring a spectacular collection of work by artists from the artist colony of the South Shore and North Shore.

Sag Harbor

Once an old whaling village, historic Sag Harbor is bursting with museums, such as the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum, as well as sprawling national preserves and pretty beaches. Wander down Main Street and browse the village’s great array of art galleries and tasty dinner spots. Finish your day admiring the sunset at Marine Park harbour - both a war memorial and a bustling port, this is the perfect spot for a cold drink come sundown.

A few of the best things to do in the Hamptons

With endless attractions and activities, there’s something for every kind of holidaymaker in the Hamptons. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-packed adventure, or an afternoon filled with culture (or a mix of the two) this versatile destination is sure to delight.

Catch the sunset from the renowned Montauk Point Lighthouse

Brave the 137 steps to reach the top of Montauk Point Lighthouse and admire the spectacular views over the Block Island Sound. At the end of the afternoon, the tip of the peninsula (or ‘the end of the world’ to locals) is a great place to enjoy breathtaking sunset scenes.

Explore the coast on two wheels

Ditch the car and set off to explore the coast under your own steam. Discovering the local area at a slower pace will give you the time to savour the scenes of white sand beaches, beautiful bays and opulent beachfront mansions. Cycling also allows you to discover a taste of authentic Hamptons life: take the route along Gerard Drive and you will pass an array of picturesque little sea cottages on stilts, as well as groups of locals out clamming and fishing.

Enjoy Mother Nature’s bounty in the breathtaking sunflower fields

Treat the children to a fun-filled day out with a trip to Sunflower Valley Farm. Here you can wander amongst the sunflowers, picking a bunch as you go, as well as take a wagon ride through the fields and meet the farmyard animals up close. The little ones are sure to adore it and you will have plenty of chances to get some gorgeous holiday snaps.

Indulge the imagination with a trip to LongHouse Reserve

The verdant 16-acre reserve features a variety of art installations and sculptures by some of the world’s most famous artists, including Buckminster Fuller, Yoko Ono and Willem de Kooning.

Try your hand at an array of watersports

Wherever you are in the Hamptons, you’re guaranteed easy access to the ocean. Which means it’s time to try that watersport you’ve always dreamed about. Whether you’re picturing yourself taking on the wind and waves with a session of kitesurfing or racing behind a speedboat on a wakeboard, the Hamptons offers endless opportunities for aquatic adventure. Simply speak to your dedicated concierge and they will arrange private lessons with one of the area’s best teachers.

Discover the best restaurants in the Hamptons

Brimming with chic high-end dining hotspots and rustic farm-to-table restaurants, there’s something to please every palate here. Of course, fresh seafood is a must during your trip - from fresh lobster rolls to juicy oysters shucked from the shell, Long Island’s seafood scene is second to none.

Duryea's Montauk

Boasting the most sublime of locations, Duryea’s Montauk is quite simply the place to be. Come for lunch and stay for hours, whittling away long, lazy afternoons devouring fresh lobster rolls and admiring the spectacular views, while the chilled glasses of rosé just keep on flowing.

The Surf Lodge

The Surf Lodge is a bright and breezy restaurant boasting an outstanding menu, made with only the freshest local produce. Tuck into a decadent seafood tower, straight off the fishing boat that afternoon, paired with a crafted cocktail from the bar - cheers!

East Hampton Grill

Open all year round, East Hampton Grill serves up all your favourite comfort food whenever you’re craving it. For starters, tuck into the homemade rosemary buttermilk biscuits, before moving on to one of the hearty house specialities, such as the perfectly crisped rotisserie chicken or the succulent barbeque ribs.

The Beacon

Splash out and enjoy a sumptuous sunset dinner at The Beacon. Perched above the Sag Harbor Cove Yacht Club, you can enjoy stunning views stretching across Sag Harbour Bay and beyond while you work your way through a steaming plate of lobster rigatoni, washed down with a chilled glass of local white wine.

Where to drink in the Hamptons

After a long day spent lazing on the beach, a glass of wine or cool beer is most certainly on the cards. Home to an array of fantastic local wineries, craft breweries and chic cocktail bars, you’ll certainly find the tipple you’re craving in the Hamptons.

Gurney’s Resort Montauk

One of the Hampton’s buzziest night spots, The Beach Club at Gurney's Montauk is known for its expertly crafted cocktails and stretching sea views. Book a lounge sofa for the day and sit back and enjoy chilled glasses of Gurney’s Sea Breeze - the perfect antidote to the balmy weather.

Navy Beach

Nestled upon 200 feet of private beach, Navy Beach boasts one of the largest selections of rosés in the whole of the Hamptons. This laidback seafront location welcomes yachts and sailing boats to anchor in the bay - a great pit stop if you’re planning a sailing trip.

Wölffer Estate Vineyard

Oenophiles should be sure to visit The Tasting Room at the Wölffer Estate Vineyard, where they can sample an array of excellent, locally-produced wines. Pair this with the view of lush vineyards and gently rolling Hamptons landscape and you’ve got yourself the perfect activity for the afternoon.

Our exclusive range of concierge services lets you experience the very best of the Hamptons. After an action-packed day of adventures, your family can enjoy a three-course meal beautifully prepared by a private chef in the comfort of your Hamptons home. Or, how about unwinding with a sumptuous spa treatment beside the pool? Whatever you have in mind, we’re on hand to turn your dream getaway into a reality. From arranging all your exciting activities to securing restaurant reservations in the Hamptons’ best dining spots, speak to our team of expert Travel Advisors to find out more.

Charmed by the Hamptons?

SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR TRAVEL ADVISORS TO BEGIN PLANNING YOUR HAMPTONS GETAWAY TODAY. WE’LL FIND THE PERFECT HOME FOR YOU AND CRAFT THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME.