New York State’s famous summer retreat attracts celebrities from Martha Stewart and Steven Spielberg to Madonna and Jimmy Fallon, making the Hamptons an irresistible destination. Stretching east from Manhattan, Long Island splits into two prongs of beaches, scenic vistas and vineyards. When people say “the Hamptons,” they usually mean the South Fork. This roughly 30-mile stretch includes several coastal communities: historic, affluent Southampton; Sag Harbor, a haven for writers and actors; glitzy East Hampton; the quieter Water Mill; Bridgehampton; and Amagansett. Sagaponack often tops lists as one of the nation’s priciest ZIP codes, while Montauk at the eastern tip remains a relaxed enclave favored by bohemians, fishermen and surfers.
In summer you might spot Alec Baldwin or Sarah Jessica Parker buying a paper at CandyKitchen, browsing Ralph Lauren, picking up a roast chicken at the Barefoot Contessa or waiting in line for a latte. But from Memorial Day through Labor Day the region faces heavy traffic, especially along Route 27. Off-season is quieter: many attractions scale back, but visitors enjoy easier parking, relaxed beaches, better restaurant availability and lower hotel rates. Regardless of season, there’s plenty to do.
East Hampton shopping district © JAMES KIRKIKIS | DREAMSTIME.COM
The region’s top draw is its beaches: ideal for sunbathing, jogging, strolling, paddleboarding and picnicking. Some beaches charge parking or amenity fees — for example, Southampton’s Coopers Beach enforces a daily parking permit and optional chair-and-umbrella charge — but many stretches, such as East Hampton’s Main Beach and Montauk’s dunes, allow free access for walking. Hotels often provide drop-off service, and bike rentals in most villages make it easy to pedal to nearby shores and stash your bike while you enjoy the sand.
Golf and outdoor sports are another way to experience the landscape. Public courses like Montauk Downs, Sag Harbor Golf and Poxabogue in Bridgehampton offer scenic rounds. Tennis courts are available at about a dozen facilities, and East Hampton Indoor Tennis provides year-round play. Fitness studios and classes — from SoulCycle and Pilates to yoga — operate throughout the year. In winter, Mecox Bay becomes a hub for ice activities including pick-up hockey, skating and even ice boating when conditions allow.
Culture is a major part of Hamptons life, reflecting its long list of notable residents. Authors often appear at local readings and book events; East Hampton Library hosts an annual outdoor Authors Night and smaller readings year-round. The Hamptons Film Festival fills local theaters each October, with occasional screenings hosted by actors and directors. Sag Harbor’s Bay Street Theater stages Broadway productions, comedy nights and touring performances.
The area’s artistic heritage — from Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and Lee Krasner to contemporary painters like Eric Fischl, Donald Sultan and April Gornik — means plentiful galleries, summer art fairs and rotating exhibits. The Parrish Art Museum, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, and the Southampton Arts Center present exhibitions throughout the year. Smaller institutions, including local art houses and repurposed spaces, display special collections and installations on weekends and during festival seasons.
Historical sites trace the South Fork’s colonial past. The Southampton Historical Museum preserves several 17th- and 18th-century buildings and offers lectures, readings and educational programs. East Hampton’s Osborn-Jackson House, dating back to 1720, is open year-round and hosts seasonal lectures. Sag Harbor’s Whaling & Historical Museum houses an important collection of whaling artifacts and is recognized for its historical significance. Montauk Lighthouse, standing 110 feet tall, displays historical documents tied to its construction and remains an iconic landmark.
Cedar Point Lighthouse in East Hampton © SYLVANA REGA | DREAMSTIME.COM
Before tourism dominated, the South Fork was agricultural. While many potato farms have given way to development, active farms still produce corn, squash, zucchini, tomatoes and flowers, and seasonal farmers’ markets showcase local harvests. From February through May, the Fair Foods Farmers Market in Sag Harbor operates indoors, offering local produce during the early season.
Vineyards are another distinct feature of the East End. Wineries remain open for tastings and tours year-round, showcasing varietals like Merlot, Cabernet, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. The Wölffer Estate in Sagaponack, reflecting the area’s European roots, welcomes visitors to its terrace and newly renovated tasting room, often accompanied by live local music and small plates. Channing Daughters Winery emphasizes artisanal methods and offers daily tastings of multiple wines, inviting drop-in guests during regular hours.
Wölffer Estate’s new tasting room in Sagaponack © BRIDGET ELKIN
Spa and relaxation options include Gurney’s in Montauk, which features Roman baths, saunas, steam rooms, Swiss showers and an ocean-fed saltwater pool alongside spa treatments. Many hotels and inns offer reduced rates and packages in the off-season. Shopping ranges from high-end boutiques like Ralph Lauren and Calypso in East Hampton to unique Main Street shops and independent stores in each village.
The Hamptons Info to Go
Although private helicopters serve some residents, most travelers avoid small airports. Off season, the roughly 100-mile drive from Manhattan typically takes about two hours; in summer it can take much longer due to heavy traffic. The Long Island Rail Road’s Montauk Branch runs several trains daily to and from Penn Station. Many visitors prefer the Hampton Jitney or the Luxury Liner coach services, which offer WiFi, snacks and frequent trips between Manhattan and the East End, including seasonal airport connections.
Where to Stay in The Hamptons
THE AMERICAN HOTEL A vintage 1846 property in Sag Harbor with eight shabby-chic double rooms updated with modern comforts, sitting areas and plush linens; located steps from lively local bars. 45 Main St., Sag Harbor
MAIDSTONE ARMS A cozy, Scandinavian-influenced inn in East Hampton with rooms and cottages, luxury bath products and a generous breakfast buffet. 207 Main St., East Hampton
SOUTHAMPTON INN A traditional grand hotel with nearly 100 rooms, outdoor pool, tennis courts, game room and fitness facilities; centrally located in Southampton. 91 Hill St., Southampton
Restaurants in The Hamptons
NICK & TONI’S A perennial celebrity favorite in East Hampton known for wood-roasted fish, crispy duck leg and a lively atmosphere. 136 N. Main St., East Hampton
PIERRE’S A casual, chic café in Bridgehampton serving classic French dishes alongside seafood, with outdoor summer seating. 2468 Main St., Bridgehampton
TOPPING ROSE HOUSE An elegant dining experience offering locally sourced, refined cuisine from a celebrated chef in a historic setting. 1 Bridgehampton-Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton