17 Top Things to Do in the Hamptons, New York
- Rey Eleuterio
- May 7
- 16 min read
Picture a string of beach towns on the eastern tip of Long Island where farm stands sit next to designer boutiques, and weathered fishing docks share the coast with hedge-walled mansions. That's the Hamptons in a nutshell.
The fun part is that you don't need a yacht or a black card to enjoy it. The beaches are wide and free to walk. The lighthouses are open to climb. The wineries pour by the glass. There are quiet villages, surf breaks, art museums, and a few seafood shacks that locals would rather you didn't write about.
If you're planning your first trip out east, this list of things to do in the Hamptons runs in geographic order from west to east, so you can string the stops together into one easy drive. Some of these spots get all the attention. Others are the kind that locals quietly hope you skip.
Key Takeaways
The Hamptons stretch about 50 miles along the South Fork of Long Island, from Westhampton Beach in the west to Montauk at the very tip. The most popular things to do in the Hamptons include lounging on Coopers Beach, climbing the Montauk Point Lighthouse, browsing Sag Harbor's Main Street, and sipping rosé at Wölffer Estate. Most of the best stops are clustered along Montauk Highway, which makes the Hamptons easy to road trip in a long weekend.
Stop | Town | What It's Best For |
Westhampton Beach Village | Westhampton Beach | First-stop village strolling |
Ponquogue Beach | Hampton Bays | Wide bay-area beach day |
Coopers Beach | Southampton | Iconic ocean swimming |
Parrish Art Museum | Water Mill | Modern art and architecture |
Wölffer Estate Vineyard | Sagaponack | Wine tasting with a view |
Sag Harbor Main Street | Sag Harbor | Walkable shops and history |
Sag Harbor Whaling Museum | Sag Harbor | Maritime history |
East Hampton Main Beach | East Hampton | Family-friendly ocean beach |
Guild Hall | East Hampton | Art, theater, and culture |
LongHouse Reserve | East Hampton | Garden and outdoor sculpture |
Hook Mill Windmill | East Hampton | Historic landmark stop |
Stephen Talkhouse | Amagansett | Live music and nightlife |
Atlantic Avenue Beach | Amagansett | Quieter, less crowded coast |
Hither Hills State Park | Montauk | Camping and hiking |
Ditch Plains Beach | Montauk | Surfing and beach hangs |
Montauk Point Lighthouse | Montauk | Panoramic ocean views |
Gosman's Dock | Montauk | Sunset seafood dinner |
Quick Picker
Best for families: East Hampton Main Beach, Hither Hills State Park, LongHouse Reserve
Best for charm and history: Sag Harbor Main Street, Sag Harbor Whaling Museum, Hook Mill Windmill, Montauk Point Lighthouse
Best budget-friendly: Westhampton Beach Village, Ponquogue Beach, Atlantic Avenue Beach, Hook Mill
Best food and drink stops: Wölffer Estate, Gosman's Dock, Stephen Talkhouse
Best for first-timers: Coopers Beach, Sag Harbor Main Street, Montauk Point Lighthouse
Wayback Tours is your road trip sidekick for stretches like this. Save the spots you want to hit, build your bucket list, and keep your trip notes in one easy place.
Where Are the Hamptons?
The Hamptons sit on the South Fork of Long Island, the long skinny stretch of land that points east toward the Atlantic. The whole area is roughly 80 to 130 miles east of Manhattan, depending on how far out you go.
Officially, the Hamptons are made up of two townships: the Town of Southampton on the west side and the Town of East Hampton on the east side. Within those, you have a string of villages and hamlets, each with its own personality. Moving from west to east, the main stops are:
Westhampton Beach
Quogue
Hampton Bays
Southampton
Water Mill
Bridgehampton
Sagaponack
Sag Harbor
East Hampton
Amagansett
Montauk
Southampton tends to feel like classic old money. East Hampton has more of a celebrity scene. Sag Harbor is the walkable village. Montauk is the rugged surf town at the end of the line. You can get a taste of all of them in a weekend if you plan well.
Fun Fact:
Southampton was founded in 1640 and is widely considered the first English settlement in what's now New York State, which gives the area its long-running "old money" reputation.
When to Go: Best Times to Visit the Hamptons
Each season out here feels different, and the right one depends on what kind of trip you want.
Summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day) is the classic Hamptons experience. Beaches are open, restaurants are buzzing, and you'll pay top dollar for everything. Expect traffic on the Long Island Expressway and a crowd everywhere you go.
Fall (September and October) is widely considered the sweet spot by locals. The water is still warm, the crowds thin out, and the light hits the dunes in a way that's hard to describe. Many shops and restaurants are still open through Columbus Day weekend.
Spring (April and May) is quiet, green, and underrated. Most outdoor attractions reopen by Memorial Day, but the villages are walkable and peaceful, and prices are at their lowest.
Winter (November through March) is sleepy. Some restaurants close, but it's also when you'll find empty beaches, dramatic skies, and cozy inns at off-season rates. If you want to see the Hamptons without the buzz, this is when to come.
Summer is the show, but fall might be the better seat.
How to Get to the Hamptons from NYC
Most visitors come from New York City, and you have a few solid options.
Driving: Take the Long Island Expressway (I-495) east, then Sunrise Highway (Route 27) into the Hamptons. Expect 2 to 4 hours depending on traffic.
LIRR Train: The Long Island Rail Road's Montauk Branch runs year-round with stops in Westhampton, Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Amagansett, and Montauk.
Hampton Jitney: The classic coach bus from Manhattan runs year-round to multiple Hamptons towns.
Helicopter: Pricey, but services like BLADE will fly you from NYC to East Hampton or Montauk in about 40 minutes.
You'll want a car once you're out there. Towns are spread out, and the best beaches and stops aren't always walkable from the train.
17 Best Things to Do in The Hamptons, New York
Here's the list, in west-to-east order so you can road trip straight through. Each stop earns its spot for a different reason, and you can pick and choose based on your style. These are some of the best things to do in the Hamptons, with a few unique things to do in the Hamptons sprinkled in.
1. Westhampton Beach Village
Your first taste of the Hamptons, and the gateway to the South Fork. Westhampton Beach feels a little less polished than the bigger names farther east, which is part of the charm.
Why this one stands out: Main Street is short and walkable, with bakeries, ice cream shops, surf stores, and a community theater that hosts year-round shows. The vibe is more "summer beach town" than "see and be seen," and that's a relief if you're easing into Hamptons mode. It's also the closest village to NYC, which makes it a smart first stop.
What you need to know before you go:
Located off Sunrise Highway, about 80 miles east of NYC
Free street parking on side streets, metered on Main Street
Plan 1 to 2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth it as a warm-up stop on a longer trip, especially for a coffee and a quick stretch.
Save this to your bucket list so you don't forget
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2. Ponquogue Beach in Hampton Bays
Hampton Bays is the working-class cousin of the fancier villages, and Ponquogue Beach is its crown jewel. Wide sand, easy parking, and far fewer crowds than Coopers.
The quick pitch: Locals come here when they want a real beach day without the parade. The dunes are tall, the water is clean, and the snack bar serves a solid lobster roll. Sunset here is genuinely beautiful and gets a fraction of the crowd you'd find one town over.
What you need to know before you go:
Located on Dune Road in Hampton Bays
Daily parking fee in summer for non-residents
Lifeguards on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day
Plan a half-day
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for budget-friendly beach days and families looking for elbow room.
Want to remember this spot for later?
3. Coopers Beach in Southampton
If you only do one beach in the Hamptons, this is the one. Wide white sand, big Atlantic waves, and a backdrop of historic mansions that you'll absolutely take a photo of.
Don't skip this if you like: classic ocean beach days with all the amenities. Coopers has lifeguards, restrooms, a snack bar, and chair and umbrella rentals. The sand stretches for hundreds of yards, and the water is genuinely swimmable. It's been ranked among the top beaches in America by Dr. Beach more than once, and once you're there you'll see why.
What you need to know before you go:
Located on Meadow Lane in Southampton Village
Steep daily parking fee for non-residents in season
Bring cash for the lot
Plan a full day
Worth it or skip it? Absolutely worth it. This is the postcard Hamptons beach.
Don't let this one get away, add it to your list
4. Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill
A quiet rectangle of a building tucked into a meadow, designed by the Swiss firm Herzog & de Meuron. The architecture alone is worth the stop.
What makes this stop different: The Parrish has one of the strongest collections of art tied to Long Island's East End, with works by Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Chuck Close, and other artists who lived and worked here. The space itself is striking, with long sight lines and natural light that change with the time of day. There's also a sculpture-friendly outdoor area and a café that's an easy lunch stop.
What you need to know before you go:
Located on Montauk Highway in Water Mill
Closed Tuesdays in most seasons
Modest admission, free for members and kids
Plan 1 to 2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth it, especially on a rainy day or for anyone who wants something beyond the beach.
Save this for your next trip
Fun Fact:
The Hamptons are said to have the largest collection of historic wooden windmills in the country, with around 11 still standing across the South Fork.
5. Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack
A Tuscan-style winery in the middle of farm country, with a wine bar that feels like a small piece of Italy dropped onto Long Island.
Why it's worth stopping: The rosé here is famous, and the outdoor wine stand pours by the glass with sweeping vineyard views. There's a horse stable next door, and on weekends they often have live music, food trucks, and seasonal events. Even if you're not a big wine drinker, the setting alone makes for a great hour or two.
What you need to know before you go:
Located on Sagg Road in Sagaponack
Outdoor wine stand open seasonally
Reservations recommended on summer weekends
Plan 1 to 2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for couples, friend groups, and anyone who wants the classic Hamptons summer afternoon.
Save this stop for later
Trying to plan a longer East Coast road trip around your Hamptons stop? Wayback Tours makes it easy to map out an East Coast road trip, save your favorites, and keep everything in one place.
6. Sag Harbor Main Street
If East Hampton is the polished cover of the Hamptons, Sag Harbor is the well-loved book inside. A historic whaling village with a proper walkable downtown that operates year-round.
The quick pitch: Main Street is lined with independent bookshops, boutiques, restaurants, and an old movie theater. Unlike some of the seasonal villages, Sag Harbor stays open in the off-season, which gives it a real lived-in feel. Park once and spend an afternoon wandering. This is one of the best things to do in Sag Harbor, and you can easily fold it into a longer East End trip.
What you need to know before you go:
Located on Main Street in Sag Harbor village
Free street parking, metered in summer
Walkable to the wharf and waterfront
Plan 2 to 3 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth it. This is the village to slow down in.
Add this one to your list
7. Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum
Right on Main Street, housed in a striking 1845 Greek Revival mansion with whale jawbones framing the front door. Yes, real ones.
What makes this stop different: The collection covers Sag Harbor's deep whaling past, with harpoons, scrimshaw, ship logs, and an actual 1860s whaleboat on display. It's small, but the building and its contents tell a side of New York history most visitors never see. The museum is open seasonally, so check before you go.
What you need to know before you go:
Located at 200 Main Street, Sag Harbor
Open roughly May through October
Modest admission fee
Plan 45 minutes to 1 hour
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for history fans, families with curious kids, and rainy-day plan B.
Don't forget this spot
8. East Hampton Main Beach
A long stretch of soft sand backed by dunes and shingled cottages. East Hampton's Main Beach is consistently ranked among the country's top beaches and is the heart of the village's summer scene.
Why this one stands out: It has the things you need (lifeguards, restrooms, showers, a snack bar) without losing the postcard look. The sand is wide enough that you can find your own pocket even on a busy weekend, and the waves are right in that swimmable sweet spot. This is one of the most popular things to do in the Hamptons with kids, since there's room to spread out and food close by.
What you need to know before you go:
Located at the end of Ocean Avenue in East Hampton
Daily parking fee for non-residents in season
Easy walk to East Hampton village
Plan a half- to full day
Worth it or skip it? Worth it, especially for first-timers who want the classic East Hampton experience.
Save this to your bucket list
9. Guild Hall in East Hampton Village
A cultural anchor in the heart of East Hampton, with a museum, theater, and outdoor sculpture garden all under one roof.
The quick pitch: Guild Hall hosts rotating art exhibitions, summer plays, author talks, and concerts that often pull big-name talent. The space itself is welcoming and easy to wander. This is one of those things to do in East Hampton that locals actually use year-round, not just for tourists.
What you need to know before you go:
Located at 158 Main Street, East Hampton
Hours vary by exhibit and performance
Many gallery visits are free
Plan 1 to 2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for a culture break in the middle of a long beach trip.
Add to your list
10. LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton
A 16-acre garden and sculpture park designed by textile artist Jack Lenor Larsen. Equal parts botanical garden, museum, and outdoor art installation.
Don't skip this if you like: quiet walks, big sculpture, and gardens that feel curated but not stiff. You'll see works by Yoko Ono, Willem de Kooning, Sol LeWitt, and other major names tucked into ponds, dunes, and tree groves. It's a peaceful break from the beach-bar buzz, and one of the more unique things to do in the Hamptons.
What you need to know before you go:
Located on Hands Creek Road in East Hampton
Open seasonally, typically late spring through early fall
Modest admission, free for members
Plan 1 to 2 hours
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for art and garden lovers, and anyone who wants something memorable beyond the obvious stops.
Save this for your next visit
11. Hook Mill Windmill in East Hampton
A working historic windmill right on East Hampton's village green. You've probably seen photos of it without realizing where it was.
Why this one stands out: The Hamptons are home to one of the largest collections of historic wooden windmills in the country, and Hook Mill is among the most photographed. It dates to the early 1800s and still has much of its original machinery inside. Tours run on summer weekends, and even from outside it's a quick, free photo stop.
What you need to know before you go:
Located at 36 North Main Street, East Hampton
Free to view from outside year-round
Tours seasonal, small fee
Plan 15 to 30 minutes
Worth it or skip it? Worth a quick stop, even if just to see it from the green. One of the best free things to do in the Hamptons.
Don't let this one slip your mind
12. Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett
A small wood-paneled music venue that has hosted some genuinely surprising names over the years, from local bands to global headliners.
The quick pitch: Stephen Talkhouse looks like a roadside bar from the outside and feels like one inside, which is the magic. The lineup leans rock, blues, and singer-songwriter, and the place is small enough that you're never far from the stage. It's been around for decades and is widely known as a Hamptons institution.
What you need to know before you go:
Located on Main Street in Amagansett
21+ in the evenings, all-ages for some daytime shows
Cover charges vary by act
Plan an evening
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for music fans and night-owl travelers.
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13. Atlantic Avenue Beach in Amagansett
A quieter, calmer alternative to East Hampton Main Beach, just a few miles east. Same Atlantic Ocean, fewer cars in the lot.
Why it's worth stopping: Atlantic Avenue Beach has a small concession stand, lifeguards, and clean restrooms, but feels more local than its bigger neighbor. Sand dunes are tall, the parking lot is reasonably sized, and the crowd skews a bit more relaxed. A great pick if you want a beach day without the production.
What you need to know before you go:
Located at the end of Atlantic Avenue in Amagansett
Daily parking fee for non-residents in season
Bathrooms and snack bar on site
Plan a half- to full day
Worth it or skip it? Worth it, especially mid-week when crowds thin out.
Save it for later
Building a longer trip up the coast? Pair the Hamptons with a stop in Mystic, Connecticut or a quick ferry ride to Block Island, Rhode Island for a true New England weekend.
14. Hither Hills State Park in Montauk
A genuinely wild stretch of coastline just before you reach Montauk village. Camping, hiking, and one of the best public beaches on the East End.
What makes this stop different: Hither Hills covers about 1,750 acres of dunes, woods, and shoreline, with a popular oceanfront campground that books up months in advance. The walking dunes are a unique feature: shifting sand hills you can actually hike across. There's also a fishing pier on Napeague Harbor and easy bike trails. This is one of the better things to do with kids in the Hamptons if your family likes the outdoors.
What you need to know before you go:
Located off Old Montauk Highway between Amagansett and Montauk
Day-use parking fee for non-residents in season
Camping reservations open early in the year
Plan a half-day to multi-day
Worth it or skip it? Worth it. This is a real outdoor break from the village scene.
Add this to your list
15. Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk
The most famous surf beach on Long Island, and a hangout spot even for non-surfers.
Why this one stands out: Ditch Plains has a consistent break that's drawn surfers for decades, plus tide pools, food trucks, and a relaxed parking-lot scene that feels more California than Long Island. Lessons are easy to book through local surf schools, and you can rent a board for the day. Even if you never get in the water, the people-watching is solid.
What you need to know before you go:
Located on Ditch Plains Road in Montauk
Daily parking fee for non-residents in season
Surf schools nearby for beginners
Plan a half- to full day
Worth it or skip it? Worth it. This is one of the top things to do in the Hamptons if you want to feel the local Montauk vibe.
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16. Montauk Point Lighthouse
The iconic eastern tip of New York, with a working lighthouse, a museum, and views that genuinely live up to the hype.
Don't skip this if you like: lighthouses, ocean views, and a little American history. The lighthouse was authorized by President George Washington in 1792 and began operating in 1796, which makes it among the oldest in the United States. You can climb to the top for panoramic views of the Atlantic, then tour the museum at the base to learn about its long working life. Whales and seals are sometimes spotted from the bluffs in season.
What you need to know before you go:
Located at the very end of Route 27 in Montauk
Open seasonally, typically May through October
Modest admission to the lighthouse and museum
Plan 1 to 2 hours, longer if you hike the trails
Worth it or skip it? Absolutely worth it. If you only do one thing to do in the Hamptons new york, make it this.
Don't let this one get away
17. Gosman's Dock in Montauk
A waterfront cluster of restaurants, shops, and ice cream stands at the edge of Montauk Harbor. The classic end-of-trip dinner stop.
The quick pitch: Gosman's has been around for generations and has the kind of casual seafood-shack feel that's getting harder to find on the East End. Order a lobster roll or fried clams, watch the boats come in, and catch the sunset from the deck. There's also browsable shops nearby and a handful of small bars if you want to stretch the night out. A perfect last stop before you start the long drive back.
What you need to know before you go:
Located at 500 West Lake Drive, Montauk
Open seasonally, typically late spring to early fall
Cash and card both accepted
Plan 1 to 2 hours for dinner
Worth it or skip it? Worth it. The sunset view alone earns the visit.
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Tips for Visiting the Hamptons
A few things that make a Hamptons trip easier:
Book lodging early. Summer weekends fill up months in advance, and prices climb fast.
Have a car. Public transit gets you to town, but the best beaches and hidden stops need wheels.
Mind beach parking rules. Most town beaches charge non-resident fees in season, and some require a permit you can't buy on the spot.
Eat off the main strips. Some of the best food is at unassuming roadside spots.
Go shoulder season if you can. May, September, and October give you most of the experience with fewer crowds.
Road tripping the East End or planning a budget-friendly East Coast trip? Wayback Tours helps you save stops, build bucket lists, and plan trips you'll actually take.
Final Thoughts on Your Hamptons Trip
The Hamptons get hyped as a celebrity playground, but the real magic is in the in-between moments. A windmill on a village green. A sunset over Montauk Harbor. A glass of rosé at a vineyard surrounded by farmland.
These things to do in the Hamptons New York stretch from the laid-back beaches of Westhampton to the lighthouse at the very tip of Long Island, and you can hit most of them in a long weekend if you plan it right.
Save these stops, build your own road trip bucket list, and keep track of every place you want to visit, all in one easy place with Wayback Tours.
FAQs
How far is the Hamptons from New York City?
The Hamptons start about 80 miles east of Manhattan at Westhampton and stretch another 50 miles east to Montauk. Drive time is typically 2 to 4 hours each way depending on traffic and which town you're headed to.
Do you need a car to visit the Hamptons?
A car is strongly recommended. The LIRR train and Hampton Jitney bus will get you to the main villages, but towns are spread out and the best beaches, vineyards, and hiking spots aren't easily reached without your own wheels.
Are Hamptons beaches free?
Most Hamptons beaches are free to walk on, but parking is the catch. Many town beaches charge daily parking fees for non-residents in season, and a few require a resident permit. Going early or biking in are common workarounds.
What's the best month to visit the Hamptons?
Late June, September, and early October are widely considered the sweet spots. You get warm weather, full restaurant menus, and most attractions open, but with smaller crowds and easier reservations than peak July and August.
Is the Hamptons worth visiting in the off-season?
Yes, especially if you like quiet beaches, cozy inns, and walkable villages without the rush. Many restaurants and shops in Sag Harbor and East Hampton stay open year-round, and off-season pricing on hotels can be a fraction of summer rates.
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