The Hamptons: A Guide to New York’s Opulent Beach Playground
You might be ready to unwind after taking in the fast-paced sightseeing and nightlife of New York City.
Thankfully, downtown Manhattan is not far from the windswept beaches, luxury, and elegance of the Hamptons. Situated on the eastern tip of Long Island’s southern fork, approximately 152 kilometers east of New York City, the Hamptons are a collection of roughly 20 coastal settlements that were formerly the center of colonial-era farming, whaling, and fishing operations. Since then, they have developed into opulent neighborhoods. The Hamptons are a well-liked year-round resort with summertime crowd peaks. It is well-known across the globe for its outdoor leisure opportunities, artistic offerings, and upscale dining and shopping.
Directions to the Hamptons
The most direct route from New York City to State Route 27, sometimes referred to as Sunrise or Montauk Highway, is to take Interstate Highway 495 east. The Hamptons are accessed and exited by this main road.
You can still get to the Hamptons without a car. LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International, two of the largest airports serving the New York City region, are reachable by taxi from the Queens Airport Connection station on the Hampton Jitney bus route, which transports passengers between New York City and the Hamptons. It is necessary to make reservations. As an alternative, visitors can go from Penn Station in Manhattan to Montauk in East Hampton via the Long Island Rail Road. It takes the train around three hours. The LIRR’s Cannonball express service provides a nonstop route between New York City and Westhampton, taking approximately 95 minutes, for those who would like to get to the Hamptons sooner.
Try the Hampton Hopper, an app-based network of turquoise buses that connects communities once you’re in the Hamptons.
Hamptons Summertime Activities
In the Hamptons, surf and sand are the main summertime draws. Both locals and tourists frequent the beaches, so get there early to secure a good place. Mecox, Sagg, and Ocean Road Wave riders frequent Bridgehampton’s main beaches. At Main Beach Surf and Sport and other places, you may rent surfboards, paddleboards, and kayaks.
Hamptons wintertime
Visit Montauk Point State Park in the winter to get unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean and to appreciate the bleak beauty of the area. Seek for deserted beaches, snow-covered vineyards, and frozen-over ponds in the park and its surroundings. The Montauk Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in New York, is located nearby. It was built in 1792 by George Washington, the country’s first president.
Where in the Hamptons to Shop
With dozens of galleries to select from, such as Haley McKay in East Hampton, Kathryn Markel Fine Arts in Bridgehampton, and Grening Gallery in Sag Harbor, art enthusiasts may explore the Hamptons year-round.
The Hamptons is also a haven for boutiques. You can purchase practically anything, including jewelry, clothes, equestrian supplies, leather products, and artwork. Look out for high-end labels like Toshiki and Maryszka, Alora, and Hermès.
Where in the Hamptons to Dine and Sip
The Hamptons has excellent seafood, as befits a beachside locale. Almond has long been a favorite eatery. Fresh fish is supplied daily from Montauk boats to the seafood-focused French eatery. Seafood is the main course at East Hampton’s Bay Kitchen Bar (open in the summer only). Try the fresh clams, oysters, and shrimp at the raw bar, or the ceviche with Maryland crab and Montauk tuna.
Wölffer Kitchen in Sag Harbor, which launched in July 2015 after years of success at the Wölffer Estate Vineyard, is one of the hottest restaurants in the Hamptons.
Where in the Hamptons to Stay
The majority of the Hamptons’ beachfront is set aside for public use, thus there aren’t many hotels and resorts along the coastline. But if you’re looking to stay near the water, White Sands Resort, which is located halfway between Amagansett and Montauk, is the closest option. East Hampton’s the Maidstone, housed in a 19th-century Greek revival building, offers a quintessential Hamptons experience.
A lot of tourists lodge in private homes. There are many different types of accommodations to choose from, including single-family houses with private pools, condos, and comfortable cottages. At Hamptons Rentals, you can search by town and price range.