Okay, I finally get why Gatsby was so obsessed with Long Island. Rolling up to those massive oceanfront mansions on Meadow Lane, I literally had to pull over just to stare. But the real magic hit when I wandered through Sag Harbor at sunset, watching sailboats drift by the old windmill while the sky went full-on pink cotton candy mode.
Look, I’ve seen some fancy places, but the most beautiful places in the Hamptons hit different. From Wölffer Estate’s endless vineyards to the perfect sandy stretch of Coopers Beach, these 12 spots are basically summer paradise with a side of serious real estate envy. Trust me, you’re gonna want to see these for yourself.
Fairytale-Like Places to Visit in The Hamptons
Looking to explore The Hamptons’ most beautiful places? From the stunning beaches of East Hampton to the charming streets of Sag Harbor, The Hamptons are packed with stunning scenery. Stroll through the historic charm of Southampton, marvel at the natural beauty of Montauk Point, or explore the vibrant culture of Bridgehampton. Discover the tranquil allure of Amagansett, the picturesque landscapes of Shelter Island, or the serene shores of Wainscott. Whether you’re into beaches, history, or coastal charm, here are 12 of The Hamptons’ most breathtaking spots!
1. Cooper’s Beach
- 📍 Location: Southampton, Long Island, New York, 2 hours east of NYC
- 🏆 Best For: Sunbathers 🏖️, families 👨👩👧👦, relaxation seekers 🧘
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming in pristine waters, people-watching, sunset viewing
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer months (June-August), weekdays to avoid crowds 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Southampton Inn – Charming accommodation within a short drive
Need an escape that makes you feel like you’ve joined the elite without the Hamptons house price tag? Cooper’s Beach has stunning white quartz sand and crystal-clear waters. The gentle shoreline slope makes swimming ideal even for kids.
I’ve never seen sunsets quite as magical as the ones painting the sky here while mansions create a perfect backdrop. Amenities include chair rentals, clean facilities, and attentive summer lifeguards. The expansive shoreline provides ample space to claim your spot. While parking fees exist during peak season, this consistently top-ranked American beach justifies every penny for your well-deserved getaway.
2. Cupsogue Beach County Park
- 📍 Location: Western end of Dune Road in Westhampton, Long Island, New York
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🦅, fishermen 🎣, shell collectors 🐚
- 📸 Top Experiences: Wildlife watching, jetty fishing, spectacular sunsets
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for swimming, spring and fall for quiet nature walks 🌊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hyatt Place Long Island/East End – Comfortable lodging nearby
Craving a beach that satisfies your wild side beyond the typical sunbathing scene? Cupsogue Beach offers an untamed 296-acre coastal playground where ocean meets bay. The long rock jetty serves as a prime fishing spot where I’ve watched anglers reel in impressive striped bass and bluefish.
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the adjacent marine conservation area with its shorebirds and occasional dolphin sightings. Summer facilities include food stands, showers, and restrooms. Visit during low tide to walk the temporary sandbar to nearby barrier islands. For the perfect end to your adventure, stake out a spot for one of Long Island’s most spectacular sunset views.
3. East Hampton Main Beach
- 📍 Location: 101 Ocean Avenue, East Hampton, New York, 2.5 hours from NYC
- 🏆 Best For: Celebrity spotters 🤩, luxury lovers 💎, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming in crystal waters, strolling pristine shoreline, people-watching
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer season (late May through early September) 🏊♀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Maidstone Hotel – Upscale boutique hotel within walking distance
Want to experience how the other half lives while enjoying one of America’s most beautiful beaches? East Hampton Main Beach offers Instagram-worthy views with its powdery soft sand and azure waters. This is where New York’s elite come to play.
The impeccably maintained beach features excellent facilities and attentive lifeguards during summer months. The gentle waves welcome both swimmers and novice surfers. I always recommend arriving early to secure parking or biking in to avoid the non-resident fees. After sun time, take a quick stroll into the village for boutique shopping and world-class dining. Pack a gourmet picnic for the full experience.
4. Greenport
- 📍 Location: North Fork of Long Island, New York, 2 hours east of NYC
- 🏆 Best For: Foodies 🍽️, wine enthusiasts 🍷, maritime history buffs ⚓
- 📸 Top Experiences: Historic seaport exploring, local wine sampling, antique carousel riding
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall for perfect weather and vineyard harvests 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: American Beech – Stylish boutique hotel in the heart of the village
Seeking a coastal escape that offers more than just beach time? Greenport has a perfect blend of maritime charm and sophisticated pleasures for your weekend getaway. This former whaling port surrounds a picturesque harbor where fishing boats still dock daily.
The compact downtown offers boutique shopping, art galleries, and an impressive food scene highlighting local seafood. Don’t miss riding the antique carousel in Mitchell Park or sipping local wines at nearby vineyards. I consider this village the perfect base for exploring the less crowded North Fork beaches and wineries. Visit Mitchell Park Beach for water access right in town or drive to the larger Norman E. Klipp Marine Park.
5. Hampton Creek Cove
- 📍 Location: Off Napeague Meadow Road in East Hampton, New York
- 🏆 Best For: Birdwatchers 🦢, hikers 🥾, tranquility seekers 🧘
- 📸 Top Experiences: Nature trail hiking, rare shorebird spotting, pristine beachcombing
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for bird migrations, summer mornings for quiet walks 🐦
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Journey East Hampton – Stylish accommodations a short drive away
Need to escape the endless Zoom calls and reconnect with nature? Hampton Creek Cove offers a rare undeveloped beach experience across 127 acres of ecological diversity. The pristine mile-long beach provides the solitude you’ve been craving.
Well-maintained trails wind through various habitats with interpretive signs explaining the local ecology. Beachcombers delight in finding unique shells and smooth beach glass along the shoreline. I was amazed by the variety of shorebirds in the adjacent salt marshes and grasslands. This preserve lacks facilities so bring water and supplies. The unspoiled environment makes this perfect for nature lovers seeking authentic coastal tranquility away from beach crowds.
6. Lavender By The Bay
- 📍 Location: 7540 Main Road, East Marion, New York, near Greenport on the North Fork
- 🏆 Best For: Photography enthusiasts 📸, romantic couples 💑, lavender lovers 💜
- 📸 Top Experiences: Purple field wandering, bloom photographing, lavender product shopping
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to early July for English lavender, late summer for French 🌱
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Sound View Greenport – Waterfront hotel just minutes away
Ready for the most spectacular backdrop for your social media that isn’t actually a beach? Lavender By The Bay creates a purple paradise that will make your followers swoon. This 17-acre farm ranks among the largest lavender fields in the country.
Walking through fragrant rows offers natural aromatherapy with the gentle hum of bees providing the soundtrack. The contrast of vibrant purple against blue sky creates stunning photos, especially during golden hour. I’ve found morning visits provide the most peaceful experience away from weekend crowds. The gift shop features extensive lavender products, from essential oils to culinary treats. Located just minutes from bay beaches and vineyards, this makes a perfect addition to your North Fork coastal adventure.
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7. LongHouse Reserve
- 📍 Location: East Hampton, New York, 2 hours east of New York City on Long Island’s South Fork
- 🏆 Best For: Art enthusiasts 🎨, garden lovers 🌸, architecture aficionados 🏛️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring sculpture gardens, wandering through themed garden spaces, attending seasonal art events
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall for peak garden displays, especially June when most plants are blooming 🌺
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Baker House 1650 – Luxurious historic accommodations just minutes from the Reserve
Ever wished you could wander through a living art gallery where champagne-worthy sculptures meet Instagram-perfect gardens? LongHouse Reserve offers the exact escape for your aesthetic soul. This 16-acre masterpiece showcases textile designer Jack Lenor Larsen’s vision with works by legends like Chihuly, Takaezu, and Yoko Ono dotting the landscape.
The grounds feature distinct garden “rooms,” including a serene moss garden and a dramatic red garden. I’ve spent hours photographing the iconic Peter’s Pond, where ceramic installations reflect in still waters. Don’t miss the impressive LongHouse itself, a structure inspired by Japanese Shinto shrines.
Visit during special events for an elevated experience. The twilight garden tours transform the already magical space into something truly unforgettable for even the most seasoned travelers.
8. Mashomack Preserve
- 📍 Location: Shelter Island, New York, accessible by ferry from either the North or South Fork of Long Island
- 🏆 Best For: Birdwatchers 🦅, hikers 🥾, nature photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking the coastal trails, spotting diverse wildlife, exploring salt marshes and tidal creeks
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring for bird migrations and wildflowers, fall for stunning foliage and fewer crowds 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Chequit – Charming historic inn in the heart of Shelter Island
Need an adult wilderness adventure without committing to a week-long expedition? Mashomack Preserve offers nature immersion that fits perfectly between brunch and dinner reservations. This 2,039-acre sanctuary covers nearly one-third of Shelter Island with pristine coastline, ancient forests, and untouched salt marshes.
The well-marked trail network ranges from the easy 1.5-mile Red Trail to the challenging 10-mile Green Trail. Begin at the Katherine Ordway Wildlife Center for context before hitting the paths. When I visited last spring, the Bass Creek Platform rewarded me with osprey diving for fish and rare terrapins sunning on mudflats.
Bring binoculars to spot some of the 200+ bird species that call this place home. Allow a half-day for shorter trails or pack a picnic for the full experience of this ecological treasure.
9. Montauk Point Lighthouse
- 📍 Location: Easternmost tip of Long Island, New York, 2.5 hours from New York City
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, coastal scenery lovers 🌊, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing the lighthouse tower, exploring the keeper’s museum, watching dramatic Atlantic surf
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for warm weather activities, fall for fewer crowds and spectacular sunsets 🌅
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Gurney’s Montauk Resort – Luxury oceanfront accommodations with panoramic Atlantic views
Craving that perfect coastal photo that makes your followers think you’ve escaped to Maine for the weekend? Montauk Point Lighthouse gives you that rugged Atlantic vibe without leaving New York. This iconic tower was commissioned by George Washington himself in 1792 and still operates as an active navigational aid.
Climb 137 iron steps to the top for breathtaking 360-degree views stretching from the endless ocean to the rolling dunes of Montauk Point State Park. The museum housed in the former keeper’s quarters displays maritime artifacts and the massive original Fresnel lens.
Surrounding trails offer stunning vistas of waves crashing against rocky shores. I’ve spent hours here just watching the ever-changing seascape. Visit between November and April for a chance to spot migrating whales making their seasonal journey.
10. Ponquogue Bridge
- 📍 Location: Hampton Bays, New York, spanning Shinnecock Bay on Long Island’s South Shore
- 🏆 Best For: Anglers 🎣, sunset chasers 🌅, casual beach-goers 🏖️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Fishing from the remnants of the old bridge, watching sunset over the bay, beach combing
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer months for swimming and fishing, shoulder seasons for spectacular sunsets and fewer crowds 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Quogue Club at Hallock House – Upscale boutique hotel just a short drive from the bridge
Looking for that secret spot locals cherish but tourists rarely discover? Ponquogue Bridge offers authentic Long Island coastal vibes without Hamptons crowds or prices. The remnants of the original 1930s bridge now serve as a beloved 600-foot fishing pier extending into Shinnecock Bay.
Anglers regularly reel in fluke, sea bass, and striped bass, depending on the season. Even without fishing gear, the pedestrian-friendly space provides unobstructed views across the bay to distant barrier islands. My favorite time to visit is sunset, when the sky ignites with colors that professional photographers drive miles to capture.
Below the bridge, Ponquogue Beach offers pristine white sand and clean facilities. The area remains less crowded than typical Hamptons beaches while providing all essential amenities for a perfect summer day.
11. Sandy Bottom Nature Park
- 📍 Location: Hampton, Virginia, nestled in the heart of the Hampton Roads metropolitan area
- 🏆 Best For: Family outings 👨👩👧👦, casual hikers 🥾, kayakers 🛶
- 📸 Top Experiences: Paddling the interconnected lakes, spotting local wildlife, picnicking beside the water
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring for wildflowers and active wildlife, fall for comfortable temperatures and colorful foliage 🍁
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Historic Post Office – Boutique hotel in a beautifully restored building just minutes from the park
Tired of planning elaborate outdoor excursions that eat up precious vacation days? Sandy Bottom Nature Park has wilderness therapy without leaving the city. This 456-acre green oasis features scenic lakes, wetlands, and recovering woodlands transformed from former industrial land into a thriving ecosystem.
Start at the Nature Center, where interactive exhibits provide context before exploring 12+ miles of trails. The 1.3-mile Lake Trail loop offers prime wildlife viewing with turtles, herons, and occasional bald eagles.
Water enthusiasts can rent canoes or kayaks to explore interconnected lakes. Fishing fans cast for bass and bluegill from designated areas. I’ve attended their night hikes, where the park reveals a completely different personality after dark. Plan for a half-day visit or longer if paddling the tranquil waters.
12. Wolf Swamp Sanctuary
- 📍 Location: Mattituck, New York, on the North Fork of Long Island, 2 hours from New York City
- 🏆 Best For: Birdwatchers 🦅, nature lovers 🌿, solitude seekers 🧘
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking peaceful forest trails, spotting migratory birds, exploring unspoiled wetlands
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Spring for bird migrations and wildflowers, fall for autumn colors and mushroom variety 🍄
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Preston House & Hotel – Boutique accommodations in a historic home just a short drive away
Want to feel smug discovering a hidden gem your friends haven’t plastered all over social media yet? Wolf Swamp Sanctuary remains delightfully under the radar while offering pristine nature just two hours from Manhattan. This 20-acre preserve protects one of the North Fork’s last remaining coastal forests and freshwater wetlands.
A well-maintained loop trail winds through towering tulip trees and rare Atlantic white cedars, with wooden boardwalks spanning wetter sections. The diversity packed into this small space astounds me every visit. The central freshwater swamp transforms seasonally from carpets of skunk cabbage to sweet pepperbush blooms to dramatic fall foliage.
Visit at dawn for peak birding when warblers and thrushes fill the forest with song. Photographers should aim for golden afternoon light filtering through the canopy.
- Read Next: 12 Epic Things to Do in the Hamptons
