Owning a home in the Hamptons, New York allows you to take in the beautiful beaches, shop in charming seaside towns, and enjoy wine at some of the best vineyards. Living here gives you a unique opportunity to explore every bit of this beautiful piece of Long Island. There is an abundance of activities to keep you busy whether you are just coming over for the weekend, the whole summer, or the entire year. Below are 10 of the top activities for you to enjoy.
Coopers Beach
Coopers Beach is a favorite spot to take in the beautiful Hamptons shoreline. This pristine location features white sandy beach for you to relish the sunny Hamptons summer. The beach is located just off Meadow Lane, which boasts some of the most gorgeous mansions in all the Hamptons. This popular spot allows you to enjoy the beach with friends on the weekends or sneak in a little quiet time midweek.
Montauk Point Lighthouse
If you are interested in gorgeous views while satisfying your inner history buff, head to Montauk Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse is a National Historic Landmark — it was the first lighthouse built in all of New York and the fourth oldest active lighthouse in the United States. You can climb to the top to take in the breathtaking views of the Atlantic crashing along the shore. Also, don't miss the museum next door at the Keeper’s House.
Shop in Amagansett and Southampton
The Hamptons is packed with small towns offering unique shops and restaurants. Amagansett is known for its rustic and historic charm, especially when it comes to the shopping village on Amagansett Square. Small boutiques line this quaint spot in the center of town. Southampton is where you'll find a variety of antique stores, high-end jewelers, gourmet cheese shops, and fudge factories.
Ditch Plains
The Hamptons is known for its incredible surf scene — and one of the most popular spots is Ditch Plains Beach. Located just a few miles outside of Montauk, Ditch Plains is one of the easternmost points on Long Island. Whether you are trying to catch amazing waves or want to come to enjoy the beautiful cliffside views, Ditch Plains Beach is worth a stop.
The Stephen Talkhouse
Stephen Talkhouse is a well-known live music venue that has hosted some of the world’s top musicians. This intimate club offers a year-round schedule featuring a variety of global artists. Located on the main street of Amagansett, the Talkhouse is known for its casual neighborhood atmosphere as well as its legendary music history. Enjoy an evening at this local hotspot with delicious food and drinks while listening to amazing performances.
Walking Dunes
The beaches are not the only place to take in the outdoors during the Hamptons summer. Take a self-guided walk along the Walking Dunes trail in Montauk. This 0.75-mile walk will take you through a unique ecosystem to discover cranberry bogs and forests that have been buried by sand. The intense offshore winds cause the sand to reach up to 80 feet in height each year, making this a treasure you can explore over and over.
Montauk Salt Cave
Montauk Salt Cave is the best place for private relaxation and rejuvenation. Services such as salt therapy, massages, and cryo facials are all available in this unique environment. Salt caves are thought to help with a variety of health issues such as stress and allergies. You can also experience a calming session on zero-gravity chairs while listening to relaxing music.
Visit a Museum
If you're looking for an indoor activity, the Hamptons has an array of art and history museums for you to check out. The Parrish Art Museum located in Water Mill offers a wide variety of exhibitions from both well-known artists and local newcomers to the art scene. The grounds of the museum are open daily and feature a 14-acre outdoor sculpture exhibition called Field of Dreams.
Another unique museum located in Southampton is the Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum. A non-profit Native American-owned organization, this museum explores the history of the Shinnecock culture and people with exhibitions showcasing interesting exhibits such as historical hunting and fishing on Long Island.
Wine Tasting
You cannot come to the Hamptons and miss its premier vineyards. Take a tour and enjoy tasting distinctive wines, ciders, and spirits at Wölffer Estate Vineyards in Sagaponack. Spanning 170 acres, this beautiful vineyard is just 2.6 miles from the sea and has some of the top wine produced in the Hamptons. Enjoy an evening wine tasting and listening to live music at Wölffer Estates — or check out one of the many other vineyards in the Hamptons.