Celebrities and people in the know love The Hamptons, after all, it has some of the most incredible towns, restaurants, wine, beaches, homes and a great culture to go with it. Once you have been, you will be left wondering why you hadn’t discovered it earlier.
You may not be able to afford some of the ultra-luxurious houses there, but that’s no reason not to head there for a relaxing trip. In fact, you can rent one of the incredible Hamptons house rentals and start exploring. After all, there is something here for everyone.
I have compiled a little list to help get you on your way, I hope you enjoy reading more about it and find some special places of your own in the Hamptons.
Table of Contents
Things to do in the Hamptons
Explore the endless beaches
Long Island’s coastline is home to many great beaches and the Hamptons are well known as a place for extremely high-quality beaches with white sands and water that is clean and clear. The great thing is that you can visit popular beaches like Main Beach in East Hampton or Coopers Beach, or you can head to more secluded locations, particularly on the southern side of Long Island.
It’s great to go to a busy beach one day and spend the next day having a picnic in one of the more intimate and private beaches. The choice is truly yours and all you really need to do is explore and see for yourself what the best option is. I personally love heading to the more
secluded beaches to really recharge my batteries.
Get out on the open water
We already talked about how great it is on land in the Hamptons, but getting out on the open water is one great way to enjoy the Hamptons from afar. In fact, to some people, it may just be the best way to enjoy this part of the world.
Imagine heading out on a yacht with friends or family and just enjoying the day of sunshine, some local rose and some great food. There are a number of great places to visit around the Hamptons by boat, such as the many small islands and ports. Sag Harbor is one of the favorite destinations for the locals to start from and is worth visiting on its own.
Enjoy some of the best restaurants
Restaurants in the Hamptons will never be in short supply and with the high caliber of the people visiting, such as the celebrities, there is naturally fierce competition to be the best and to win customers. Seafood restaurants are extremely common with the sea always a stone’s throw away.
Fresh mussels, oysters, lobster and all the delights of the sea are on offer and they are fresh too! Some great restaurants are Calissa for Greek food, Dopo la Spiaggia for some great Italian (and great decor too) or Clam Bar for some informal seafood delights. It really doesn’t
matter who you are there is something to suit you and any occasion you might find yourself in here.
Head to the sculpture garden at the LongHouse
The LongHouse has become something of a Hamptons institution, especially for its sculpture garden that is home to some pieces from some true world-class artists, such as Yoko Ono, Kiki Smith, Buckminster Fuller, and Willem de Kooning.
The contrast between the lush green gardens and the oversized sculptures is truly a curious and interesting site to see and it can leave you wandering around fascinated for many hours. I love the sculptures of knots and, of course, the giant chessboard from Yoko Ono. The Longhouse is also a place for educational tours, private events, exhibitions and much more.
If you are in the area you can also visit the East Hampton Historical Society, Pollock-Krasner House or the Parrish Art Museum.
See how Jackson Pollock lived and worked at Pollock-Krasner House
Jackson Pollock has definitely become one of the most prolific impressionist artists to ever come and it’s possible to visit his home and studio that he shared with his wife and fellow impressionist artist Lee Krasner.
Pollock moved there in November 1945 and it is located in the town of East Hampton. The house has been well preserved and the decorations and artworks have all been kept the way that Pollock and Krasner did, whilst they lived there. It’s interesting to see incredibly valuable pieces of art just lying around the house, something that most people only get to admire in an art gallery these days.
The studio of the two artists is a separate barn building and is also very interesting, as it was the engine room for the creativity of Pollock and Krasner. Here you can see paint splatterings, sketches, and traces of their work on the walls and floor. Pollock tended to prefer working on the floor and the paint marks are an incredible tribute to his work there.
Sample Rosé at one of the most incredible vineyards
Rosé wine is one of the local specialties of the Hamptons and there is no better way to experience wine culture here with a visit to one of the many stunning wineries. Many of these tend to be on the northern fork of Long Island and there must be something in the soil because
they produce some truly amazing tasting wines.
You should definitely visit the most popular vineyard in Wölffer Estate, which has a killer rosé and an equally impressive cheese selection to match. Other great wineries include Jamesport, Paumanok, Paumanok or Martha Clara Vineyards.
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Have you been to the Hamptons? What are your recommendations?
Tripae says
Althought “Hamptons” remembers me the movie “white chicks”, it in fact can a be a good vacation destiny with a lot things to do. Your post really have help me to think this way.
Jill says
I love,love,love the Hamptons and all the natural beauty of the area. My first visit was only a few years ago so I still have more to explore there but any chance I get I head in that direction when visiting my daughter in New York. Great tips!