An Insider Guide To Summer In The Hamptons

The Hamptons. For New Yorkers and an increasing international crowd, it’s the quintessential summer escape – a stretch of coastline where vibrant scenes meet serene landscapes. Beyond the buzz, there's an enduring charm rooted in local life and timeless summer rituals. We've tapped into the insights of local Ann Palmer to curate your guide to truly experience the Hamptons, from unparalleled dining to hidden beach gems and unique stays.

Montauk, at the very end of Long Island, offers a raw, untamed beauty blended with a distinct, appealing energy.

Where to Stay & Play:

• The Surf Lodge: Still the heart of Montauk's summer scene, this spot is synonymous with live music, a vibrant atmosphere, and memorable sunsets.

• Hero Beach Club: For a laid-back, charming beach stay, Hero Beach Club remains a top choice, offering a true sense of ease by the ocean.

• Marram: Embracing a chill beach vibe with a focus on wellness, Marram provides a refreshing and serene escape.

• Gurney's Montauk Resort: This iconic full-service resort continues to deliver a comprehensive Hamptons experience, complete with a renowned spa and lively beachfront activities.

Where to Indulge:

• Duryea’s Montauk: Essential for seafood, its buzzing atmosphere and fresh lobster rolls continue to be a summer highlight.

• The Crow's Nest: A beloved institution known for its daily changing menu, offering a consistently appealing dining experience with a charming, rustic setting.

• Mavericks Montauk (New for 2024/2025): From acclaimed NYC chef Dylan Hales, Mavericks brings a fresh perspective to modern American cuisine in a stylish Montauk setting.

Amagansett offers a quieter, more understated appeal, balancing a relaxed pace with discerning culinary options.

Where to Retreat:

• The Reform Club Amagansett: This boutique hotel remains a top choice for a stylish and serene stay, known for its refined design and intimate atmosphere.

Where to Indulge:

• Clam Bar: A classic roadside seafood shack, beloved for its fresh seafood, especially its lobster rolls – a quintessential Hamptons stop.

• Il Buco Al Mare: This spot continues its focus on the flavors of the Mediterranean, offering a distinct and appealing dining experience.

• Coche Comedor: For vibrant Mexican cuisine, Coche Comedor delivers a lively and flavorful experience that remains a local favorite.

• Wölffer Kitchen: Part of the esteemed Wölffer Estate, this kitchen offers a menu thoughtfully paired with their wines, reflecting the region's produce.

• Carissa's The Bakery: (New for 2025) While not new, Carissa's has expanded its presence and remains a prime spot for artisanal breads, pastries, and elevated breakfast/lunch options, perfect for a casual yet discerning bite.

East Hampton exudes a classic, timeless elegance, with its charming village center and distinguished properties.

Where to Stay:

• The Baker House 1650: This historic inn offers a boutique stay steeped in character and refined charm.

• The Maidstone: A distinguished boutique hotel known for its unique style and inviting ambiance.

• 1770 House : A historic inn and restaurant, offering a blend of classic Hamptons appeal and a highly regarded dining experience.

• The Roundtree: A newer boutique luxury hotel in East Hampton, celebrated for its quiet design, thoughtful amenities, and private gardens – an ideal discerning retreat.

Where to Indulge:

• Bostwick's Chowder House: A Hamptons classic, consistently delivers fresh seafood and a convivial atmosphere.

• Sixty Six (at EHP Resort & Marina) (New for 2024/2025): This waterfront restaurant at the EHP Resort & Marina offers a fresh take on Mediterranean dining with stunning views, creating a chic summer experience.

Sag Harbor is often considered the Hamptons' most authentic town, blending its rich whaling history with a vibrant artistic community.

Where to Stay:

• Baron’s Cove: This acclaimed hotel offers a classic harbor-side charm, complete with a pool and views of the marina.

• The American Hotel: A historic gem, this hotel provides a glimpse into Sag Harbor's past, known for its timeless appeal.

Where to Indulge:

• DOPO La Spiaggia: Offers a compelling Italian dining experience in a stylish setting.

• Tutto Il Giorno: Another consistently appealing Italian spot, known for its fresh ingredients and inviting ambiance.

• Ed's Lobster Bar : For a casual yet top-quality seafood experience, Ed's remains a go-to for its lobster rolls and fresh catches.

• Bell & Anchor: A local favorite for its seafood-focused menu and lively atmosphere by the water.

• Komi (New for 2024/2025): From NYC chef Nick Korbee, Komi brings a unique global menu with creative dishes, adding a fresh, intriguing option to Sag Harbor's dining scene.

Bridgehampton offers a refined country charm, with sprawling farmlands meeting high-end culinary and lodging experiences.

Where to Stay:

• The Bridgehampton Inn: A charming inn providing a cozy and inviting stay in the heart of Bridgehampton.

• Topping Rose House: A distinguished hotel known for its elegant accommodations and celebrated dining.

Where to Indulge:

• Pierre's: This French restaurant remains a beloved institution, offering classic cuisine in a charming setting.

• Jean Georges (at The Topping Rose House): Experience fine dining by Jean-Georges Vongerichten within the elegant Topping Rose House.

• Wölffer Estate Winery: A visit here is essential for wine tastings, offering a taste of the Hamptons' terroir in a beautiful setting.

Southampton, the Hamptons' oldest English settlement, exudes a classic grandeur, with its historic village and distinguished social scene.

Where to Indulge:

• Sant Ambroeus: This Italian café and restaurant continues to be a go-to for its classic Italian fare, pastries, and coffee, offering a taste of Milanese elegance in the Hamptons.

Nestled between the North and South Forks, Shelter Island offers a distinctly serene counterpoint to the Hamptons’ lively pulse. Accessible only by a short, charming ferry ride, this island gem is a haven of natural beauty, secluded beaches, and a relaxed pace. It’s a perfect escape for those seeking quiet contemplation, scenic exploration, and a deep connection to classic island life.

How to Arrive: Shelter Island is exclusively reached by ferry. The North Ferry connects from Greenport (North Fork), while the South Ferry departs from North Haven (South Fork/Sag Harbor). Both services run frequently throughout the summer, accommodating both vehicles and walk-on passengers.

Where to Retreat:

• The Pridwin Hotel: Recently reimagined in April 2024, this iconic hotel, originally built in 1927, now blends timeless nostalgia with a fresh, contemporary sensibility. Situated on 7 acres overlooking Crescent Beach, it offers refined rooms and private cottages, a spa, and activities from paddleboarding to pickleball. Its waterfront restaurant, The Terrace, provides elevated American cuisine with local ingredients.

• Sunset Beach Hotel : Designed by André Balazs, this cool motel-style property sits right on the beach, offering a lively indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant that hums with summer energy.

• The Chequit : A beautifully restored historic hotel (from the 1800s), offering a charming stay and a curated selection of unique shops.

Culinary Delights:

• The Terrace at The Pridwin Hotel: Its signature waterfront restaurant, offering a reimagined Mediterranean menu with locally sourced ingredients, all enjoyed with breathtaking bay views.

• Vine Street Cafe: A long-standing local favorite, known for its commitment to farm-to-table cuisine, sourcing fresh ingredients from area farmers, fishermen, and vineyards. They also have a small market for gourmet pantry items.

• Sunset Beach Restaurant : Enjoy lively dining with a view at this popular spot within the Sunset Beach Hotel.

• Marie Eiffel Market: A beloved island institution for fresh pastries, gourmet prepared foods, and a curated selection of pantry staples.

Island Explorations:

• Beaches: Discover serene shores like Crescent Beach (with lifeguards and calm waters), Wades Beach, and Shell Beach.

• Nature & Outdoors: Explore the vast Mashomack Preserve, a pristine nature sanctuary offering hiking trails and birdwatching opportunities. Enjoy kayaking, biking (rentals available from Piccozzi's Bike Shop), or a round of golf at the Shelter Island Country Club or Gardiner's Bay Country Club.

Reaching the Hamptons is part of the summer ritual.

• By Coach: The Hampton Jitney offers a comfortable and consistent coach service from New York City.
• By Car: Driving provides flexibility, though traffic can be a consideration during peak hours.
• By Air: For a quicker arrival, Fly Blade offers efficient and convenient air travel options from New York City, connecting directly to various Hamptons helipads.

84 Rooms recommends: Our 10 Favourite Restaurants In New York City, and Yolanda Edwards And Matt Hranek’s Insider Guide To Upstate New York.