We may receive a commission if you make purchases through affiliate links (at no extra cost to you). Read why our approach to travel is different.
Virtually all towns in The Hamptons have a great beach to speak of. Visiting one of these best beaches in the Hamptons is a quintessential experience and is an affair that you should absolutely make time for during your travels to the region. Beaches in the Hamptons all offer different experiences so it pays to know what’s available so you can choose where to go.
It’s worth mentioning that Sag Harbor has beaches but isn’t quite known for its beaches though there are plenty of other things to do in Sag Harbor. As with everywhere in the Hamptons, the experience isn’t exactly the same.
Skip to...
1. Ditch Plains
If you’re into surfing, chances are that you’ve already heard of Ditch Plains which is almost a byword for surfing among Hamptons locals and frequent visitors. And even if you’re not into surfing, there is excellent people watching. There are plenty of other beaches in Montauk, but there is no better than Ditch Plains if you’re looking for the best surf.
Visiting Ditch Plains is one of the best things to do in Hamptons on account of its great vibe, excellent surf and the fact that it’s lifeguard-protected. There’s also usually some food trucks (like the Ditch Witch) depending on the time of year which is always a good experience because it uplifts the general vibe of the beach.
Ditch Plains boasts clear, clean water, but above everything it’s the consistent waves which keep people coming back. There are also spectacular cliffside views so make sure you take a walk up to the top of the bluffs so you can see the full expanse of the area.
2. Gurney’s Beach
If there is a beach that can be described definitively as the quintessential Hamptons experience, it’s no doubt that it’s Gurney’s which is actually a private beach operated by Gurney’s. It’s the party beach that you may not know but have probably heard of, and if it’s the type of experience you’re looking for, it absolutely deliver each and every time.
One thing we have to be real about is a day or night out at Gurney’s is not a cheap affair, but it’s a memory that will last a lifetime. The atmosphere is second to none and is one of the reasons that keeps people returning to the Hamptons time and time again. On weekends and holidays through Labor Day, The Beach Club hosts a rotating line-up of live DJs.
This part of the beachfront along the Old Montauk Highway is colloquially known as Montauk Beach, but Montauk Beach is really a series of connected beaches.
3. Main Beach in East Hampton
Main Beach in East Hampton is the perfect place for families looking for the whole experience – it’s even got a food hut right on the beach. One of the reasons Main Beach is one of the best beaches in the Hamptons is because of the sheer variety of activities on offer, whether you want to play beach volleyball or learn to surf. You might even find live music on the beach on Tuesday nights during summer.
You’ll need to go early in the day to get a parking permit. Otherwise, get an Uber.
Surprisingly, Main Beach doesn’t get as crowded as other beaches in the Hamptons. That’s not to say that it doesn’t get crowded, just that it doesn’t get as crowded. Make sure to carve out some time to rest, relax and eat at The Beach Hut run by a mother-daughter duo. The menu is fresh and it’s located right in the dunes of East Hampton, making it just that bit more magical.
4. Cooper’s Beach
Cooper’s Beach in Southampton is often rated among the top beaches in America so you can expect an amazing beach to spend the day but don’t expect seclusion. You don’t need to be a resident of Southampton to access Cooper’s Beach, and you can even hire an umbrella at a reasonable price (relative to the Hamptons generally, of course).
One of the best parts about Cooper’s Beach is that dogs are welcome. It’s surprising that dogs aren’t allowed on so many beaches in the Hamptons given how much people in the area love their pets, but at least you know this is an option if you have a dog – and an excellent option at that.
You might find a spot to park in the residential area of Southampton and then walk down to the beach. You’ll save yourself over $60 in parking fees.
5. Atlantic Avenue Beach
Atlantic Avenue Beach in Amagansett which boasts white sand and gorgeous sand dunes. When you’re on the beach, you almost feel like you’re on a Greek Island but with wilder waves. Atlantic Avenue Beach is also home to one of the original Coast Guard stations. It wouldn’t be sufficient to write ‘if you know, you know’ in a guide to the best beaches in the Hamptons, but it really applies to Atlantic Avenue.
The sunsets are impossibly magical, and not just because of the stunning view of the horizon, but because of the beautiful waves and golden sand dunes. This is the beach that makes the Hamptons experience what it is known for.
There’s no doubt that a day out at Atlantic Avenue Beach will have you feeling rested and refreshed – and ready to conquer the nightlife scene that makes the Hamptons what it is.
Find a Private Beach on the Bay Side
There are plenty of other beaches dotted around Long Island which are absolutely worth a mention. If you’re on the bay side of Long Island, check your maps to find secluded beaches which aren’t often frequented. These can sometimes offer one of the more tranquil Hamptons experiences. There are so many to choose from including Sammy’s Beach and Maidstone Park Beach.
The only thing to be aware of is that there are many private or members only beaches on the bay side of Long Island. They will be very clearly marked as private so there won’t be any doubt about it, but if you can find a friend to take you to one of those beaches, you might just find a hidden gem that could be one of the best beaches in the Hamptons if it were open to the public.
Share This Article
Traveling soon? Subscribe to The Insight below and get exclusive access to our personalized travel advice community via WhatsApp so you can ask all your burning travel questions.
Looking for the best comprehensive travel insurance? SafetyWing has you covered.
And for your eSIM in every country, there is only one option we recommend: Airalo.
Read more of our best insights from around the world
- 4 Best Day Trips from Auckland: North Island Quick Escapes
- The 4 Best Wineries in Mudgee, New South Wales for 2025
- 11 Traditional Foods in Hanoi You Have to Try
- The Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Bangkok, Thailand for 2025
- 5 Swiss Desserts to Find in Basel Over the Holidays
- Dramatic Landscapes and Rugged Coastlines: 10 Things to Do on the Isle of Lewis
