The Hamptons isn’t just a summer escape, it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re here for the pristine beaches, high-end shopping, legendary Hamptons dining, or buzzing nightlife, this ultimate Hamptons guide has everything curated over years of exploring.
Unlike other lists, this is the only Hamptons guide you’ll ever need. Not only should you bookmark it, but you’ll want to share it too. After all, who wouldn’t want to live like a local (or a celebrity)?
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- 🏖️ Beaches & Outdoor Bliss
- 🛍️ Shopping
- 🎨 Arts & Culture
- 🍽️ Best Food Spots
- 🌙 Nightlife
- ✨ Best Photo Spots
- 👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Hamptons
✨ The Absolute Best Things to Do in the Hamptons
🏖️ Beaches & Outdoor Bliss
– Coopers Beach (Southampton) – Powdery white sand, rolling dunes, and lifeguards. What makes it special? It’s consistently ranked America’s best public beach.
– Sagg Main Beach (Sagaponack) – Meanwhile, this local secret offers less crowds but just as stunning.
– Indian Wells Beach (Amagansett) – Gentle waves, perfect for families.
– Ditch Plains (Montauk) – Surfers’ paradise with epic waves.
– Shadmoor State Park (Montauk) – Hidden gem! Steep cliffs, ocean views, and serene walking paths. (10/10 hike.)
🛍️ Shopping: From Chic to Unique
Southampton
– Ralph Lauren (Main Street) – The iconic flagship store, a must-visit for classic Hamptons style.
– Chanel (Southampton, 46 Main Street) – The only standalone Chanel boutique in the Hamptons, that is now closed unfortunately.
– Hildreth’s Home Goods – Upscale home decor and gifts.
– Cittanuova – High-end women’s fashion.
– T.J.Maxx (Bridgehampton) – Surprisingly great for last-minute designer steals.
– Retreat – Right across from TJ Maxx in that plaza. Definitely a gem love the organization and I always somehow end up getting something. They have silk and designer clothes that somehow end up being 50% every first of the month!
East Hampton
– Interior Define – Gorgeous home furnishings.
– The Monogram Shop – Personalized luxury gifts.
Sag Harbor
– Kites of the Harbor – Whimsical kites and beach toys.
– Sag Harbor Variety Store – Old-school charm with fun finds.
Farm Stands & Markets
– Round Swamp Farm (Bridgehampton & East Hampton) – Fresh produce, baked goods, and their legendary blueberry muffins.
– The Milk Pail (Water Mill) – Apple cider donuts and fresh-picked berries.
– Sagaponack General Store – They have next level cinnamon rolls. It’s definitely a pricey store but absolutely beautiful. Recently, they went through a multimillion dollar renovation, definitely worth stopping by.
🎨 Arts & Culture
– Parrish Art Museum (Water Mill) – Stunning architecture, top-tier contemporary art.
– Southampton Arts Center – Rotating exhibits, live music, cultural events.
– The Water Mill Museum – Quaint local history spot.
– Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum – Fascinating maritime past.
– Chanel Surf Shack (Montauk, seasonal pop-up) – The viral luxury boutique with exclusive merch.
🍽️ The Ultimate Hamptons Food Guide
☀️ Best Breakfast Spots
– The Golden Pear (Southampton & East Hampton) – Classic Hamptons breakfast spot.
– Grindstone Coffee & Donuts (Sag Harbor & East Hampton) – Best donuts (try the vanilla latte too).
– Café Crème (Bridgehampton) – French pastries & espresso.
– Jonis – One of the hottest breakfast spots, wraps and smoothies always hit different.
– Mary’s Marvelous (Amagansett) – Organic, wholesome breakfast bowls.
– Tates Bake Shop – They have the absolute best vanilla latte in the Hamptons.
🍝 Best Lunch Spots
– Sant Ambroeus (Southampton) – Chic Italian, also great for people-watching.
– The Lobster Roll (Amagansett, aka “Lunch”) – Legendary lobster rolls.
– Duryeas (Montauk) – Lobster roll is always amazing, despite being $45.
– Citarella (Bridgehampton) – Their Chicken Milanese sandwich (made fresh daily) is life-changing.
– Tapovan Lunchbox (Wainscott)– Amazing Indian food.
– Kumiso (East Hampton) – Start with an amazing house ginger salad. Wagyu avocado roll, tuna crispy rice, buffalo cauliflower bun!
🍷 Best Dinner Spots (Including Celebrity Hotspots)
First, the celebrity hotspots:
– Nick & Toni’s (East Hampton) – Not only does old-money Hamptons dine here, but Beyoncé and Martha Stewart are regulars.
– Tutto Il Giorno (Sag Harbor & Southampton) – Gwyneth Paltrow, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jimmy Fallon’s Italian go-to.
– Topping Rose House (Bridgehampton) – Farm-to-table luxury.
– The Surf Lodge (Montauk) – More than just Instagram bait, great food & surprise concerts.
– Amalfi Coastal Kitchen & Cocktails – Super cute addition to the Hampton Bays! Good food and absolutely love the sunset & spritz here.
Hidden Gems
– Elaia Estiatorio (Bridgehampton) – Best tzatziki ever and incredible Greek food overall. Make a reservation, you won’t regret it.
– Duryea’s (Montauk) – Waterfront oysters & sunset cocktails.
– The Cookery (East Hampton) – Cozy spot with killer pastries.
🌙 Nightlife: Where to Party & Dance
– The Stephen Talkhouse (Amagansett) – Intimate live music (John Mayer has played surprise sets here).
– The Muses (Southampton) – Glamorous, high-energy nightclub.
– The Surf Lodge (Montauk) – Great live DJs and great views!
– Montauk Beach House – Great live DJs like Snakehips coming July 19th and so many more to take the night away! Definitely checkout their website for live events.
✨ The Most Instagrammable Spots in the Hamptons
If you’re looking for stunning backdrops, dreamy landscapes, and envy-inducing Hamptons photos, these are the most photogenic spots, from hidden gems to iconic landmarks.
🌅 Best Scenic Photo Spots
1. Montauk Lighthouse (Montauk)
– The ultimate Hamptons backdrop. Sunrise/sunset here is magical. For dramatic ocean shots, walk down to the rocks below.
2. Shadmoor State Park Cliffs (Montauk)
– Meanwhile, Shadmoor State Park’s steep cliffs offer equally epic landscapes, especially during golden hour when the lighting is next-level.
3. The Surf Lodge (Montauk)
– Yes, it’s a restaurant, but the waterfront deck, neon signs, and boho decor are made for Instagram. Pro tip: Go for sunset cocktails and snap the pink-hued sky over Fort Pond.
4. Wolffer Estate Vineyard (Sagaponack)
– Rows of grapevines, golden light, and that iconic rosé bottle shot. Also, the pergola at golden hour = instant influencer vibes.
5. Main Street (Southampton & East Hampton)
– Charming cobblestone sidewalks, historic buildings, and chic storefronts. Some must-snap spots:
- Ralph Lauren storefront (classic Hamptons elegance)
- The Golden Pear Café’s striped awning
- Hildreth’s Home Goods’ flower-filled entrance
6. Ditch Plains Beach (Montauk)
– Surfers, rugged cliffs, and wild ocean waves = effortlessly cool beach pics. Do the walk up the bluff for a panoramic view.
7. The Steps at Cooper’s Beach (Southampton)
– The most viral Hamptons photo op. Pastel surfboards, luxury branding, and beachy chic decor. Every summer, they always have a different pop up!
8. The Lobster Roll (“Lunch”) Sign (Amagansett)
– Iconic retro neon sign, a must for foodie pics. Snap it with a lobster roll in hand for the full effect.
9. Meadow Lane Boardwalk (Southampton)
– Long wooden walkway with dunes and ocean views, minimalist and dreamy. Best at sunrise when it’s empty, but also beautiful at sunset.
10. Sag Harbor Windmill
– Quaint, historic, and oh-so-New England. Perfect for a cute outfit pic.
More spots for you to get that perfect photo
– The Topping Rose House Garden (Bridgehampton)
- Lush greenery, white hydrangeas, and a grand estate backdrop.
– East Hampton Main Beach Pavilion
- The white lifeguard stands + blue ocean = timeless beach aesthetic.
– The Secret Garden at LongHouse Reserve (East Hampton)
- Sculptures, wildflowers, and hidden pathways, a fairytale setting.
– Navy Beach (Montauk)
- Adirondack chairs right on the sand at golden hour.
💡 Pro Tips for the Hamptons
First, golden hour (6-9PM) is EVERYTHING for soft, shadow-free light. Next, stick to whites, neutrals, or pastels to nail that effortless Hamptons vibe. Finally, avoid crowds by visiting early morning or on weekdays.
💎 Secret Spots Only Locals Know
– Our Lady of Poland Church (Southampton) – Randomly beautiful & peaceful, also just found out theres a Church Basement Vintage Sale 6AM third Tuesday of every month. Wealthy families donate designer clothes and they resell for cheap.
– The Chanel Houses (seasonal pop-ups) – Keep an eye out for viral luxury installations.
– Mecox Beach (Bridgehampton) – Secluded, pristine, rarely crowded.
– Billionaire’s Bonfire (Little Plains Rd) – BYOB for potential invite
– Shadmoor State Park (Montauk) – Breathtaking cliffs & ocean views.
Kid friendly guide to the hamptons & spots I always loved and go back to.
1. Main Beach (East Hampton)
Clean and family-friendly-perfect for a full beach day with the littles.
2. Sag Harbor/East Hampton Villages
Stroll worthy streets, charming cafes, the best window (and real) shopping, waterfront views, coffee and ice cream places.
3. Duryea’s Lobster Deck (Montauk)
Breezy dockside dining with unbeatable sunset views, literally THE best lobster salad on the island!
4. Amber Waves Farm (Amagansett)
A cute farm with farm animals, fresh produce, and space for kids to roam. They have a gorgeous garden and swings, but it’s seasonal and sometimes closed to call ahead!
5. Children’s Museum of the East End (Bridgehampton)
Interactive, fun, and great for burning off energy, rain or shine. This is a great place if you have a toddler!
6. Marram Montauk
A boutique beachfront hotel with a relaxed, barefoot luxury feel. Great for families who love design and nature.
You can also go and enjoy some coffee at their on site restaurant.
7. Montauk Point Lighthouse
Historic landmark with cliffside views and trails, great for exploring with kids. the cliff towards the back is stunning!!!
8. The Crows Nest (Montauk)
Sunset views, twinkling lights, rustic-chic vibes, and a Mediterranean menu, the garden lounge and beach access make it fun for families and date nights! you can also go for coffee and dessert and just sit outside! It’s sooo beautiful at sunset!
9. Long Beach (Sag Harbor)
Calm bay waters, perfect for toddlers, sunset strolls, and easy parking.
10. The Baker House 1650 (East Hampton)
Old-world charm meets luxe B&B vibes. While more adult focused, it’s a dreamy stop for breakfast and the kids can enjoy the garden area while enjoying their morning pancakes!
Final Thoughts
This is the most comprehensive Hamptons guide covering every must-visit spot, hidden gem, and celebrity hotspot. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, this is all you need.
Save it. Live it. 🌊✨
(Did I miss your favorite spot? Drop it in the comments!)
