How To Plan A Day Trip To Sag Harbor, New York (One Day Itinerary Included!)

Sag Harbor, New York is a beloved destination for travelers seeking a quick Hamptons getaway.

The small town is known for picturesque harbor views, calm beaches, and a lovely downtown area full of historic buildings. It may be lesser known than other Hamptons hamlets but that only adds to the charm.

I spent a year living here and regularly return to visit family, it’s an incredible town that’s well worth a visit, even if only for a day.

Below I’ll go through logistics of getting here and how to get around, then the day trip to Sag Harbor itinerary. (Already know how you’re getting to Sag Harbor? Skip straight to the one day itinerary.)

historic homes and cherry blossoms sag harbor things to do new york — Sag Harbor day trip

White building framed by large trees with huge neon sign reading "Sag Harbor". Sag Harbor Cinema, Main Street, Sag Harbor, New York, The Hamptons. — Sag Harbor day trip

How To Get To Sag Harbor

Below is a brief summary regarding how to get to Sag Harbor. I have much more detailed information over on my other post: How To Get To The Hamptons.

By Car

Sag Harbor is about 100 miles, or 2 hours, 15 minutes from New York City. The drive is easy but can be slow during peak season due to traffic.

Tip: traffic can be very heavy in Sag Harbor during peak season, plan to arrive to early to avoid traffic and parking issues.

By Bus

An easy way to get to the Hamptons is via the Hampton Jitney, a luxury liner with many routes between Manhattan and the East End.

Transit time is about 2.5 hours in each direction, drop off is right in downtown Sag Harbor at the cinema. Although, be aware, not all bus routes stop here.

By Train

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) departs Manhattan’s Penn Station with various stops throughout the Hamptons. Sag Harbor does not have an LIRR station. The nearest station is in Bridgehampton which is 5 miles from Sag Harbor.

Transit time is about 2.5 hours in each direction. If visiting during peak times, when traffic is heavy, the LIRR is a great way to go.

Fly

By far the fastest way to get to the Hamptons is by helicopter or plane. Scheduled and charter flights are available to the public via BLADE. The ride is only about 30 minutes each direction.

BLADE helicopter flies from various points in NYC into East Hampton Airport, which is just under 5 miles from Sag Harbor.

BLADE seaplanes fly from Manhattan directly to the quaint town of Sag Harbor.

Scheduled helicopter flights and charters are available year-round. Seaplanes are charter only.

Yacht yard filled with boats including colorful orange and black boat. In front of yacht yard are large trees, in background sunset. Sag Harbor Yacht Yard, Sag Harbor, New York, The Hamptons. — Day trip to Sag Harbor – Sag Harbor Marine Park

Ferry

There is no ferry from New York City to the Hamptons.

If coming from Shelter Island or the North Fork of Long Island, you can ferry to North Haven, which is 1.5 miles from Sag Harbor.

Hire A Driver/ Cab/ Ride Share

Another way to get to the Hamptons is by hiring a driver. It’s possible to take a cab or ride share, such as Uber or Lyft, from New York City. However, the price will be very high.

If going this route, I recommend hiring a car service. It’ll cost about the same as a cab but with elevated service.

Hire A Tour Guide

Hiring a driver is great, but limited. They will drop you off and pick you up where you’d like, between that time, you’re on your own.

If you’d like someone to drive you around the entire day, a tour guide is necessary.

I’ve yet to find any group tours of the Hamptons. However, there are a few private tours available, this is especially great if you’re traveling with a small group.

The private tour itinerary is often customizable and provides a personalized experience.

Check rates & availability for New York City to the Hamptons Private Day Trip here

pink lobster buoys historic homes matriark sag harbor shopping new york the hamptons — Village of Sag Harbor

Getting Around Sag Harbor

Sag Harbor is small and mostly walkable. If you wish to visit the beach, however, you’ll need a bike or car.

Car Rental In Sag Harbor

There are no car rental companies in Sag Harbor. However carshare companies like Turo may be available.

There are also rental companies in nearby Water Mill and East Hampton. Both are located less than 10 miles away.

Rent A Bike In Sag Harbor

It’s possible to get around Sag Harbor by bike. Check out rentals at Sag Harbor Cycle Company. They offer regular road bikes and electric bikes. It’s best to reserve a bike in advance if possible.

Walking Around Sag Harbor

Sag Harbor is small and walkable for the most part. Shops, restaurants, and museums are all within close proximity to the downtown area.

Get A Ride

It’s possible to get Uber or a cab in Sag Harbor. Just be aware, they’re not always timely or reliable.

sag harbor cinema main street sag harbor new york the hamptons — Be sure to walk Main Street during your day trip to Sag Harbor

Sag Harbor Day Trip Itinerary

Below is how I would spend one day in Sag Harbor.

Visit The Beach

First up, hit the beach.

Sag Harbor is located on the northern side of Long Island’s South Fork, facing the bay. The beaches here are a bit rocky and are very calm compared to the nearby Atlantic coastline.

The main beach in Sag Harbor is Long Beach (formally called Foster Memorial Beach). It’s on a thin strip of land alongside a roadway connecting Noyack to North Haven. The beach is rockier on the west end and gets sandier as you move east.

The calm water makes this beach perfect for families.

Long Beach does offer daily parking passes. If visiting over a summer weekend, it’s best to arrive early to secure parking and snag a good spot on the beach. Also, this beach has restrooms and showers for changing.

For true sandy beaches (and waves) you’ll want to head to the Atlantic Coast, just 5+ miles away. Popular oceanfront beaches near Sag Harbor are Sagg Main Beach, Mecox Beach, or Coopers Beach. Coopers Beach offers the most in terms of amenities, they have large restrooms and umbrella/ beach chair rentals.

Note: Many Hamptons beaches are free and open to the public, but beach parking is not free. Parking rules and rates are regularly changing. Before heading out, check out Town of Southampton for up-to-date and accurate parking information. If planning to visit Coppers Beach, head over to Village of Southampton. Those without a car can walk, bike, or be dropped off at any public beach without needing a permit or paying a fee.

foster memorial beach long beach sag harbor new york the hamptons — Long Beach to the left, Sagg Main Beach to the right

sunbathing sagg main beach sagaponack new york the hamptons — Long Beach to the left, Sagg Main Beach to the right

Shop & Explore Downtown Sag Harbor

Next up is exploring the town’s Main Street, a must during your day trip to Sag Harbor. Imagine stylish boutique shops and art galleries mixed in with a supermarket, hardware store, and historic theater. It’s very charming!

The Hamptons are known for excellent shopping and Sag Harbor is no different, the town has especially great antique stores.

Additionally, you’ll find delicious restaurants in this area and nearby attractions such as museums, the harbor, and beautiful historic homes.

Neat and clean antique shop with chandeliers, model sail boats, telescopes, and chests. Black Swan Antiques, Sag Harbor, New York, The Hamptons. — Downtown Sag Harbor

Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum

If time permits, consider checking out the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum.

Sag Harbor’s main industry during the 1700’s and early 1800’s was whaling. In fact, it was one of the United States’ main whaling ports during this time. The village was even mentioned in Herman Melville’s famed book Moby Dick.

If you’re interested in learning about Sag Harbor’s history I recommend visiting the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum. Here you’ll find artifacts of the town’s history and the largest collection of whaling equipment in the state of New York.

The museum is located in a beautiful 1845 home once owned by whaling ship owner Benjamin Huntting II. It’s just a short walk from the Main Street area.

sag harbor whaling museum sag harbor things to do new york — Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum

See The Yachts On Sag Harbor

The next stop during your one day itinerary is the harbor!

The harbor is centrally located in the village, just steps from lively restaurants and excellent boutique shops, making it one of the favorite things to do in Sag Harbor. It’s the perfect place to take in the views!

Sag Harbor Yacht Yard was first established in the 1700’s as Rysam’s Boat Yard and originally served as a fishing and whaling port. Today it’s more so known for mega yachts and sailboats, which can be spotted here during the summer months.

While here, be sure to stop by Big Olaf’s for ice cream. The line can get long and it’s cash only, but it’s so worth it! They have both regular and non-dairy options.

sag harbor yacht yard deck sail boats yachts new york the hamptons — Sag Harbor Long Wharf

big olafs ice cream vegan sag harbor yacht yard summer the hamptons new york — Sag Harbor Long Wharf

Sunset Sail

Finally, if time permits, I recommend going for a sunset boat ride in Sag Harbor.

One of the best options in Sag Harbor is American Beauty Cruises and Charters. It’s a no-frills, 2 hour boat ride, and you can bring your own food and drinks on board.

This is the perfect way to take in the beautiful scenery and go for a tour of the harbor. As an added bonus, the pricing is very reasonable.

Sunset over calm water, boat ride views. Sag Harbor, New York, The Hamptons. — Sunset cruise in Sag Harbor

Additional Things To Do In Sag Harbor During Your Day Trip:

Have more time? Or wish to mix up the above itinerary a bit? Below are some additional things to do in Sag Harbor:

Go for an easy hike in the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge.
Catch a live show at Bay Street Theater.
Go kayaking or stand up paddle boarding.
Listen to live music at Faraway Sag Harbor (formerly Baron’s Cove).
Visit the Sag Harbor Historical Society.
Watch the sunset from John Steinbeck Waterfront Park.
Go for a wine tasting at Wölffer Estate Vineyard, 4 miles away in Sagaponack.

For more ideas, check out: The Best Things To Do In Sag Harbor

Where To Eat In Sag Harbor

There’s a good variety of restaurants along Main Street of Sag Harbor village. Some popular options are Sen, Lulu Kitchen & Bar, Sag Pizza, Page at 63 Main, and Tutto il Giorno, just to name a few.

For dinner over the water check out Le Bilboquet or Beacon.

For a quick bite to eat consider Cavaniola Gourmet Cheese, Provisions, Nikkis Not Dog Stand, Corner Bar, or Dock House.

Breakfast is great from Grindstone Coffee & Donuts, and Goldberg’s Famous Bagels. There are also a number of good coffee shops like Sagtown Coffee and Jack’s Stir Brew Coffee.

As mentioned above, Big Olaf’s is the best place for ice cream. Carissa’s The Bakery and BuddahBerry are also good for satisfying a sweet tooth.

sidewalk cafe tables restaurants sag harbor new york the hamptons — Dining out in Sag Harbor, New York

Two huge veggie platters on wooden boards surrounded by beverages, white table cloth. Lulu's restaurant, Sag Harbor, New York, The Hamptons. — Dining out in Sag Harbor, New York

Where To Stay In Sag Harbor

If spending the night in Sag Harbor you have a few hotel options:

Luxury: The American Hotel – Historic hotel right in downtown.
Luxury: Faraway Sag Harbor (formerly Baron’s Cove) – Popular for their waterfront views and live music!
Mid-budget: Sag Harbor Inn – Convenient location and pool.

For more detailed information check out The Best Sag Harbor Hotels.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Sag Harbor?

Summer is peak season in Sag Harbor. This is when the weather is nicest, all businesses are open, and the town has a very fun energy to it. This time of year really is magical. The only downside? There will be crowds and traffic to contend with.

Fall can be a beautiful time to visit, crowds begin to die down but most businesses are still open. Depending on luck, you may be able to enjoy a beach day during fall.

Spring is often rainy and grey but has occasional warm days. Businesses slowly begin to reopen throughout April into May. This is a good time of year to visit if you wish to avoid crowds and don’t care for beach-going.

Winter is the quietest time of year throughout the Hamptons. The weather is quite cold and many businesses close up for winter, although a handful stay open year-round. If you’re seeking a peaceful Hamptons day trip without the crowds, winter is the best.

What To Pack For A Day Trip To Sag Harbor

When packing for a day trip to the Hamptons there’s a few things you should have on hand. Of course a practical outfit with comfortable shoes will be necessary for a long day. However, you may also need items like a portable phone charger, sun protection, and cash. Some businesses in Sag Harbor still operate on cash only.

If visiting the beach, you’ll also need items such as toiletries to clean up after sunbathing and two towels, one towel to get sandy at the beach and one for cleaning up after the beach.

Regarding outfit choices, airy summer garments like cotton pieces, maxi dresses, linen sets, and “beach to dinner” outfits are always perfect for summer in Sag Harbor.

Sag Harbor Day Trip Packing List:

Casual, comfortable outfit
Light cover up
Comfortable shoes
Backpack
Sunglasses
Hat
Sunscreen
Cash
Portable phone battery
Reusable water bottle
Snacks
Bathing suit (if going to the beach)
Sandals (if going to the beach)
2 microfiber towels (if going to the beach)
Wet bag (to store wet swimsuit)
Travel toiletries (if going to the beach)
Beach bag (if going to the beach)

A day trip to Long Island’s Sag Harbor is always a great idea! It’s the perfect way to escape the bustle of the big city and there’s no doubt it’s worth the effort to get here.

Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.

Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Hamptons and New York guides.