Fall In The Hamptons: 26 Exciting Things To Do
Visiting the Hamptons during fall and wondering what to do? I lived in the Hamptons for a year, and regularly return to visit family. I must say, I adore this time of year.
The weather is pleasant and mild most days, many businesses remain open, and every year it seems more and more events pop up.
But even with such a fantastic selection of things to do, fall isn’t nearly as busy as summer. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing, fall allows you to see famous Hamptons attractions without all the crowds.
Read on for the best things to do during fall in the Hamptons.
Things To Do During Fall In The Hamptons
Hank’s Pumpkintown
Hank’s Farmstand is famous in the Hamptons as a haven for family fun, from summer through the holidays.
The farm especially shines during the fall season, when it transforms into Hank’s Pumpkintown.
You’ll love the pumpkin patch, u-pick apple orchard, hot ciders, and all things pumpkin flavored. There’s also tons of kid-friendly activities, fall-themed decor, and baked goods, like pumpkin pie.
Hank’s Pumpkintown runs from about mid-September through Halloween. It does get really busy on weekends, so try to stop by mid-week if possible.
Visit The Beach
Fall weather can be great for a quiet walk along the beach.
This time of year is usually too cold for bikini-clad sunbathing, but toss on a light sweater and you’ll be good to go on a nice, sunny day. There are, however, a few fall days which warm up significantly. Bring your swimwear in case your visit lands on one of those lucky days.
For some of the best beaches in the Hamptons, check out:
- Main Beach (East Hampton)
- Cooper Beach (Southampton)
- Atlantic Avenue Beach (Amagansett)
- Sagg Main Beach (Sagaponack)
- Ditch Plains Beach (Montauk)
- Cupsogue Beach (Westhampton)
- Foster Memorial Beach – Long Beach (Sag Harbor)
Best of all, most beaches don’t require parking passes this time of year.
The Milk Pail Fresh Market
For farm fresh produce — plus really delicious cider and doughnuts — be sure to stop by The Milk Pail Fresh Market during fall.
The marketplace is located right off Montauk Highway and owned by the Halsey family.
For years they’ve been serving up produce and treats from local suppliers and their own Halsey Farm & Nursery. I am obsessed with their cider, it’s pricey, but worth it.
Apple Picking At Milk Pail U-Pick Farm
Located about two miles from the Milk Pail Fresh Market, is their u-pick farm, aptly named Milk Pail U-Pick Farm.
Here they offer apples and pumpkins for picking from roughly Labor Day Weekend through the end of October. The apples are especially delicious, with the farm growing over 20 varieties.
On site they also have coffee, apple cider (which, again, is delicious), and other goodies from their Fresh Market.
Hours vary, so be sure to check their website before heading out: Milk Pail U-Pick Farm.
Visit A Vineyard
Visiting a vineyard is a favorite Hamptons activity no matter the time of year. What better way to spend an afternoon than to kick back and sip vino among the grapevines?
Local wineries offer a wide variety of wines, plus ciders and spirits. Plan to spend an afternoon enjoying charcuterie boards, live music, and chic tasting rooms.
Duck Walk Vineyard, Channing Daughters Winery, and Wölffer Estate Vineyard are the three wineries in the Hamptons, and all remain open in fall.
Wölffer Estate Vineyard does sunset live music at the Wine Stand on weekends throughout fall. It’s not as crowded as summer, but the vibes are still great. Just be sure to bring warm layers, it cools off quickly in the evening!
Check out my guide, Best Wineries In The Hamptons, for more information on each vineyard.
Wölffer Harvest Party
The Wölffer Harvest Party is an annual event held each fall in early October.
Celebrate this year’s harvest season with live music, games, grape stomping, delicious food, and of course, excellent wine.
This is always a very popular event and one you don’t want to miss!
Tickets for the annual harvest party need to be purchased in advance. Find more information at Wölffer Estate Vineyard.
Montauk Lighthouse
Located in Montauk Point State Park is New York’s oldest lighthouse, Montauk Point Lighthouse.
The 1796 lighthouse sits on a small point surrounded by water on 3 sides. The area offers excellent views of the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island Sound, on clear days you can even see out to Rhode Island and Connecticut, plus watch the fishing boats in the distance.
It really highlights why Montauk is nicknamed, “The End”.
Clear day or not, this is a great spot to enjoy the views, go for a walk, or fish.
If you wish to learn more about New York’s first lighthouse and Montauk’s history, be sure to stop by the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum. You can even go to the top of the lighthouse with museum admission! On clear days there’s great views from the top.
Visit A Bookstore
Looking for a relaxing fall activity? Browse the shelves of a local bookstore.
Scan the latest releases or get lost in an all-time classic — there’s no better way to spend a chilly day than in a bookshop!
Curl up with a good book from one of these local bookstores:
- Book Hampton (East Hampton)
- Harper’s Books (East Hampton)
- Homeport (home good and bookstore in Montauk)
- Sag Harbor Books (Sag Harbor)
If you prefer to check out a library, you may like East Hampton Library, John Jermain Memorial Library in Sag Harbor, or Hampton Library in Bridgehampton, to name a few. All are open to the public and most have free programs and classes for locals throughout the year.
View The Fall Foliage
Inland areas of the Hamptons are lush with woodlands and forests, which put on a lovely display come fall.
You’ll find yellows, reds, greens, and oranges all mixed together come late October.
It won’t be hard to find fall colors here, a simple drive through town, walk down Main Street, or quick hike will reward you with excellent fall colors.
If you’re looking for a specific spot to scope out colors though, consider:
- Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge
- Camp Hero State Park
- Bridge Gardens
- Linda Gronlund Memorial Nature Preserve
- Trout Pond Park
- Mashomack Nature Preserve
- Cedar Point County Park
These are just a few of the many excellent options.
Fall foliage typically peaks around late October in the Hamptons.
Hamptons International Film Festival
The Hamptons International Film Festival (HIFF) takes place each year during early October.
They feature a wide range of films across the duration of the festival, including independent and foreign cinema, documentary features, and short films. All while providing a platform for both emerging and established filmmakers.
The event takes place across multiple venues in the Hamptons, most shows are located in East Hampton, but there’s also showings in Sag Harbor and Southampton.
While highly anticipated showings sell out in advance, there’s often opportunities to snag other film tickets last minute.
During my year living in the Hamptons, I saw a great documentary at historic Sag Harbor Cinema during the film festival.
For a list of screenings and available tickets, head over to Hamptons International Film Festival.
See A Show
Looking for live shows?
There are numerous performing art centers around the Hamptons, each with live performances in a variety of categories such as musicals, plays, comedy, and so on.
No matter your taste, you’re sure to find something you enjoy!
Check out the following performing art venues in the Hamptons:
- Guild Hall in East Hampton
- Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor
- Southampton Arts Center
- Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center
Bike Or Drive Meadow Lane
Meadow Lane follows a narrow strip of land, with the Atlantic Ocean to the south and marshland to the north.
While it seems impossible to build on this sandy peninsula, you can bet many have.
Those who own homes here have bank accounts in the 10 digits — that’s billionaires, for those of you who don’t feel like counting.
A majority of the undeveloped portions of this peninsula belong to Meadow Lane Preserves. A program which protects what’s left of the sandy beach and marshland in the area.
The area has lovely fall colors — although not traditional, as there are few trees here — but the marshes and wetlands put on a colorful show of their own during fall.
Fall is a great time of year for a bike ride down Meadow Lane, weather permitting. This is a narrow road without a bike path, but there will be much less vehicle traffic to contend with this time of year.
Spa Day
Consider a spa day during your fall visit to the Hamptons.
Each hamlet offers a high-quality spa or two, but Gurney’s in Montauk definitely takes the cake for best spa experience in the Hamptons.
Imagine a mud body wrap and seaweed facial, followed by a dip in an indoor seawater pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Sound dreamy to you? (Um, duh.)
What better way to unwind on a chilly fall day?
Montauk Fall Fest
A much-loved annual celebration in the Hamptons is Montauk Fall Fest.
Each year in early October a few blocks of downtown Montauk are closed off to celebrate fall.
The streets are lined with local artisans, crafts, and farmers market goods. Plus kid’s activities, delicious food, live music, and fall themed activities.
The festival goes for a few days, but you don’t want to miss Saturday when the very popular Clam Chowder contest is held.
Visit A Farm Stand Or Farmers Market
Picking up local produce from a farm stand is a must while visiting the Hamptons.
Long before this was a vacation destination, it was a land of farmers and fishermen. In fact, the history of farming here goes back hundreds of years.
Fortunately, the industry has been (somewhat) protected from investors and New York City elite interested in swapping farmland for a beach mansion. Therefore, you can still find some really incredible produce here.
The region is best known for potatoes, sweet corn, squash, and of course, fresh fish.
There are numerous stands set up throughout the Hamptons, all with excellent quality. Just about every town has its own, but Amagansett’s Amber Waves has one of my favorites in fall.
Sag Harbor American Music Festival
The Sag Harbor American Music Festival is another of the Hampton’s very popular fall festivals.
The event features two days of live music, across various genres. These include blues, folk, ska, rock, pop, and more. Best of all, the event is completely free.
There are multiple venues and stages, all located within downtown Sag Harbor.
The outdoor stages are some of the most popular, especially the main stage, which is located right on the waterfront, overlooking the yacht and boat yard. You’re guaranteed lovely views in addition great music.
For more information regarding this year’s event, head on over to Sag Harbor American Music Festival.
Grab A Coffee
If you find yourself wondering what to do on a chilly fall day in the Hamptons, I say start with a coffee. Relaxing in a cafe is a favorite option among both locals and visitors this time of year.
There are also lots of good breakfast spots and bagel shops worth popping into.
Each town has an excellent selection of coffee shops and breakfast joints, so you’ll have no shortage of great options.
Parrish Art Museum
The Parrish Art Museum is a great place to spend an afternoon if visiting on a rainy or cold fall day.
The museum sits just off Montauk Highway, near Southampton. In addition to its permanent collections, they host a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
The focus here is primarily on local artists based on the South and North Forks of Long Island. They also offer educational programs such as lectures, artist talks, workshops, and family-friendly activities.
This is a must for art-lovers visiting the Hamptons during fall.
Tate’s Bake Shop
The Hamptons’ most famous bakery is a must-visit during your time on the South Fork of Long Island.
The 20+ year old bake shop is beloved for its thin, crispy chocolate chip cookies, but you’ll find tons of additional goodies at their bake shop. They even have vegan and gluten free goodies for the dietary restriction crew.
Pop in for some treats while out and about in Southampton.
Hike
Wildlife, solitude, and the sound of crunchy leaves under your feet can all be found on hiking trails throughout the Hamptons in the fall. On a sunny fall day, this is a great activity.
Some of my favorite hiking areas in the Hamptons include:
- Walking Dunes at Hither Hills State Park (Montauk)
- Shadmoor State Park (Montauk)
- Montauk Point State Park (Montauk)
- Trout Pond Park (Sag Harbor)
- Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildife Refuge (Noyac, near Sag Harbor)
- Quogue Wildlife Refuge (Quogue, near Westhampton)
- Cedar Point County Park (East Hampton)
- Mashomack Preserve (Shelter Island)
As far as Hamptons fall activities go, this is definitely a favorite for me! Just remember, ticks are still active this time of year — and there are a lot of them here — wear long layers and/or bug spray, and always check for ticks after a hike.
Rogers Mansion & Southampton History Museum
The Rogers Mansion serves as the main building for the Southampton History Museum, a popular interactive museum just off the Village of Southampton’s downtown area.
The well preserved mansion was built in the mid 1800’s by whaling caption, Albert Rogers, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s also rumored to be haunted.
Museum employees and visitors have both noticed oddities, most commonly, loud footsteps when nobody is around. If you’re seeking a ghost encounter this fall in the Hamptons, this is your spot.
The museum does offer occasional ghost tours, which is a great Halloween activity. You can find more information at: Southampton History Museum Ghost Tours.
Whether or not chasing ghosts is your thing, the Southampton History Museum and Rogers Mansion are a great place to visit, especially for those who want to learn the area’s history.
Browse The Shops
Each hamlet has an adorable Main Street set up with a wide variety of shops worth browsing.
Whether looking for boutiques, galleries, home goods, antique shops, or souvenirs, there are tons of options to explore in the Hamptons. As an added bonus, many storefronts are decorated with fall and Halloween decor this time of year.
Some of my favorite towns to explore are:
Sag Harbor – Charming Main Street adjacent to harbor and Yacht Yard.
Southampton – The largest and most diverse “Main Street” area of any Hamptons hamlet.
East Hampton – A great place for designer shops.
Montauk – Laid-back shops with an emphasis on beach and surf gear.
Amagansett – Smaller Main Street with quiet shops tucked behind the main drag in Amagansett Square.
Pst: you’re more likely to snag an off-season deal this time of year!
Go To The Movies
A day at the movies is a perfect cold-weather activity for the whole family.
Luckily there are several excellent choices within the Hamptons.
My favorite is Sag Harbor Cinema, which is oozing with historic charm. The 100+ year old theater was lovingly remodeled following a fire a few years back and now offers a well composed combination of charm and modern amenities. They present current feature films, along with older classic films. Don’t forget to grab a bag of popcorn from Billy Joel’s popcorn machine, or a cocktail from the rooftop bar!
Also consider East Hampton’s movie theater, Regal UA, it sits right on the main drag, making it a simple addition to a day of exploration.
Watch The Sunset
No matter the time of year, the Hamptons is one of the best spots to catch a sunset.
There’s nothing better than watching as the sky puts on a colorful display over the water.
Head to the north end of the South Fork for the best vantage points.
A few of my favorite spots to catch a sunset are Long Beach in Sag Harbor and Gosman’s in Montauk — or you can watch the moonrise over the southeast-facing Atlantic Ocean.
Halloween Events
Halloween events in the Hamptons can be a lot of fun and most towns embrace the spirit with a variety of activities and celebrations.
Below are a few fun things to do during Halloween in the Hamptons.
- Pick a pumpkin at Hank’s Pumpkintown
- Admire the fall and Halloween storefront displays throughout each town.
- Check out a haunted site like the Rogers Mansion or Murf’s Backstreet Tavern.
- Attend a Halloween party.
- See a spooky movie at Sag Harbor Cinema.
Halloween events in the Hamptons:
- Cooper Lane Trick-or-Treating (East Hampton)
- Elm Street Trick-or-Treating (Southampton)
- Little Lucy’s Halloween Pet Parade (Southampton)
- Sag Harbor Pumpkin Trail (Sag Harbor)
- Raggamuffin Parade (Sag Harbor)
- Trunk or Treat at Westhampton Library (Westhampton)
Visit Shelter Island
It’s hard to ignore the charm, solitude, and simple nature of the Hamptons’ neighbor, Shelter Island.
Take a drive through the gorgeous neighborhoods on Ram Island, hunt for seashells on the beach, or browse the shops near Dering Harbor. If weather permits, also take a hike through Mashomack Preserve, where you’ll find beautiful fall colors in late October.
Shelter Island prides itself on its privacy and history, making no apologies for its hard-to-get-to approach and lifestyle.
In reality though, the ferry ride to get here is both simple and quick, making this a lovely day trip from the Hamptons.
Visit The North Fork
Another favorite day trip from the Hamptons is the North Fork.
Imagine a more low key version of the Hamptons, with cute towns, calm beaches, plus countless vineyards and farmstands.
Greenport is one of my favorite spots on the North Fork. Here you can sip wine at a vineyard, go antiquing, then dine on the picturesque waterfront.
For more ideas, check out Top Things To Do In Greenport, New York.
Where To Stay In The Hamptons During Fall
There’s a number of beautiful hotels around the Hamptons, most of which are of the boutique variety, you won’t find any chains out here.
This time of year you’ll find guest rooms at lower prices than the high season — definitely a large perk of visiting during the fall months!
A few popular hotels in the Hamptons include:
- Southampton Inn (Southampton)
- Topping Rose House (Bridgehampton)
- The Baker House 1650 (East Hampton)
- Baron’s Cove (Sag Harbor)
- The American Hotel (Sag Harbor)
- Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa (Montauk)
- Montauk Yacht Club (Montauk)
- The Roundtree (Amagansett)
- Ram’s Head Inn (Shelter Island)
- The Quogue Club (Quogue near Westhampton)
You May Also Like: Where To Stay In The Hamptons
Fall Weather In The Hamptons
Fall weather in the Hamptons is fairly mild. This time of year sees quite a few sunny days, and about 7 days of rain per month.
It is, however, hurricane season. Even if the area isn’t directly affected, an East Coast hurricane can cause days heavy rain throughout the region.
Below are the average monthly temperatures for fall in the Hamptons:
- September – 73° / 56° (High / Low F°)
- October – 63° / 45°
- November – 53° / 37°
As you can see, fall is an excellent time of year to visit the Hamptons. There are lots of fun things to do and with lesser crowds, it’s much easier to get around and enjoy the attractions.
I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your trip and have the best time on the far east end of Long Island!
Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.
Looking for more ideas? Check out my Hamptons and New York guides below.
Additional Fall Hamptons Guides:
More Information For Your Hamptons Vacation:
- Amagansett Guides
- East Hampton Guides
- Montauk Guides
- Sag Harbor Guides
- Southampton Guides
- Best Wineries In The Hamptons
- What To Know Before Booking Your Hamptons Vacation
- Where To Stay In The Hamptons
- How To Get To The Hamptons
- What To Wear In The Hamptons
- Spring In The Hamptons: Top Things To Do
- Summer In The Hamptons: Top Things To Do
- Winter In The Hamptons: Top Things To Do
- Christmas In The Hamptons: Top Things To Do
More Information For Your Trip To New York:
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Hello ,
Firstly ı want you introduce my self. I’m Gülçin, I’m Turkish, and I’ll be visiting the Hamptons this October. I’ll only have one day there, so I’d love to hear your suggestions.
Thank you for your support,
Sincerly
Hello, welcome! Which part of the Hamptons will you be visiting?