21 Fun Things To Do In The Hamptons In The Spring
The Hamptons are an iconic beach destination on the far east end of Long Island. The area is famously known for mansions, yachts, celebrity sightings, and gorgeous beaches.
Summer is high time here, thanks to excellent weather, but don’t shy away from an off-season visit. Outside of the summer months you’ll find less crowds and much more of a peaceful getaway.
Spring in the Hamptons can be quite grey and rainy, but sprinkled in are warm, sunny days here and there.
Fortunately, there are a number of things to do in indoors, plus some great outdoor options for when the weather is on your side.
Planning a spring break trip to the Hamptons and wondering what to do?
I spent a year living in the Hamptons and regularly return to visit family, these are some of my favorite things to do in the Hamptons in the spring!
Top Things To Do In The Hamptons In The Spring
Visit A Winery
Wine tasting is a favorite Hamptons activity no matter the time of year.
Duck Walk Vineyards, Channing Daughters Winery, and Wölffer Estate Vineyard are the three wineries in the Hamptons. All are open year-round, and offer both indoor and outdoor tasting rooms.
Plan to enjoy charcuterie boards, live music, and chic tasting rooms. What better way to spend a spring afternoon in The Hamptons?
Check out my guide, Best Wineries In The Hamptons, for information on each vineyard.
Go Shopping
Each Hampton hamlet has an adorable Main Street, set up with a wide variety of shops worth browsing.
Whether looking for clothing shops, galleries, home goods, antiques, or souvenirs, there’s tons of options.
Many businesses here are open on a seasonal basis only. However, there are a handful of businesses which remain open year-round, and it’s become increasingly common for seasonal businesses to open earlier and earlier each season.
Some of my favorite towns to explore are:
Sag Harbor – Charming Main Street with more of a local vibe. The main street is adjacent to the harbor and yacht yard, the yachts will begin to arrive in very late spring and early summer.
Southampton – The largest and most diverse downtown area of any Hamptons hamlet. There’s tons of great boutique shops here and lots of pretty storefronts.
East Hampton – This is a great place for luxury brands and designer shops like Prada, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. My favorite store though? BookHampton.
Montauk – Laid-back shops with an emphasis on beach, surf gear, and souvenir shops. This is definitely the most “California” of all hamlets. I’ve stumbled upon some really great boutique shops here.
Amagansett – Smaller downtown with quiet shops tucked behind the main drag in Amagansett Square. InnerSleeve Records and Amber Waves Farm, Market & Cafe are always favorites here.
Parrish Art Museum
The Parrish Art Museum is a great place to spend an afternoon if visiting on a rainy or chilly spring 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.
Personally, I find the building to be really beautiful and enjoy visiting most to admire the architecture. The design was inspired by the potato barns which used to dot South Fork’s landscape, back when the area was home to hundreds of acres of potato farms.
Hike
Wildlife, solitude, and budding plants can all be found on hiking trails throughout the Hamptons in spring.
On a sunny spring 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)
Be sure to watch out for ticks, especially in late spring.
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. It really highlights why Montauk is nicknamed, “The End”.
This is a great spot to enjoy the views, go for a walk, or check out the lighthouse.
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. Visitors can even go to the top of the lighthouse with museum admission! On clear days there’s great views from the top.
The lighthouse usually opens on weekends beginning mid-March.
See The Seals In Montauk
If visiting Montauk Point State Park in early spring, keep an eye out for seals!
There are 4 different seals which can be spotted off the shores of Montauk this time of year. For the best chance of spotting these playful mammals, head out on a 1.5 mile hike to Seal Haul Out.
Montauk Point State Park even offers guided seal walks on weekends during March and April, find more information regarding tours at: Montauk Point State Park.
Be sure to dress warm!
Browse A Bookstore
Another relaxing spring activity is to browse 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. Most have free programs and classes for locals throughout the year.
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!
Below are the Hampton’s performing art venues, most host programs and events year-round.
- Guild Hall (East Hampton)
- Bay Street Theater (Sag Harbor)
- Southampton Arts Center (Southampton)
- Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center (Westhampton)
Walk The Beach
A clear spring day is great for a quiet walk along the beach. This time of year is too cold for sunbathing, but toss on a warm jacket and you’ll be good to go.
Best of all, parking is plentiful (and free) and there’s lots of unpicked seashells.
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) * this one is great for seashells.
See Concert At Stephen Talkhouse
Stephen Talkhouse is a no-frills live music venue that’s hosted everyone from Billy Joel and Bon Jovi to Coldplay and The Killers.
Most weekend nights see crowds of locals and weekenders rubbing elbows while sipping from plastic cups in this small, but iconic music venue.
The venue hosts weekend shows throughout spring and typically adds in weekday shows beginning in May.
Check out their schedule at: Stephen Talkhouse.
Did You Know? Stephen Talkhouse is named for Montaukett Native American Stephen Taukus “Talkhouse” Pharaoh who lived and worked in the region in the mid 1800’s.
Live Music
Looking for more live music? Summer sees the most live music, but there’s a handful of options in spring as well.
Some spots where you can (usually) find year-round live music are:
- North Sea Tavern
- Cowfish
- The Clubhouse
- Baron’s Cove
- Hamptons Jazz Fest (they host year-round live music across various locations)
As spring turns to summer, more businesses will host live music events throughout the week, with most venues, like the famous Surf Lodge, starting their live music lineup in late May.
Go For A Spa Day
Consider a spa day during your spring 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 spring day?
Up for a wellness retreat instead? Check out the gorgeous Shou Sugi Ban House.
Elizabeth A. Morton Wildlife Refuge
Elizabeth Morton Wildlife Refuge is a peninsula turned 187 acre preserve on the northern end of the South Fork. The park protects coastline, salt marshes, and forest, these are diverse habitats which are essential for the area’s wildlife, especially beach-nesting birds.
Hike the 1.2 mile Wild Birds Nature Trail through woodland areas and onto the beach, or follow the beach for almost two miles along Jessup’s Neck Peninsula.
The park is great for a quiet walk and I’ve spotted tons of birds and wildlife here.
Visiting the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge costs just a few dollars per vehicle and the park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
The Clubhouse
For a fun night indoors check out The Clubhouse in East Hampton. They have bowling lanes, pool tables, darts, and a full bar.
That’s in addition to plenty of TVs, live music and events, a well-thought cocktail list, plus games and contests.
The Clubhouse has everything you’d need to entertain anyone young or old during a cold or rainy day.
Bridge Gardens
In the heart of Bridgehampton is the 5 acre gardens, Bridge Gardens.
They feature a variety of native and non-native plants, a demonstration vegetable garden, herb and medicinal garden, and more.
It’s great for a walk around but they also host a number of events and classes, like How To Start An Organic Garden, Nature Walks, and more. Check out upcoming events at Bridge Gardens.
They’re open year-round for no cost, but do close occasionally for garden maintenance.
Southampton Arts Center
The Southampton Arts Center is an art gallery, yes, but also so much more.
They’re a focal point in Southampton community engagement, offering countless programs and events throughout the year for Southampton residents and visitors.
Keep an eye on their event calendar for spring programs, live performances, workshops, and lots of fun.
Or just pop into the gallery for a glimpse at what local artists have been creating.
Visit A Brewery
The Hamptons wine scene is well-known and much-loved, but the brewery scene has grown and evolved in recent years as well.
Most Hamptons breweries have casual tasting rooms, regular events like live music or trivia, and a fun, but laid-back atmosphere.
Montauk Brewing Company is the most established, and one of my favorites, but there’s a handful of great places to enjoy a cold craft beer throughout the Hamptons, check out:
- Kidd Squid Brewing Company (Sag Harbor)
- Westhampton Beach Brewing Company (Westhampton)
- Montauk Brewing Company (Montauk)
- Shelter Island Craft Brewery (Shelter Island)
- Hank’s Hard Cider (Water Mill)
Stop By A Farmstand
Picking up local produce from a farmstand is a must-do while visiting the Hamptons.
Long before this was a vacation destination, it was full 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 beach mansions, therefore, visitors and locals can still find some incredible local produce.
Summer offers the best selection, but May marks the beginning of asparagus and rhubarb season on the East End. Plus, most year-round farmstands offer other locally-sourced treats and pre-made meals no matter the season.
There are numerous stands set up throughout the Hamptons, each with excellent quality. Serene Green Farm and Amber Waves Farm are my favorites, but they’re just a few among many great options.
Go To The Movies
A day at the movies is a perfect cold-weather activity while visiting the Hamptons, and luckily there are several good options.
My favorite is Sag Harbor Cinema, which is a really charming historic theater.
The 100+ year old cinema was lovingly remodeled following a fire a few years back, and now offers a well composed combination of charm and modern amenities. Throughout the year they present current feature films, along with 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 out in East Hampton.
LongHouse Reserve
16 acres of gardens, ponds, and paths — intermingled with massive sculptures from contemporary artists such as Dale Chihuly and Yoko Ono — form LongHouse Reserve.
It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon exploring the many hidden gems throughout this Hamptons favorite. Early spring visitors may not see the gardens in full swing yet, but there’s plenty of interesting sculptures to make up for it.
Also keep an eye on their event schedule, they offer a number of community events and garden walks even in the off-season.
St. Patrick’s Day Parades
St. Patrick’s Day brings parades of colorful floats, marching bands, and Irish dancers throughout the streets of the Hamptons.
Hampton Bays hosts the largest event, but you’ll also find parade routes and green beers in Montauk, Westhampton, and Amagansett, the latter of which has dubbed itself “the world’s shortest parade.”
Spring Events In The Hamptons
While the St. Patrick’s Day parades are among the most popular events in the Hamptons during spring, they aren’t the only festivities.
Check out these additional popular events:
- The Spring Craftmarket
- Easter Events / East Hampton Easter Egg Hunt
- East Hampton Spring Festival
- Hamptons Arts Network’s THAW Fest
Spring Weather In The Hamptons
Spring in the Hamptons is quite rainy and cold, grey days are not uncommon. Hamlets directly on the water, like Montauk, will feel even colder.
Of course, mixed in are also sunny days with warm temperatures, especially as spring progresses into summer.
Average monthly temperatures and rainfall in the Hamptons during spring:
- March – 47° / 30° (High / Low F°) – average 8 days of rain
- April – 56° / 39° – average 8 days of rain
- May – 66° / 48° – average 8 days of rain
As you can see, spring can be a great time of year to visit the Hamptons. There’s lots of fun things to do, and less crowds to contend with, making it much easier to get around and enjoy the attractions.
I hope you have the best time on Long Island’s South Fork!
Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media.
Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional Hamptons and New York guides below.
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
- Summer In The Hamptons: Top Things To Do
- Fall 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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