20 Things You Must Do In The Hamptons In Summer!

The Hamptons have a reputation for luxury hotels, celebrity sightings, and expensive beach houses, but there’s a lot more to this stretch of Long Island than meets the eye.

Alongside upscale restaurants and boutiques, you’ll find historic villages, working farms, local seafood shacks, art museums, surf beaches, and some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in New York.

I spent a year living in Sag Harbor and still return every summer to visit family. Over the years, I’ve explored just about every corner of the South Fork, from quiet nature preserves and farm stands to lively downtowns and iconic waterfront spots.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer beach vacation, these are my favorite things to do in the Hamptons in summer and the spots I always recommend to friends and family.

Top Things To Do In The Hamptons In Summer

Beach Day

A beach day is at the top of just about every Hamptons itinerary, and for very good reason. The South Fork is home to miles of wide, sandy beaches, whether you’re looking to swim, surf, relax with a book, or simply spend the afternoon by the ocean.

Some of my favorite public beaches in the Hamptons include:

• Main Beach (East Hampton)
• Coopers Beach (Southampton)
• Ditch Plains (Montauk)
• Foster Memorial Beach / Long Beach (Sag Harbor)
• Hot Dog Beach (Westhampton)

Most public beaches are free to access on foot, but parking regulations are strict and vary by town. Many require a seasonal permit, while others offer a limited number of day passes, so you’ll need to check the specific beach’s regulations before you go. (It’s best to ask your hotel or vacation rental host for guidance on the best public beaches near your lodging.)

During the summer, keep an eye on the water — you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins, or even humpback and fin whales, which have become increasingly common off Long Island’s coast in recent years.

Also, if you’re looking to surf (or watch the surfers), Montauk is the place to go. Ditch Plains Beach is one of the most popular spots for surfing.

Browse The Shops

One of my favorite ways to spend a day in the Hamptons is simply wandering its villages. Each village has a very distinct personality and is worth exploring.

Spend some time strolling the tree-lined Main Streets, browsing locally owned boutiques and designer shops, popping into art galleries and antique stores, grabbing an ice cream or coffee, and stopping for lunch at an outdoor cafe. A few of the villages are also just steps from the water, making it easy to combine shopping with a walk along the harbor or beach.

Some of my favorite villages to explore include:

• Sag Harbor – A charming waterfront village with a historic Main Street, independent boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, and a yacht-filled marina. It’s where I lived and one of my favorite hamlets still. Check out my guide to the Best Things to do in Sag Harbor if you plan to spend a day here.
• Southampton – Home to the largest downtown in the Hamptons, with a wide mix of designer stores, local boutiques, museums, restaurants, and beautiful tree-lined streets. Read my Southampton Things to do Guide for more ideas.
• East Hampton – Known for designer shopping and art galleries, and it’s surrounded by stunning old homes. I’ve also rounded up my Favorite Things to do in East Hampton.
• Montauk – More laid-back, West Coast vibe than the rest of the Hamptons, with surf shops, casual restaurants, and a downtown that reflects the town’s beach culture. If you’re heading to the east end, don’t miss my guide to the Best Things to do in Montauk.
• Amagansett – A smaller village that’s easy to miss if you’re driving through, but well worth a stop for its quiet shops, amazing farm stand, and the tucked-away boutiques around Amagansett Square. Here are my favorite Things to do in Amagansett.

Visit A Vineyard

Spending an afternoon at a vineyard is one of the most iconic Hamptons experiences (and one of my favorite Hamptons activities!). Whether you’re enjoying a wine tasting, listening to live music, or simply relaxing with a glass overlooking the vines, it’s a perfect addition to a Hamptons itinerary.

If you’re only visiting one winery, I’d recommend Wölffer Estate Vineyard. Their vineyard, tasting room, and seasonal Wine Stand are all beautiful, but the Wine Stand at sunset is especially popular in the summer. Grab a glass of wine, find a seat overlooking the vines, and enjoy the live music as the sun goes down.

Of course, Wölffer isn’t the only option. The Hamptons are home to several excellent wineries, each with its own atmosphere and tasting experience. For a full guide, check out The Best Wineries In The Hamptons.

Stop At A Farm Stand Or Farmers Market

The Hamptons may be best known for its beaches and luxury homes, but agriculture has been part of the East End for centuries. Even today, working farms are woven throughout the region, and stopping at a local farm stand is one of my favorite ways to experience a different side of the Hamptons.

During the summer, you’ll find roadside stands overflowing with fresh sweet corn, potatoes, berries, peaches, flowers, baked goods, jams, and other locally grown produce. You can find tons of stuff here, many are more like a mini-grocery store than a traditional farm stand.

Some of my favorite farm stands include Amber Waves Farm Market in Amagansett and Serene Green Farm in Sag Harbor, you’ll also find the popular Round Swamp Farms scattered thought the Hamptons. But honestly you can find these just about anywhere, every hamlet has one or two.

Most towns also host weekly farmers markets where you can shop from local farms, bakeries, and artisan food vendors.

Get Out On The Water

With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and bays and harbors on the other, spending time on the water is one of the best ways to experience the Hamptons.

Whether you book a sunset sail, charter a boat with friends, or simply spend an afternoon kayaking or paddle boarding, there are plenty of ways to get out on the water. Calm bays around Sag Harbor, Springs, Mecox Bay, and Shelter Island are especially popular for kayaking and stand up paddle boarding.

If you’d rather leave the navigating to someone else, several local companies offer sailing trips, sunset cruises, and private charters throughout the summer. If you’re with a large group, a charter may be worth the splurge, otherwise American Beauty Cruises & Charters offers one of the most affordable tours.

Stroll Along The Sag Harbor Waterfront

Even if you’re staying elsewhere in the Hamptons, I highly recommend spending some time walking along the Sag Harbor waterfront. The marina is lined with everything from small sailboats to multi-million-dollar yachts, and it’s one of my favorite places to wander on a summer evening.

The waterfront is just steps from Sag Harbor’s historic Main Street, so it’s easy to pair with shopping, dinner, or a drink at one of the nearby restaurants. If you can, plan your visit around sunset — the harbor is especially beautiful as the boats reflect the changing colors of the sky.

Before you leave, grab a scoop from Big Olaf Creamery. It’s a Sag Harbor institution, and while the line can get long on summer weekends (and it’s cash only), it’s worth the wait.

If you’re planning to spend the day here, check out my Sag Harbor Day Trip Itinerary.

Catch A Sunset 

Watching the sunset is one of my favorite ways to end a day in the Hamptons. While the Atlantic beaches are known for sunrise, many of the best sunset views are along the bays and harbors on the north side of the South Fork.

Some of my favorite places to catch sunset are Sag Harbor, Northwest Harbor, and Montauk, where you can watch the boats come in as the sky changes colors over the water.

If you’re staying near one of the Atlantic beaches, don’t miss the chance to catch a sunrise or moonrise instead. The Hamptons’ wide, ocean-facing beaches make for an unforgettable start — or end — to the day.

Montauk Point Lighthouse 

No trip to the Hamptons is complete without visiting Montauk Point Lighthouse, New York’s oldest lighthouse and one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks.

Take a tour of the lighthouse, explore the museum, or simply walk the grounds overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding shoreline is a mix of sandy beaches, rocky bluffs, and dramatic coastal scenery, making it a beautiful place for a walk even if you don’t go inside.

If you’re already making the drive to Montauk, plan to spend a full day exploring the area. Between the lighthouse, beaches, hiking trails, restaurants, and downtown, there’s plenty to keep you busy.

You May Also Like: Day Trip To Montauk Itinerary

Go For A Bike Ride

Biking is one of the best ways to explore the Hamptons beyond the downtowns and beaches. Quiet residential streets, scenic coastal roads, and state parks make it easy to slow down and take in the area’s natural beauty.

I recommend avoiding Montauk Highway and other major routes, most roads here are narrow and in summer, traffic can be really intense. Instead, hit quieter neighborhood streets, Shelter Island, or the roads and bike paths throughout Montauk’s state parks, Meadow Lane is also great in the early mornings before traffic builds.

If you don’t have your own bike, there are plenty of rental shops throughout the Hamptons.

Go For A Hike

The Hamptons aren’t just about beaches. If you’re looking to escape the crowds for a few hours, there are plenty of scenic trails winding through forests, wetlands, dunes, and dramatic coastal bluffs.

Some of my favorite places to hike include:

• Montauk Point State Park (Montauk)
• Camp Hero State Park (Montauk)
• Hither Hills State Park (Montauk)
• Shadmoor State Park (Montauk)
• Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge (Sag Harbor)
• Quogue Wildlife Refuge (Quogue)
• Mashomack Preserve (Shelter Island)

If you’re looking for a unique hike, I’d recommend Camp Hero State Park (this former military base actually inspired Stranger Things!). Between the coastal bluffs, WWII ruins, wooded trails, and sweeping ocean views, it’s one of the most unique outdoor experiences in the Hamptons. For more, check out the Top Things To Do In Camp Hero State Park.

Note: No matter which trail you choose, it’s important to bring bug spray and check for ticks!

Enjoy Fresh Seafood

No trip to the Hamptons is complete without enjoying some fresh seafood. From casual roadside shacks to waterfront restaurants overlooking the harbor, you’ll find plenty of places serving everything from lobster rolls and fried seafood to oysters, clams, and locally caught fish.

One of the area’s most iconic restaurants is The Lobster Roll, also known simply as Lunch (I stop here every time I’m in town!). Located between Amagansett and Montauk, this longtime seafood shack has been a Hamptons favorite for decades. Try to arrive early to beat the long wait times before grabbing a lobster roll or one of the other million things on their menu.

Other seafood favorites in the Hamptons are Bostwick’s Chowder House, The Clam Bar in Napeague, Captain Jack’s On The Coast, and Cowfish, just to name a few.

Nightlife

The Hamptons may be famous for beach days, but summer nightlife is just as iconic. Whether you’re looking for live music, waterfront cocktails, a laid-back local bar, or a late night spot, there’s no shortage of places to spend an evening after the sun goes down.

Each village has its own personality when it comes to nightlife. Sag Harbor and East Hampton are great for pre-dinner cocktails, but things wind down early. Whereas Southampton tends to be a little more lively, with trendy bars and restaurants, while Montauk has some of the best nightlife amid its more casual, beach town atmosphere.

You may have to explore a bit to find a place that matches the vibe you’re looking for. Just keep in mind that most bars in the Hamptons are small, so once you find a spot you like, it’s usually worth staying there, otherwise you may end up in a long line elsewhere. It’s also a good idea to plan your ride home in advance, Uber and Lyft are available but are limited, especially late at night.

Catch Some Live Music

Live music is another fun aspect of Hamptons nightlife, you’ll find everything from intimate concerts and waterfront performances to lively day parties and outdoor shows.

If you’re only making one stop, I recommend Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett. This legendary venue has a humble dive bar vibe, but has hosted everyone from Billy Joel and Bon Jovi to Coldplay and The Killers. But despite its impressive lineup and the long line it attracts on summer weekends, it has managed to keep its laidback, local feel. It’s a small venue, so you’ll often find locals, weekenders rubbing elbows while enjoying live music just a few feet from the stage. Summer visitors should book tickets well in advance.

For a completely different experience, head to Surf Lodge in Montauk. Known for its waterfront setting, this is one of the Hamptons’ most popular spots for afternoon and sunset parties, with live music, DJs, and special events throughout the summer.

If a big nightlife scene isn’t what you’re after, don’t worry. Throughout the summer you’ll also find much more casual live music at wineries, waterfront restaurants, and summer events across the Hamptons. Tuesdays at Main Beach, Sunset Music at the Wine Stand, and Harbor Waterfront Concerts in Sag Harbor are some of my favorite weekly events in summer.

Attend A Local Event

Summer is packed with events in the Hamptons, so it’s always worth checking the local calendar before your trip. If your visit happens to line up with one of these annual favorites, it’s well worth adding to your itinerary.

• Hamptons Fine Art Fair (Southampton, July) – One of the country’s premier summer art fairs, featuring galleries and artists from around the world.
• Polo Hamptons (Bridgehampton, July) – A popular summer tradition featuring polo matches, tailgating, food, drinks, and a lively social scene.
• Parrish Art Museum Midsummer Gala (Water Mill, July) – An annual fundraiser celebrating art, culture, and the local creative community.
• Chefs of the Hamptons (East Hampton, July) – A food festival showcasing dishes from local chefs, restaurants, wineries, and breweries.
• Sag Harbor Fireman’s Carnival (Sag Harbor, July) – A beloved local tradition with carnival rides, games, food, fireworks, and nightly entertainment.
• The Hampton Classic Horse Show (Bridgehampton, August) – One of the nation’s premier equestrian competitions, attracting top riders and thousands of spectators.
• East Hampton Library Authors Night (East Hampton, August) – A popular literary event featuring bestselling authors, book signings, and conversations.
• Shinnecock Powwow (Southampton, Labor Day Weekend) – One of the largest Native American powwows in the Northeast, featuring traditional dancing, music, art, and food.

The list of summer events in the Hamptons is almost endless, so it’s worth checking the Hamptons Events before your trip. Once you’re here, keep an eye out for flyers and posters around town —they’re often the best way to discover local festivals, live music, and pop-up events.

I’d also recommend checking the event calendars at Guild Hall and Bay Street Theater. Beyond their regular theater performances, both host concerts, talks, comedy shows, film screenings, and other special events throughout the summer.

LongHouse Reserve

If you’re looking for something a little different from the beach, there are tons of great museums and exhibits in the Hamptons, a unique one I really like is LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton. This outdoor display is home to a 16-acre sculpture garden combining beautifully landscaped gardens, walking paths, ponds, and large-scale contemporary artwork from artists including Dale Chihuly, Yoko Ono, and Buckminster Fuller.

It’s perfect for an afternoon if you want a break from the beach and the bustle of the villages.

Throughout the summer, LongHouse also hosts garden tours, outdoor concerts, workshops, and community events, so it’s worth checking their calendar before your visit: LongHouse Events.

Pollock-Krasner House

Without a doubt one of the best things to do in the Hamptons for art lovers is to visit the Pollock-Krasner House. The Hamptons have long been a destination for artists, and there’s no better place to experience that history than here.

This National Historic Landmark was the home and studio of abstract expressionist painters Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner. The highlight of any visit is stepping inside Pollock’s preserved studio, where the original paint-splattered floor remains exactly as the artists left it. It’s a surprisingly powerful experience and offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century.

The house and studio can only be visited on guided tours, which should be reserved in advance. Whether you’re an art lover or simply curious about the Hamptons’ creative history, it’s well worth the stop.

Parrish Art Museum

The Parrish Art Museum is another one of the Hamptons’ premier cultural attractions and a great option if you’re looking to fill a rainy day.

The museum focuses on artists connected to Long Island’s East End, with exhibits ranging from historic works to contemporary art. Even if you don’t normally spend your vacations visiting museums, the Parrish is worth considering for its beautiful architecture and thoughtfully curated exhibitions.

The museum regularly rotates its exhibits, so there’s often something new to see if you’ve visited before. Throughout the year, it also hosts artist talks, family programs, and special events, check out their schedule at Parrish Art Museum.

Have A Spa Day

After a few days of exploring beaches, villages, and hiking trails, a spa day is the perfect way to slow down and relax. You’ll find excellent spas throughout the Hamptons, but if you’re looking for a truly memorable experience, it’s hard to beat Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa.

The spa is known for its oceanfront setting, indoor seawater pool, and extensive treatment menu, making it an ideal place to unwind after a busy vacation day. The views alone make it feel like a special experience.

Of course, nearly every village in the Hamptons has its own boutique spa or wellness studio, so you’ll have no trouble finding a relaxing afternoon if Montauk isn’t on your itinerary.

Beach Bonfire 

Few things feel more like summer in the Hamptons than ending the day around a beach bonfire with family or friends. Bring some chairs, roast marshmallows, watch the sunset, and enjoy an evening by the ocean.

Just keep in mind that beach bonfires are only permitted in certain locations and require a permit from the local town or village. Rules vary depending on where you are staying, so be sure to check local regulations before planning a fire.

If you aren’t able to have your own bonfire, don’t worry. Watching the sunset from the beach with a picnic is just as memorable and one of my favorite ways to spend a summer evening in the Hamptons.

Take A Day Trip

If you’re spending more than a few days in the Hamptons, there are several fantastic day trips just beyond the South Fork that are well worth the drive—or ferry ride.

• Shelter Island – Located between the North and South Forks, Shelter Island offers a quieter pace with beautiful beaches, nature preserves, waterfront restaurants, and scenic back roads that are perfect for biking.
• Greenport – This charming North Fork village is filled with locally owned shops, waterfront restaurants, wineries, and one of the prettiest downtowns on Long Island. It’s an easy day trip by ferry from Shelter Island or by car. For more check out my guide to the Top Things To Do In Greenport.
• North Fork Wineries – If you enjoy wine tasting, consider spending a day exploring the North Fork. The region is home to countless vineyards, tasting rooms, farm stands, and breweries, all with a more relaxed atmosphere than the Hamptons.
• Block Island – If you’re up for a longer adventure, hop aboard the seasonal ferry from Montauk to Block Island. The island is known for its dramatic coastal bluffs, historic lighthouses, beautiful beaches, and laidback New England charm.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer summer getaway, the Hamptons have so much more to offer than beautiful beaches and celebrity homes. From charming villages and local farm stands to scenic hikes, live music, and waterfront sunsets, it’s one of my favorite places to spend a summer.

I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to the Hamptons. Have a favorite spot I should add? Let me know in the comments below or reach out on social media!

Looking for more ideas? Check out my additional Hamptons guides below!