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Last Updated on October 31, 2024 by sydabroad
If you are planning a day trip to the Hamptons, this guide covers all of the best things to do in the Hamptons for the perfect trip.
Beautiful beaches, charming villages, high-end shopping, and fine dining – the Hamptons is the perfect vacation destination for anyone. Although you could spend weeks here, you really can see a lot in a day. This guide covers all of the best things to do in the Hamptons and everything to know before visiting.
I spent a summer living in the Hamptons as an au pair, I found the best beaches, cafes, and activities to include in this guide. Whether you are visiting for a day or even a weekend this guide is for you. Read more to discover the perfect Hamptons bucket list.
Looking for more Hamptons guides?
This post is all about how to have the best day trip to the Hamptons.
How to Get to The Hamptons – NYC to The Hamptons
There are various ways to get to The Hamptons from New York City including by car, train, and bus.
Car: Driving to The Hamptons from New York City via the Long Island Expressway will take just about 3 hours. You can rent a car or take rideshare such as Uber or Lyft. If you are visiting during the summer months, expect traffic.
Hampton Jitney: The Hampton Jitney is a popular bus that operates between New York City and the Hamptons. I lived in the Hamptons for a summer and took the Hampton Jitney a few times back and forth from the city. This is a comfortable and convenient way to get from NYC to The Hamptons.
Long Island Rail Road: The Long Island Railroad (LIRR) departs from Penn Station in Manhattan and will take about 3 hours. I’ve taken the train back and forth from the Hamptons to the city and it was a great mode of transportation.
When is The Best Time to Visit The Hamptons?
The Hamptons is certainly a summer destination. That being said, it is a popular tourist destination and does tend to be a bit more crowded during the summer months (June through August).
I suggest visiting near the end of summer, the beginning of fall (in September) for less crowds but nice weather.
Where to Visit in The Hamptons
The Hamptons are located on Long Island, New York, and are composed of several unique towns – each with its own character. I’ll dive into each of the Hamptons villages listed below in this guide and the top things to do in each town.
- Southampton
- Bridgehampton
- Sag Harbor
- East Hampton
- Amagansett
- Montauk
Getting Around The Hamptons
Keep in mind that the Hamptons are actually pretty spread out. The distance between the westernmost and easternmost parts of the Hamptons is about an hour’s drive (without traffic). If you’re visiting during peak season, the drive could be anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours.
During your day trip to the Hamptons, if you don’t have your own vehicle, stick to one or two Hamptons villages. If you have a car, you can technically visit all if you’d like. But expect some traffic and a busy day.
We’ll go into more detail on each of the villages in this guide. A few things to add to your Hamptons bucket list include strolling around the charming town squares, a delicious brunch, and a visit to Wölffer Estate Vineyard. Make sure to stop by one of the pristine beaches, snap a photo at Montauk Light House, and have a delicious waterfront seafood meal.
Map of The Best Things to Do in The Hamptons
The map below shows all of the spots mentioned in this article. You can gauge the distance between the places you’d like to visit during your day trip to the Hamptons.
Bucket List Things To Do During Your Day Trip To The Hamptons
A Day Trip to Southampton
Southampton offers a mix of art, leisure, and relaxation. This Hamptons village is known for its high-end estates, upscale shopping, and art galleries.
If you have some time to spend in Southhampton, go for a swim at Cooper’s Beach, visit the Southampton Arts Center, and pick up the most delicious cookies at Tate’s Bake Shop.
An Afternoon in Bridgehampton
Bridgehampton is known for its equestrian culture, if you’d like to enjoy a horseback ride during your day trip to the Hamptons, Bridgehampton is the place. You can also admire the local stables and stunning pastures.
This Hamptons town offers unique galleries and shopping and delicious local restaurants. If you want to visit one of Bridgehampton’s beaches, head to Mecox Beach.
Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack
Visiting Wölffer Estate Vineyard is certainly one of the best things to do in the Hamptons. It’s a popular winery located in Sagaponack known for its beautiful vineyard, premium wines, and incredible tasting rooms.
Wölffer Estate has two tasting rooms and visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the vineyards while sipping some wine and snacking on light bites or a charcuterie board.
They offer a variety of wines – reds, whites, and rosé. If you visit, make sure to try their signature rosė wines. It’s a must while in the Hamptons.
Things To Do in Sag Harbor
For more of a relaxed vibe, visit Sag Harbor. Get lost in the picturesque quaint streets, learn more about its maritime history by visiting the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum, and stroll along Sag Harbor Marina.
If you want a sweet treat, stop by Buddhaberry – a frozen yogurt shop located in town.
Spend Time in East Hampton
East Hamptons is known for its historic charm with a modern twist. East Hampton Village has a wide variety of cute boutiques, delicious cafes, and fine-dining restaurants.
I suggest picking up a coffee at Citarella Gourmet Market and visiting East Hampton’s Main Beach – often ranked as one of the best beaches in the US. You can also visit Guild Hall, Pollock-Krasner House, or the LightHouse Reserve. Make sure to admire the stunning historic architecture while you are here in East Hampton.
Read my full guide to East Hampton here.
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Visit Amagansett
For stunning coastal dunes and a more laid-back atmosphere, visit Amagansett. Here you can stroll around the charming Amagansett Square, dine at delicious local seafood eateries, do a variety of outdoor activities, or visit Atlantic Avenue Beach.
If you are here for a night, make sure to visit The Stephen Talkhouse – arguably one of the best nightlife spots in the Hamptons.
Montauk Day Trip
At the Easternmost point of Long Island, you’ll find the town of Montauk. Montauk is known for its fishing, surf spots, nightlife scene, and more.
Visiting Montauk Lighthouse is certainly a bucket list thing to do in the Hamptons. You can easily spend a day here in Montauk relaxing at Ditch Plains Beach, shopping around Montauk Village, visiting Gurney’s Spa, and dining at the many amazing restaurants and cafes in Montauk.
Read my full guide to Montauk here.
And that’s a wrap on how to plan your day trip to the Hamptons. Although a day is not nearly enough to see it all, I hope this guide gave you a few ideas on how to spend your trip. As always, if you have any questions, DM me on Instagram, comment below, or email me at sydabroad@gmail.com.
Recommended Tours in The Hamptons
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I’ve always wanted to visit the east coast, especially the Hamptons! Looks so relaxing and fun (:
Erika Marie | https://imerikamarie.com
It really is!