12 Best Hamptons Beaches To Visit (+ Tips For Visiting)
Looking for the best Hamptons beaches to check out? We got you. This guide has got you covered for your trip from NYC to the Hamptons! The Hamptons’ beaches are known to be some of the best beaches on the East Coast, especially in the North East, and a haven for New Yorkers as the Hamptons are one of the best weekend trips from NYC.
The beaches in the Hamptons curated on this list offer some of the best options for stretches of white sand, food options, and of course are some of the most beautiful Long Island, New York has to offer.
Keep in mind most of these beaches in the Hamptons require a parking pass, especially if you’re visiting in the peak summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Parking can be quite competitive and pricey, it’s best to plan ahead or book a resort or house rental that includes a parking pass or beach access.
You can also visit many of these Hamptons beaches by using rideshare apps to drop you off and pick you up so you don’t have to worry about parking.
If you don’t want to deal with parking at the Hamptons beaches, check out our guide to a day trip to the Hamptons without a car from the city and plan the perfect beach day as these are some of the best beaches near NYC.
Visiting the Beaches in the Hamptons Tips:
Most beaches have facilities like restrooms and either food options on-site or nearby. These are typically only open in peak season from May through September.
Parking passes are needed! Many vacation rentals offer their residential parking passes to guests, see if this is included in your house rental. Otherwise, you will need to secure a day pass for the beaches you want or purchase a non-resident seasonal pass. Alternatively, you can get dropped off at the beach if you don’t want to worry about parking, which during the summer and peak season is competitive anyway.
Many of the parking lots only require permits from May through September, so if you’re visiting off-season you might be okay, it’s best to check with each beach before visiting.
Many of the beach parking require either an East Hampton Village Pass or Southampton Village Pass. Check with each beach before visiting and you can follow each of those sites to secure your parking pass. East Hampton Village parking passes for nonresidents go for sale starting February 1st, so be sure to carefully plan ahead!
Almost all the beaches in the Hamptons have lifeguards on duty seasonally. This is typically from 8 or 9 AM to 5 or 6 PM, each beach varies. Most of the Hamptons beaches prohibit swimming in the ocean if no lifeguards are on duty.
Most beaches are pet-friendly when it’s not peak season (May-September is peak season) or some beaches allow pets during peak season if you come before 8 AM or after 6 PM, each beach has different rules on this so it’s best to check beforehand.
Stunning Beaches in the Hamptons
1. Main Beach in East Hampton
Address: 101 Ocean Avenue, East Hampton, NY 11937
Starting off with one of the most popular beaches in the Hamptons at Main Beach in East Hampton. Located on the eastern end of Long Island in the Hamptons, Main Beach is close to popular shops and golf clubs located at the tip of East Hampton and is not a far drive from town. Not to mention this beach connects to more Hamptons beaches like Wiborg Beach and Georgica Beach.
Rated one of the top 15 beaches in on the East Coast by Town & Country, this Hamptons beach has lifeguards, a snack bar, and bathrooms.
They have showers and lockers that you can rent for the day. The restaurant Chowder Bowl is also right on the beach here if you need a bite to eat while you’re enjoying your beach day.
Main Beach has a designated area for swimmers where no surfing or fishing are allowed making it one of the most popular beaches in the Hamptons during the summer for swimmers.
Main Beach also has a great setup for bonfires, family time, and group picnics.
For non-residents to the village of East Hampton, you will need to purchase a day $50 parking permit for visitation between May 15 and September 15. They are available at a first come first serve basis, be sure to visit the East Hampton Village site to try and secure one in advance.
2. Atlantic Avenue Beach in Amagansett
Address: 169 Atlantic Ave, Amagansett, NY 11930
Atlantic Avenue Beach in Amagansett is another one of the best beaches in the Hamptons that’s also a fantastic beach for surfing. Atlantic Avenue Beach is located at the end of Atlantic Avenue off of Bluff Road just 1.5 miles from the downtown of the village of Amagansett.
This Hamptons beach is pet-friendly and is great for fireworks or a bonfire. Atlantic Avenue Beach also offers a popular snack shack and they have amenities like bathrooms (with ADA accessibility), beach wheelchairs, seasonal lifeguards on duty, and a concession stand for snacks.
Known for its large summer crowds and beautiful sand dunes, this is one of the best Hamptons beaches to check out if you want a shoreline that’s near other restaurants and some attractions in case you need a break from your beach day.
Right next to the beach you can get food at Beach Hut, which has a full menu ranging from breakfast items to all day food items and even dessert. There are also two museums next to this beach, the East Hampton Marine Museum and the Amagansett U.S. Lifesaving Station Museum.
More importantly, this beach is within 20 walking distance to the heart of downtown and the train stop, making it easily accessible even for day visitors. However, if you’d prefer to drive to the beach, keep in mind that parking at Atlantic Avenue Beach in Amagansett requires an East Hampton resident parking permit or you need to secure a day or seasonal non-resident pass from the village of East Hampton in advance.
During weekends, you must be a resident with a permit to park on this beach. If not, parking somewhere in town and walking to the beach is an option, just plan ahead as if you’re carrying a lot of things this could be too far to walk and you may need to call a rideshare.
Be advised that this is one of the best Hamptons beaches and typically has a lively crowd during the summer, so it’s best to plan ahead and get parking as early as possible if you plan to buy a $25-day pass.
3. Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk
Address: 18 Ditch Plains Rd, Montauk, NY 11954
One of the best beaches in the Hamptons for surfing can be found in Montauk at Ditch Plains Beach. Located two miles from the heart of downtown Montauk, this beach stretches two miles and has beautiful views of sand dunes and sand cliffs along the shoreline.
This Hamptons beach has public restrooms available for visitors. There are also food options like the DitchWitch, which has great food like burritos to eat on your beach day.
If you want to learn how to surf, you’re in luck! This Hamptons beach has two surf school options, The Surf Continuum and East End Surf Club offer lessons and surf camps.
Keep in mind that this beach’s public parking is only available to those that have an East Hampton village permit, which you can try to get a day pass.
If you don’t have a driveway to park nearby, as there is no street parking in the area, your best bet might be to rent a house in the area if you’re visiting or use a rideshare app from where you’re staying.
This popular beach is great for surfing and swimming and has seasonal lifeguards that work until 5 PM. This beach is both pet and family-friendly.
4. Flying Point Beach in Southampton
Address: 1055 Flying Point Rd, Southampton, NY 11968
Flying Point Beach is a popular and one of the more unique Hampton beaches because it’s located in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Channel Pond and Mecox Bay on the opposite side of the beach.
However, this is one of the more exclusive beaches in the Hamptons as you have to get a pass from the Water Mill Beach Club to access Flying Point Beach. Because of this, if you are able to secure a seasonal pass (they don’t do daily passes at this beach) from the village of Southampton, you will have a more quiet, secluded beach day versus the other Hamptons beaches that are open to the public without a pass.
Alternatively, if you are not able to score a pass from Water Mill Beach Club (or know someone who is a member that can get you to Flying Point Beach) you can visit the nearby beach “The Cut” as there are around 20ish parking spaces if you have a village parking pass (for those visiting, this is perfect if you rent a vacation home that gives you access to their pass!) or you can walk (which is a little far), bike, or get dropped off here.
To find “The Cut” you need to go further down Flying Point Road where Mecox Bay cuts through to the Atlantic Ocean.
Although there is never a large crowd, at least the size of crowds that gather at other Hamptons beaches, you can expect to find more of a locals vibe here.
The shoreline at Flying Point Beach is a long stretch of sandy beach and is great for walking, running, and lazying on the sand all day. There is also an ice cream truck and public restrooms that are kept clean all year long by the seasonal lifeguards and staff.
5. Havens Beach in Sag Harbor
Address: Havens Beach Rd, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Havens Beach is a popular Hamptons beach located in the gorgeous little village of Sag Harbor. Havens Beach is in a mellow area of town and is close to other beaches, parks, and golf clubs. It is also close to Main Street at the Sag Harbor Village!
Often referred to as a hidden gem, Havens Beach is typically not as busy as other Hamptons beaches even though it’s the only public beach in Sag Harbor. Even during the peak season, you can expect to see no more than a mellow crowd of locals. This is partly due to the fact that there is no parking at this beach unless you have a Southampton village pass, if you’re a non-resident you’ll have to secure a day pass or seasonal pass from the village of Southampton. This beach is also not pet-friendly.
However, there are many other ways to get to the beach. Whether you want to take an Uber or walk a few minutes down from Main Street in the village, getting to this beach won’t be difficult. In fact, it’s one of the most popular spots in the Hamptons for swimming, hiking, and sailing!
This family-friendly beach has shallow waters that are great for families and smaller children that want to take a dip in the water. However, keep in mind that the sand underneath the water tends to be rocky, so you may want to bring water shoes if you plan on going in.
Lastly, Havens Beach has a great view of Cedar Point Lighthouse this beach also has bathrooms, showers, and playground equipment that make it a great place for children and families. Also, if you’re hungry it’s only a 13-minute walk to Dockside Bar and Grill, which is set in an old American Legion Building and has a great menu.
6. Coopers Beach in Southampton
Address: 268 Meadow Ln, Southampton, NY 11968
One of the more famous of the Hamptons beaches is Coopers Beach in Southampton. This is consistently rated one of the best beaches in the country and is famous for being in one of the wealthier areas of the already wealthy Hamptons surrounded by billionaire mansions.
Close to many other beaches and golf clubs, Cooper’s Beach is located in a mellow area of Southampton, where the elite of the elite in the Hamptons have their vacation mansions.
This beach is known for being a great one for swimming as the water is shallow and they have amenities like restrooms, concessions, picnic areas, and rentals for beach chairs and umbrellas are available. You have to either have a Southampton town residential pass or obtain a non-resident day or seasonal pass to visit.
During the off-season, Cooper’s Beach is free to the public. Keep in mind that parking fees sell out quickly each day so it’s best to plan ahead and come to the beach sometime in the morning to secure a parking spot that’s close to where you want to be.
There are several access points to the white sand beach as well as views of the beautiful sand dunes backing the beach with tall, American grass that sways in the wind.
If you’re feeling hungry, head to Henri’s Cafe where you can get a beachfront meal.
After 5 PM each day during the summer, there is no parking fee or lifeguards on the beach. However, before 5 PM every day, visitors will have access to Herni’s Cafe, snack bars, chairs, umbrella rentals, and public bathrooms that are kept in great condition. Lastly, keep in mind that although this beach is family-friendly, it is not pet-friendly.
7. Sagg Main Beach in Sagaponack
Address: 1200 Sagg Main St, Sagaponack, NY 11962
Another great Hamptons beach located in Sagaponack with white sandy shores, sand dunes, and the Sagaponack Pond backing it is Sagg Main Beach.
This public beach has seasonal lifeguards, beach wheelchairs, public restrooms, showers, and concessions.
And during the summers, this is one of the most lively beaches in the Hamptons because they have weekly drum circles and sometimes even fire dancers that show up to the beach and perform for whoever is there!
There is parking right next to the beach, but you’ll either need a resident pass or secure a non-resident day or seasonal pass from the village of Southampton. Alternatively, you can come by bicycle or get dropped off.
8. Two Mile Hollow Beach in East Hampton
Address: Two Mile Hollow Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937
Known for its ideal swimming conditions and great views along the fine sandy shoreline, Two Mile Hollow Beach is one of the best beaches in the Hamptons. Located in East Hampton, this popular beach is typically close to empty during the off-season, like many of the beaches in the Hamptons. However, you can expect to see a more lively crowd during summer, but still not as busy as other East Hampton beaches.
Compared to other beaches in the Hamptons, Two Mile Hollow Beach doesn’t have a ton of amenities. However, although there are no cafes, there is a restroom, bike rack, and seasonal lifeguards. This beach is also is wheelchair accessible and the village of East Hampton has beach wheelchairs you can arrange to borrow.
There is also a great picnic space that’s accessible to the public and ideal swimming conditions with waves that aren’t too big.
For non-residents to the village of East Hampton, you will need to purchase a day $50 parking permit for visitation between May 15 and September 15. They are available at a first come first serve basis, be sure to visit the East Hampton Village site to try and secure one in advance. Dozens of parking tickets are given out each day on weekdays, so it’s best to plan ahead or be flexible if you’re visiting during peak season or you can always use a rideshare app to get here.
Alternatively, you can be dropped off. Since there aren’t as many food or concession options you’ll want to come prepared with what you’ll need for your time at the beach.
Whether you want to go for a run, bike ride, or spend time with family, Two Mile Hollow Beach is a great place to do so.
9. Mecox Beach in Bridgehampton
Address: Jobs Ln, Bridgehampton, NY 11932
Located in a lively village of Bridgehampton with many sports clubs and beaches, Mecox Beach is a Hamptons beach that’s known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets along its white sandy shoreline.
This is a great Hamptons beach for families as there is a designated swimming area. Body boarding and surfing is encouraged, just outside of the swimming area. There are also an area to play beach volleyball too.
Mecox Beach has seasonal lifeguards that are active until 5 PM every day during the summer season. This beach is also pet-friendly every day after 5 PM. What’s more, they offer dog bags at the entrance!
Each day before 5 PM, restrooms, showers, vending machines, and food trucks are accessible to all of the beach-goers. They also have a bike rack for those who come by bicycle.
Those with a resident pass from Southhampton can park here, for non-residents you’ll need to secure a day pass or seasonal pass from Southampton village. Keep in mind that parking fills up quickly during the summer. However, this beach is known to be more mellow during the off-season and earlier hours of the summertime.
With many miles of shoreline, easy access, a lively crowd, and various food options, Mecox Beach is one of the best beaches in the Hamptons, Long Island!
10. Gin Beach in Montauk
Address: 555 East Lake Drive, Montauk, NY 11954
Gin Beach, also known as East Lake Beach is a beach located in Montauk at the end of East Lake Drive. Located at the eastern end of Montauk Harbor Inlet, Gin Beach has great views of the water that to take advantage of with soft, white sand and small waves.
This secluded and family-friendly beach is easy to get into, even during busier seasons. If you’re looking for an easily accessible beach in the Hamptons during the summertime, Gin Beach is a great pick. The beach is wheelchair accessible and you can borrow a beach wheelchair here but it’s best to arrange ahead of time.
There is a seasonal lifeguard on duty here, swimming is not permitted unless a lifeguard is present. There are also public restrooms here that are open during the summer season.
The shoreline has many unique shells and the beach overall is known for its local vibe and gentle waves.
Parking at Gin Beach will require a day or seasonal pass if you are a non-resident of East Hampton. If you park without a permit, the ticket will be $150, so be sure to secure your passes ahead of time. However, if you want to avoid parking fees, there are many other places to park in the area that are a short walk to the beach.
Right across the street from Gin Beach is Inlet Restaurant and many food trucks located on the shore as well. Known for camping and boat cruises that come to watch the sunset, Gin Beach is a great place to explore Montauk and live like a local.
Be sure to visit our entire guide for getting from NYC to Montauk too to help you plan your trip!
11. Pikes Beach in Westhampton
Address: 765 Dune Rd, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978
Pike’s Beach is one of the best Hamptons beaches located in West Hampton Dunes. This secluded beach is known for its soft white sand, long shoreline, and mellow crowds even in the summer months.
This is one of the best-hidden gems when it comes to surfing beaches in the Hamptons since it’s less crowded, it gives surfers a chance to have a little more space.
Although Pike’s Beach typically has a smaller, more subdued crowd, it tends to draw in more people during the summer season, but comparatively, it’s less crowded than other beaches in the summer.
There is a seasonal lifeguard on duty, a wheelchair-accessible wooden ramp and beach wheelchairs to lend out, and restrooms.
Like all the beaches in the Hamptons, if you don’t have a resident parking permit you’ll need to secure a day pass or a non-resident seasonal pass to park here from the town of Southhampton.
Once you find your way onto this well-maintained beach, you’ll have access to both the ocean and the nearby bay cove. You’ll also have access to showers and bathrooms until 5 PM, which is when the facilities are closed and the lifeguards go off duty.
12. Ponquogue Beach in Hampton Bays
Address: 280 Dune Rd, Hampton Bays, NY 11946
Ponquogue Beach is one of the best beaches in the Hamptons, hands down. Located in Hampton Bays, this beautiful beach is set against beautiful sand dunes and has a great beach pavilion that has bathrooms and food options.
Just like all the other beaches in the Hamptons, you need to have a Southampton resident pass or secure a non-resident daily or seasonal parking pass to enjoy this beach in the summer season.
Although this beach is popular on weekends, holidays, and during the peak summer season, there is lots of space and sand to spread out and this is a very popular family beach. There are also great waves for surfing and clean white sand with beautiful shells for beachcombers.
This is also a popular Hamptons beach for surfers and bodyboarders outside of the designated swimming area.
Known for its sunsets and many miles of shoreline, Ponquogue Beach also offers changing rooms, showers, and seasonal lifeguards on duty until 5 PM.
You can find more restaurants across the Ponquogue Bridge, but you’ll want to go by car.
Bonus: Fire Island
Technically not a part of the Hamptons, but located at the eastern tip of the Hamptons on a barrier island in Long Island, New York and just as popular to visit as the top beaches in the Hamptons with New Yorkers.
Fire Island is made up of a series of popular beaches and high-end resorts on the southern shore of Long Island in New York known for being a historic LGBTQ vacation spot as it’s home to one of the oldest gay and lesbian communities in the country.
On the western tip of Fire Island, you can find many state parks and popular tourist attractions like the Fire Island Lighthouse.
The two most popular areas on Fire Island are Ocean Beach and Kismet Beach. Ocean Beach is an entire village on the southern tip of Fire Island. Kismet Beach is a beach on Fire Island that offers great food and activities nearby. You can also find an opened lighthouse and a long boardwalk on the shoreline.
Another popular destination on the shoreline of Fire Island is Robert Moses State Park. This 875-acre state park is on the western end of the island and boasts over five miles of shoreline so that visitors can walk along the Atlantic Ocean for as long as they please!
Although the beaches on Fire Island are known to be packed during the summer season, they’re fairly easy to reach during the off-season for those who are looking for a more accessible or mellow option.
Fire Island is basically car-free and offers 17 resort communities that don’t allow cars and there are a few private residences. The best way to get here is to take the Bay Shore ferry terminal and use the water taxi to get around. While this is technically not the “Hamptons” it’s close enough to count.
Almost all of the Hamptons beaches are open to non-residents if you secure a non-resident day permit or seasonal permit from either the village of East Hampton or town of Southampton depending on which beach you’re going to. Every beach in the Hamptons requires parking permits during peak summer season from May through September.
If you’re looking for the least crowded beaches in the Hamptons during the summer consider Coopers Beach, which has plenty of sand to find a less crowded spot, Havens Beach in Sag Harbor is typically more quiet, and Pikes Beach in Westhampton. Alternatively, almost all the beaches in the Hamptons are quiet after Labor Day in September and off season before May.
Keep in mind that many beaches only have lifeguards on duty during the summer season and have rules that swimming is prohibited without a lifeguard on duty.
The most popular beach in the Hamptons for surfing is Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk which also has two spots that offer surf lessons on the beach. Other great beaches in the Hamptons for surfing include Coopers Beach in Southampton, Ponquogue Beach in Hampton Bays, and Main Beach in East Hampton.
Havens Beach in Sag Harbor is one of the best beaches in the Hamptons for kids and families as they have a playground and calmer waters.
Main Beach in East Hampton, Mecox Beach in Bridgehampton, and Ponquogue Beach have designated swimming areas with seasonal lifeguards on duty which are great for families.
Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk is great for families who want to go to surf school or take surf lessons together.
The Best of Hamptons Beaches (Post Summary)
- Main Beach in East Hampton
- Atlantic Avenue Beach in Amagansett
- Ditch Plains Beach in Montauk
- Flying Point Beach in Southampton
- Havens Beach in Sag Harbor
- Coopers Beach in Southampton
- Sagg Main Beach in Sagaponack
- Two Mile Hollow Beach in East Hampton
- Mecox Beach in Bridgehampton
- Gin Beach in Montauk
- Pikes Beach in Westhampton
- Ponquogue Beach in Hampton Bays
Did we miss your favorite or and of your personal picks for best beaches in the Hamptons? Let us know in the comments below! If you found this guide helpful, bookmark it for later or share below on Pinterest!
