The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a string of villages in Long Island’s East End, around 100 miles (161 kilometers) east of New York City. In summer, its cool bays and laid-back atmosphere provide relief to the stifling city heat. Home to quiet streets, country stores, world-class restaurants and museums, and broad sandy beaches, many well-to-do New Yorkers and celebrities have summer residences here.

Although it makes for a long day of traveling, it’s possible to visit on a day trip from NYC. Guided tours usually pick up passengers in Midtown Manhattan and generally include walking tours of a handful of the charming small coastal towns, such as Southampton and Sag Harbor. Some break up the return journey with a stop at the Tanger Outlets mall and often include discount cards.

• The Hamptons is a must-visit for NYC visitors looking for an outdoors escape.

• Make restaurant reservations in advance, especially on summer weekends.

• Some beaches are private and require passes to access.

• If you’re driving, you’ll need a permit to park at many beaches.

The Hampton Jitney bus service makes several stops in NYC and throughout the Hamptons. If you’re driving, the Long Island Expressway or Southern State Parkway to Sunrise Highway takes you straight through the Hamptons. Or, avoid traffic and take the Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station; the Montauk Branch stops at Southampton, East Hampton, Amagansett, and Montauk.

The Hamptons are busiest during summer weekends: Beaches are crowded, accommodations book up (and prices inflated), and you’ll likely have a hard time getting a seat at the best restaurants. Try to visit on a weekday instead. In winter, the biting sea wind can be unpleasant, but spring and fall are usually mild and lack crowds, although some businesses close outside of peak season (Memorial through Labor Day).

Contemporary art lovers shouldn’t miss the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, Dan Flavin Art Institute in Bridgehampton, and the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center in East Hampton. History buffs should head for the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum, and Southampton’s Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum, dedicated to Native American history.

The Hamptons are the summer vacation spot from NYC, so expect big crowds and high prices from July through Labor Day. Savvy travelers visit the Hamptons outside of peak season, whether heading to the beach in May-June or September, wine tasting in fall, or snagging a bargain break in winter.

Whether you visit on summer vacation, take a day trip from New York City, or spend the weekend at the beach, there are plenty of options for touring the Hamptons. Popular tours include hopping between the coastal towns and beaches, shopping at Tanger Outlets, wine tasting, and scenic helicopter flights.

Yes, the Hamptons is a hugely popular weekend escape for New Yorkers and is renowned for its picturesque seaside towns, beautiful sandy beaches, and lavish celebrity mansions. Along with the natural scenery and sea air, you’ll find independent boutiques, idyllic vineyards, contemporary art galleries, and a thriving foodie scene.

Yes, you can reach the Hamptons in a 3-hour drive from New York City, so it’s possible to visit on a long day trip. With limited time, it’s best to stick to one or two towns, such as Sag Harbor and Southampton, or opt for a guided tour.

It depends on your idea of fun. Head to Bridgehampton for polo matches and fine dining, to East Hampton for hip cafés and cool art galleries, or to Sag Harbor for boutique shopping and a lively nightlife scene. Or, if you’re down for beach days and party vibes, try Montauk.

No, there’s no longer a ferry service from Manhattan to the Hamptons. However, you can take the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) from Manhattan’s Penn Station or the Hamptons Jitney bus to several towns in the Hamptons. Ferries also run between New London, Connecticut, and Sag Harbor in the Hamptons.