The Hamptons — a chic stretch of seaside communities on the eastern end of Long Island — is best experienced beyond the obvious. Along this 60-mile peninsula, which in summer famously takes more than three hours to drive end to end, lie pockets of understated luxury, art, and coastal intrigue. The secret, of course, is finding them.
Each Hamptons town comes with its own personality and story. Southampton — often dubbed old money — is known for its generational estates, polo, and hedge-fund set. Think white dresses, linen suits, and much-coveted invitations. East Hampton, the most New York of the Hamptons towns, is the epicenter of shopping and fashion, designer boutiques, gallery openings, and book signings. Sag Harbor, a former whaling village turned art haven, remains a favorite haunt of writers and filmmakers. Bridgehampton, farm chic and equestrian, is a standout for its farm stands and vineyards. Amagansett, quiet and discreet, is known for its mid-century modernism, while Montauk — as far Out East as one can go — remains laid-back, bohemian, and a favorite of the younger Hamptons set.
While roughly 70-80,000 residents live in the Hamptons year round, the population swells to nearly 300,000 each summer as New York City makes its annual exodus. The tradition began in the late 1800s with the arrival of the railroad as New York City’s elite — the Whitneys, Woolworths, Dukes, Fords, Hearsts, Vanderbilts, Hiltons, and Rockefellers — began building grand, beachfront “cottages,” many with 10 bedrooms or more. Each spring, homeowners received the famed Blue Book, a directory listing the names, addresses, and even children’s Ivy League schools of fellow residents. By the 1940s through 60s, writers including Arthur Miller, John Steinbeck, and Truman Capote — along with artists Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, Roy Lichtenstein, and Andy Warhol — had joined the migration east. And today, the tradition continues.
Following is our guide of where to stay, dine, spa, play, and enjoy cultural events in the Hamptons this summer.
Art and Culture
Campo Cuttica, Southampton: A 40-acre nature preserve and artist studio owned by world-renowned Argentine painter Eugene Cuttica. During select invitation-only events, guests can tour the studio, listen to acclaimed concert pianist Axel Quincke perform live beneath the trees, partake in a traditional Argentine asado (barbecue), and purchase artwork directly from the resident artists.
Sag Harbor Cinema: Spend the day exploring Sag Harbor’s picturesque streets, waterfront, and nearby beaches before catching a film at the town’s beautifully refurbished historic movie theater, a beloved local landmark.
The Pollock-Krasner House, East Hampton: Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner lived and worked together in the Springs house (from 1945). Pollack created his famous drip paintings in the barn studio, while Krasner worked primarily in the main house.
Guild Hall, East Hampton: The Hampton’s version of Carnegie Hall. Founded in 1931, this cornerstone of the East End arts scene brings together artists, audiences, and education in one place.
The Parrish Art Museum, Water Mill: This is not a flashy museum, but one deeply rooted in Long Island and its artists: Willem de Kooning, Lee Krasher, Jackson Pollack. Set amid open fields in Water Mill, the Parrish’s minimalist, barn-inspired building by Herzog & de Meuron feels as serene as the art inside.
Where to Stay
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, Montauk: One of our longtime (and forever) favorites, Gurney’s is set directly on the Atlantic, offering dramatic cliff-top views, a private beach club, and thalassotherapy spa. It is the only true thalassotherapy spa in the U.S. where seawater is directly pumped into the spa and pool. Open year round.
Montauk Yacht Club: Recently reimagined, this marina-front resort overlooking Lake Montauk, features a stylish redesign, poolside cabanas, and multiple restaurants. Be there for golden hour to watch the Superyachts dock.
Shou Sugi Ban House, Water Mill: This Japanese-inspired luxury wellness retreat features minimalist suites, hydrotherapy pools, and serious spa programming. Don’t be surprised to see a few famous faces (just don’t let on) as it’s a coveted celebrity hideaway.
The Roundtree Amagansett: Quintessential Hamptons aesthetic with cedar-shake cottages, lawn picnics with rosé, and firepits, complete with s’mores. Rooms (some pet friendly) come with Frette linens, Grown Alchemist bath products, and locally made treats. Walk to town or bike to the beach.
Topping Rose House, Bridgehampton: This classic restored 19th-century mansion turned luxury hotel, comes with a Jean-Georges restaurant, stunning gardens, and a beautiful pool. Its location is stellar, walk easily to town.
Where to Eat
Il Buco al Mare, Amagansett: The beachside sibling to Manhattan’s cult favorite, Il Buco al Mare brings Italian coastal cooking to Amagansett with a sun-bleached, surf-meets-Mediterranean vibe. Savor grilled fish, oysters, house-made pastas, and seasonal vegetables.
Lunch on Montauk Highway, Montauk: Classic stop for lobster rolls and a more laid-back beach-town atmosphere. A Hamptons tradition made famous in the TV series, The Affair.
Page at 63 Main, Sag Harbor: Intimate and elevated dining experience set in the heart of the village. A go-to for well-executed New American fare.
Nourish, Bridgehampton: Newly opened (May 2026) by The Roundtree Amagansett, and helmed by acclaimed Balinese chef Dewa Wijaya. The innovativemenu is inspired by the Hamptons’ seasonal bounty and Wijaya’s Balinese heritage.
Nick & Toni’s, East Hampton: The original Hamptons power restaurant. Wood-fired Italian, see-and-be-seen tables, and decades of summer dinner politics.
Duryea’s Lobster Deck, Montauk: The quintessential Montauk waterfront scene known for its seemingly endless raw bar, rosé, striped umbrellas, and sunsets.
Where to Shop
Tenet, Southampton | East Hampton: Under-the-radar fashion authority, and where stylists shop.
Sylvester & Co. Modern General, Sag Harbor: The go-to boutique for home, apothecary, pantry, and lifestyle objects.
Blue & Cream, East Hampton | Sag Harbor: High-end streetwear and emerging designers.
East Hampton Main Street + Newtown Lane: For Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana, and more.
Provisioning and Picnic Culture
Provisioning — stopping for bread, seafood, and farm stand produce before the beach or a long dinner at home — is a Hamptons ritual. Among our top recommendations:
Cavaniola’s Gourmet, Sag Harbor: No visit to the Hamptons is complete without Cavaniola’s Gourmet, the East End’s beloved cheese shop. Pick up wine, cheese, and picnic boards.
Carissa’s Bakery, East Hampton: The Hamptons’ answer to a European village boulangerie. Come for the croissants, sour-dough and artisanal loaves.
Stuart’s Seafood Market, Amagansett: Classic Hamptons seafood shack. Pick up fresh lobster and catch of the day.
Round Swamp Farm, East Hampton: Part farm stand, part gourmet market, pick up exquisitely prepared foods and picnic staples.
Other Hamptons Must Dos
The Beaches: The Hamptons has no shortage of fabulous beaches. Among the standouts: Main Beach, East Hampton, for classic wide-sand and rolling dunes; Cooper’s Beach, Southampton, backed by historic mansions (aka cottages); Atlantic Avenue Beach, Amagansett, a favorite for sunset; and Ditch Plains, Montauk, the most California-esque and surfing capital of the Hamptons.
Weekend Estate Sales: Get a glimpse into the stylish lives of well-known Hamptonites and pick up a great find for your home by spending a few hours driving around to the many estate sales taking place throughout the season.
Polo in The Hamptons: A day at the Polo is quintessentially The Hamptons and a rite of passage for visitors. The event usually takes place in July and beyond the track action, there are VIP parties. Save some energy for The Hamptons Classic (usually late August) when the top equestrians will compete and the food and dining options explode.
Feature image courtesy of Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa. Travel Curator may earn a commission from product or booking links on this page.
