Travel Curator’s: The Hamptons Guide

The enduring summer playground of the rich and famous, The Hamptons is also the home away from home to an eclectic melting pot of tastemakers, artists, writers, designers, artisanal chefs, surfers, and Manhattan’s cool crowd. Every summer these Hamptonites flock to the famed Long Island peninsula to enjoy its breathtaking beaches, quaint shopping villages, farm-to-table restaurants, amazing coffee, epic sunsets, history, charm, and have to see to believe mansions. Summer officially kicks off on Memorial Day, when the allure of this little slice of paradise which includes the South Fork, North Fork (fast becoming the new hotspot), and Shelter Island, around a two-hour drive from New York (less by helicopter or seaplane) begins to burn as bright as the sunshine. Enjoy our curated guide to the best places to stay, shop, eat, play and dream, in The Hamptons.

Best Places to Stay in the Hamptons

Topping Rose House, Bridgehampton

Topping Rose House, Bridgehampton is a luxurious Greek Revival luxury hotel originally built in the 1840s. The stunning historic property is home to 22 elegant guest rooms, as well as a Naturopathica spa, fitness center, pool, courtesy house vehicles from Lexus, and Jean-Georges’ farm-to-fork restaurant that showcases locally grown produce.

Gurney’s Montauk & Seawater Spa

The legendary Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, set on a pristine stretch of white sand overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The enduring vacation, wedding, and event destination has a luxury spa, heated saltwater pool, and Italian restaurant Scarpetta Beach where you can enjoy Italian classics, fresh-caught fish and locally sourced farm produce. Adding to Gurney’s allure is Bungalows by The Sea, a new outdoor dining concept.

The Roundtree, Amagansett

A clam’s throw from one of The Hamptons prettiest beaches The Roundtree, Amagansett, a 15-room boutique hotel with private cottages and a barn. Oozing coastal charm, among the little luxuries are Frette linens, Matouk towels, Grown Alchemist bath products, private beach passes, morning yoga, and evening s’ mores by the fire pit.

The Surf Lodge, Montauk

The best place for people watching, The Surf Lodge, Montauk is a waterfront hipster hot spot where local surfers, supermodels and fashion editors, converge for great food, all-day hangouts and their coveted Summer Concert series. Book well in advance if you want to get past the rope.

The Baker House 1650, East Hampton

Nestled in chic, historic East Hampton village, The Baker House 1650 is a 17th-century Cotswold-inspired English manor come cozy bed-and-breakfast. The luxe property also has a dreamy spa and private carriage house with suites.

The American Hotel, Sag Harbor

A local mainstay dating back to 1846 The American Hotel, Sag Harbor is nestled in the heart of the historic whaling village, a short walk from the harbor. Each of the eight rooms is beautifully decorated with original artwork and period furniture. The hotel is beloved for its dining room, a local favorite serving American-French fusion cuisine and award-winning wine list. If you can reserve the table “under the moose,” consider yourself a Hamptons VIP.

Shou Sugi Ban House, Water Mill

A luxury Japanese-inspired spa and wellness retreat Shou Sugi Ban House is a secluded retreat offering healing arts treatment, holistic wellness, spirituality, and an innovative plant-rich, hyper-seasonal culinary program designed by Michelin-starred chef Mads Refslund. Shou Sugi Ban House is also home to a hydrotherapy circuit, thermal suite, chromotherapy shower, and solarium deck.

EHP Resort & Martina, East Hampton Point

Renamed EHP Resort & Marina as part of a multimillion dollar makeover, this five-acre luxury waterfront hotel on Three Mile Harbor classic evokes Mediterranean-inspired glamor right down to its signature restaurant Sí Sí, which serves cuisines from Italy, Spain, Greece, Morocco, and Turkey inside and out. The scene is lively with local artists and DJs and a dedicated sunset hour menu.

Best Restaurants In The Hamptons

Wölffer Sag Harbor

A chic culinary spot on the main street of Sag Harbor Village, head here for American and Mediterranean-inspired dishes paired with Wölffer Estate signature wines and people watching.

The Beacon, Sag Harbor

This consistently packed harbor-side favorite, serving refined American fare in a chilled and relaxed setting, some of the best sunset views out east. Go early to put your name down, they don’t take reservations.

Vine Street Café, Shelter Island

Vine Street Café is worth the short ferry ride from Sag Harbor on the South Fork or Greenpoint on the North Fork to Shelter Island to experience this local gem serving seafood, local produce, and an extended wine list in a quaint American cottage.

Bell & Anchor, Sag Harbor

Upscale, seafood-centric New American cooking served in a bustling, nautical setting with bay views. Don’t miss our favorite dishes at Bell & Anchor, the lobster rigatoni, and steamed muscles ‘Anchor Style’.

Tutto Il Giorno, Southampton & Sag Harbor

Perennial hot spot serving some of the finest Italian food in The Hamptons. We love Tutto Il Giorno Southampton’s garden tables and in Sag, the outdoor terrace is a hard ticket to secure, but worth the wait.

Duryea’s Lobster Deck, Montauk

A Montauk classic, Duryea’s Lobster Deck is a self-serve seafood eatery with stunning waterfront views and a laid back island vibe. Head here and to their new Orient location on the North Fork for lobster rolls, lobster cobb, and epic sunsets.

Nick and Toni’s, East Hampton

Considered the front runner of Hamptons’ eateries, Nick and Toni’s is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, the place to see-and-be-seen and indulge in its delectable farmhouse-style Italian-Med menu. The tricky part; snagging a front room table.

Le Bilboquet, Sag Harbor

Fans of Le Bilboque’s famed Upper East Side bistro consider this latest outpost their new home away from home. If not for the fact that Le Bilboquet Sag Harbor serves all of the eatery’s hit classics, Cajun chicken and tuna tartare along with fresh seafood caught out east. The ‘it’ restaurant has indoor and outdoor dining with stunning water views and a horseshoe main bar at its heart which comes alive with music, cocktails, and Hamponites during summer.

La Fin Kitchen & Lounge, Montauk

The latest culinary hotspot bringing a touch of St. Barths and St. Tropez French chic to Montauk’s oceanfront is La Fin Kitchen & Lounge, an elevated farm-to-table restaurant and lounge bar brimming with rustic seaside charm. Helmed by French-trained executive chef James Tchinnis of NYC’s Le Cirque and Osteria del Circo, the contemporary coastal menu is created with homegrown herbs, ingredients, and sustainably caught fish and meats from 20 local farms.

Bungalows by the Sea

Created in collaboration with renowned event designer Jung Lee, Bungalows by the Sea at Gurney’s in Montauk is an innovative new culinary concept that involves indulging in a delicious custom menu of seasonal favorites and curated cocktails in your private bungalow (they seat up to six) complete with open-air fire and soothing Atlantic Ocean backdrop.

Harvest on Fort Pond, Montauk

A local fave forever, Harvest on Fort Pond serves sharable Italian plates infused with local seafood and homegrown produce in a low-key setting overlooking the pond. The perfect place to chill over cocktails, great food, and Montauk’s famed sunsets.

Things To Do in the Hamptons

Surfing at Ditch Plains Beach, Montauk

‘Ditch’ as it is affectionately known is the heart of The Hamptons’ surf scene, and the locals are territorial. Not that it stops anyone from spending long days here chilling on the sand or riding the waves – pick up a cute, colorful wetsuit at the Cynthia Rowley store in Montauk first, the designer is a local and die-hard surfer. After, visit the beach’s iconic food truck ‘Ditch Witch’.

Wölffer Estate Wine Stand, Sagaponack

Just off the Montauk Highway, the Wölffer Estate Wine Stand is the place to kick back over live music and Wölffer’s signature rosé, and stunning views of the vineyards. A great pit stop after a long drive from the city.

Picnic at Sagg Main Beach, Sagaponack

This gorgeous beach in Sagaponack is one of the prettiest in The Hamptons and the perfect place for a picnic, chilling on the sand, evening fire pits, and when they host their live drum sessions. Parking can be a bit tricky, so get there early.

Cooper’s Beach, Southampton

This glorious stretch of sand has been voted among the country’s best beaches. Beyond the beauty, they also grill an epic cheeseburger at the ocean-front snack bar. The expensive parking fee is worth it.

Surf Lodge Summer Series, Montauk

The Surf Lodge Summer Series is one of the hottest tickets in town for live music by a roster of big-name artists which is enjoyed on their laid-back surfer deck overlooking the water. Reservations required.

Poxabogue Golf Center, Bridgehampton

The Hamptons is home to some impressive golf courses like Poxabogue Golf Center, a nine-hole course with an expansive driving range in Bridgehampton.

Montauk Beach House, Montauk

This hip, yet hidden boutique hotel and poolside dining must-do is the place to stay (hello beachy lofts and bungalows), socialize, and be inspired thanks to its summer line-up of live music events, pool parties, and interactive art installations. When not playing, cozy up with a cocktail around Montauk Beach House’s fire pit at the open bar and grill.

Channing Daughters Winery, Bridgehampton

A boutique winery on a beautiful plot of land in Bridgehampton with 28 acres of vine Channing Daughters produces some of the most interesting, and exclusive, wines on the East End – over two dozen to be precise. Think Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and the list goes on.

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.

Parrish Art Museum, Water Mill

If you want to get acquainted with the rich legacy of the East End’s art scene, head to The Parrish Art Museum to view the latest installations curated from over 3,000 works by single artists and groups. The museum also has a schedule of inspirational classes and workshops.

Polo in The Hamptons

A day at the Polo is quintessentially The Hamptons and a rite of passage for visitors. The event usually happens 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.

Longhouse Reserve

Take a stroll through lush floral gardens and immerse yourself in the world of living art at Longhouse Reserve. Designed to celebrate the creative spirit, this 16-acre reserve and sculpture garden in East Hampton is founded by internationally referred textile designer, author, and collector Jack Lenor Larsen and features works by Buckminster Fuller, Yoko Ono, and Willem de Kooning.