The area known as The Hamptons is a section of Long Island at the East End. It is a long stretch of beaches, an escape frequented often in the summer by Manhattanites (I used to be one of them for 10 years). While some of these beaches are the quintessential Hamptonian beach, others are more simple and offer a place to simply enjoy the surf and sand. There’s a beach for pretty much anyone somewhere in the Hamptons.
Best Beaches in the Hamptons:
1. Coopers Beach
Rating: ★★★★★
Coopers Beach can be found on Long Island’s south shore. The beach is shielded from the colder waters of the Labrador currents and is located in the charming Southampton village.
As the country’s first “Gold Coast,” Coopers Beach has a width of hundreds of yards and is made up of white, grainy quartz sand.
This beach is often ranked among the top beach in the United States and has a backdrop of both historic, extravagant mansions and sand dunes covered with beach grass.
Coopers Beach offers some of the Hamptons’ best beach access and includes a snack bar providing drinks and lunch. I loved spending long summer days in the Hamptons and these are my favorite places to stay.
2. Two Mile Hollow Beach
Two Mile Hollow Beach, located on Two Mile Hollow Road in East Hampton, is a picturesque beach along the oceanfront that offers plenty of opportunities for swimming and other beach fun, as well as lifeguards on duty during the summer season and space for picnics.
The wide beach is spacious, but can still get somewhat crowded during days with nice weather, although typically not as crowded as some of the other beaches in East Hampton.
3. Atlantic Avenue Beach
The Atlantic Avenue Beach is located in Amagansett in the Hamptons and is a beach for both young adults and families alike.
The beach boasts a large parking lot for daily parking, however, you should note that there is a fee to park in it throughout the week. Amenities at the Atlantic Beach include restrooms, outdoor showers, and lifeguards on duty.
You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas for the day from the Beach Hut, as well as enjoy a snack, such as a milkshake or a burger. For me, an umbrella is worth it because I get sunburn easily.
Lifeguards are on duty mostly on the weekends, full time from mid-June through Labor Day.
4. Cupsogue Beach County Park
The Cupsogue Beach County Park is located near the Village of Westhampton Beach, along Dune Road, and is barrier beach park stretching across almost three hundred acres of land on Long Island, New York.
The park offers a white, sandy beach, sunbathing, swimming supervised by a lifeguard, and some of Long Island’s best fishing for saltwater bass.
Recreational vehicles and campers are allowed on the access road that runs parallel to the park’s outer beach.
You need a permit for camping and outer beach access for recreational vehicles. Driving is permitted during slack tide on the park’s bay side.
Family Beaches in the Hamptons:
5. Kirk Park Beach, the Hamptons
Lifeguards are on duty at the Kirk Park Beach during the weekends starting the weekend of Memorial Day through the middle of June, from ten in the morning until five in the evening.
Beginning the middle of June through Labor Day, lifeguards are present on a daily basis from nine in the morning until five in the evening.
No permits are required to park at Kirk Park Beach, which features a concession stand, restrooms, and a parking lot.
The sandy beach is situated along the Montauk Highway in Montauk, New York and stretches more than five hundred feet. I enjoy visiting Montauk and have written a lot about it.
6. Hither Hills State Park
Hither Hills State Park provides visitors with scenic areas for picnics, as well as fireplaces for chilly days or nights.
You can also take advantage of the state park’s 189-site campground, a playground, playing fields, an ocean sandy beach, and sport fishing.
Fishing is allowed throughout the year, with permits available to allow fishing at night.
At the eastern border of the Hither Hills State Park are Napeague Harbor’s one-of-a-kind “walking dunes.”
The park also includes cross-country ski, biking, nature, and hiking trails, along with woodlands full of pine, shad, oak, and Russian olive trees.
Unique Beaches in the Hamptons:
7. Ditch Plains Beach
Ditch Plains Beach, located in Montauk in the Hamptons, is well known for its great opportunities for surfing.
The beaches situated along the surrounding streets feature names from the streets on which they are located.
You will need to pick up a permit in order to park at Ditch Plains Beach from the Chamber of Commerce, which is located in the town’s center.
Some free parking can be found along the side streets. Concession stands and restrooms can be found at the beach as well.
The Ditch Plains Beach is just a short distance from the Kirk Park Beach so check them both out!
8. Rogers Beach
Rogers Beach is one of two beaches at the village of Westhampton Beach, New York, located on Beach Lane, with the other being Lashley Beach.
You will find Rogers Beach at the end of the road. Both beaches require a permit from Westhampton Beach to access.
Parking permits are typically only available for residents of the village, however, walk-on passes are offered as well.
Rogers Beach is a handicap-accessible beach and consists of a deck that’s great for having a meal, a snack bar, restrooms, showers, and lifeguards on duty.
You should head to Main Street in town for shopping. It's fun even if you don't buy anything.
If you are a photographer, don't miss:
9. Tiana Beach
Tiana Beach is located in the Hampton Bays of New York and is somehow a combination of a party beach and a quiet beach for families.
During the day, families can enjoy a fun day at the beach, which features picnic areas that overlook the beach, showers, restrooms, and a deck providing some shaded seating.
An ice cream truck even makes stops at Tiana Beach fairly often.
Surfing and fishing are permitted in designated areas at Tiana Beach, and kayaking is a popular activity.
10. Ponquogue Beach
Ponquogue Beach in the Hamptons of Long Island is a stunning stretch of sandy beach that be reached by crossing the bridge over the Shinnecock Bay.
Visitors and locals alike come to the 600-foot stretch of sand to simply relax and enjoy the sun.
The ocean floor is primarily sand and the blue waters boast gentle waves.
Lifeguards on duty patrol along the beach during normal business hours in during the summer season.
You can park at the beach’s north end for free and take part in some fishing.
There is also an outdoor deck with picnic tables and a concession center. So remember to pack a picnic lunch!
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