10 Best Beaches in the Hamptons

April 11, 2020 - Updated

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. 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.

1.Coopers Beach

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.

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. Visitors should keep in mind that a permit required for parking at the beach usually between the middle of May to the middle of September.

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, visitors 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. Guests 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. 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. A permit is needed for camping and outer beach access for recreational vehicles. Driving is permitted during slack tide on the park’s bay side.

5.Kirk Park Beach

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.

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. Guests at the park 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.

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. Visitors 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.

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. Visitors 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. Visitors can also head to Main Street in town for shopping.

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. At night, the music from the Neptune Beach Club helps fuel a bit of a party. 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 some 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. Visitors 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.