Dreaming of classic Hamptons charm? Plan a trip to Southampton! From historic estates to pristine beaches, this elegant seaside town blends coastal beauty with upscale boutiques, art galleries, and refined dining. Whether you're sunbathing or shopping, Southampton serves timeless East End allure.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Southampton is late spring through early fall (May to September). Warm temperatures and vibrant events make it perfect for beach days, alfresco dining, and exploring the town’s rich history and culture.
How to Get There
- By Car: About 2 hours from New York City via the Long Island Expressway (Route 27).
- By Train: Take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Montauk Branch to Southampton Station.
- By Bus: Hampton Jitney and Hampton Luxury Liner offer regular service from NYC.
Where to Stay
- Southampton Inn – Centrally located with cozy rooms, pool access, and family-friendly amenities.
- The 1708 House – Elegant bed-and-breakfast in a restored colonial home with antique charm.
- Baron’s Cove – Upscale waterfront resort nearby in Sag Harbor with dining and wellness perks.
Top Attractions
⮕ Step Into the Past at the Southampton History Museum
© Southampton History Museum
Originally organized in 1898 before being incorporated in 1910, the Southampton History Museum explores life in Southampton, New York, dating back to when the British first came to the area. A part of the history museum, the Rogers Mansion Museum Complex consists of a dozen historic buildings that helps tell the story of the town’s development during the nineteenth century, including an 1825 barn and 1830 one-room schoolhouse. The Southampton History Museum also features exhibits not about Southampton, such as the exhibition about the Titanic that includes a variety of memorabilia and recordings of the tales of some of the survivors.
17 Meeting House Ln, Southampton, NY 11968, Phone: 631-283-2494
⮕ Trace the Roots of Settlement at Conscience Point Historic Site
© Wirestock/stock.adobe.com
Despite being a relatively small landmark, the Conscience Point Historic Site commemorates one of the most important events in the history of the United States as it chronicles the arrival of the first British Settlers in New York. The settlers arrived on the harbor in June of 1640 and lived in the area alongside the Shinnecock Indians who had called the area home for centuries before the arrival of the English. Today, Conscience Point is owned and maintained by the Southampton Historical Museum. Get to know more about the Shinnecock People after visiting the historic site and be sure to see the commemorative plaque that marks the spot wherein the colonists arrived from Lynn, Massachusetts.
1640 Conscience Point Road, Southampton, New York 11968, Phone: 631-283-2494
Recommended Activities for Families
⮕ Explore Contemporary Creativity at the Parrish Art Museum
© Parrish Art Museum
The Parrish Art Museum aims to highlight the creative process, as well as how artists and art transform the experiences of people and their understanding of the world around them, along with how they live in it. A place for cultural engagement, the museum creates connections between people and art through its presentation of exhibitions, artists-in-residence, programs, events, educational initiatives, and its interpretation of its collections.
279 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 11976, Phone: 631-283-2118
⮕ Discover Indigenous Heritage at the Shinnecock Museum and Cultural Center
© Shinnecock Museum and Cultural Center
Housed in a log-style building, the Shinnecock Museum and Cultural Center is a small museum in the Long Island town of Southampton, New York that exhibits local artifacts belonging to the Shinnecock tribe, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. Visitors can learn about local history and about the tribe specifically. During the summer, guests can explore the village outside, while indoors, there’s an exhibition space of around 5,000 square feet to see.
100 Montauk Hwy, Southampton, NY 11968, Phone: 631-287-4923
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Engage With the Arts at the Southampton Cultural Center
© Southampton Cultural Center
The Southampton Cultural Center is a unique arts center in Southampton for performance, exhibits, and education. With programs designed for people of all ages, the center offers year-round classes, lectures, workshops, and art exhibits. There are also several live performances hosted by the Southampton Cultural Center throughout the year, including theater, jazz, classical recitals, and the Concerts in the Park series, a popular event in the community. Classes provided by the center range from acting classes to art classes to singing and music lessons among many others.
25 Pond Ln, Southampton, NY 11968, Phone: 631-287-4377
⮕ Experience Bold Ideas at The Watermill Center
© The Watermill Center
The Watermill Center, as the name suggests, is located in Water Mill, New York, just a short distance from the center of Southampton. This unique “laboratory for the arts and humanities” offers the freedom, space, and time for the global community to “create and inspire.” Established by Robert Wilson, a theater director and avant-garde visionary, in 1992, the center lies on approximately ten acres of the Shinnecock tribe’s ancestral territory and hosts events and tours for visitors. The Watermill Center places a focus on collaboration and creativity, integrating performing arts with inspiration from visual arts, research from sciences, and resources from humanities.
39 Water Mill Towd Rd, Water Mill, NY 11976, Phone: 631-726-4628
⮕ If You’re Craving Fresh Coastal Cuisine, Reserve a Table at Plaza Cafe
© Plaza Cafe
The Plaza Cafe has been noted as the “Best Seafood Restaurant on Long Island” according to Newsday, as well as rated three stars with the New York Times and listed as one of the country’s top restaurants in The Zagat Surveys. With an eclectic menu that changes with the seasons, there is an emphasis on sustainability at the restaurant, offering the freshest seafood available both in the markets and locally. Food presentations are simple and fresh, complemented by seasonal produce. The Plaza Cafe also offers an award-winning wine list focused on small production wineries to go with their menu.
61 Hill St, Southampton, NY 11968, Phone: 631-283-9323
⮕ Connect With Community Art at the Southampton Arts Center
© Southampton Arts Center
Dedicated to building a strong and tight-knit unity through the arts, the Southampton Arts Center is a treasured non-profit organization that has quickly made its way to the top of many art lovers' bucket lists. Southampton Arts Center doesn’t just produce and showcase beautiful and inspirational art, they have also made it their mission to be socially and regionally relevant, and to be as inclusive of the community's diverse members as possible. Come to the center to see multi-disciplinary exhibits, watch fantastic artistic performances, and get to know the community of artists that make the Southampton Arts Center the treasure that it is.
25 Jobs Lane, Southampton, New York 11968, Phone: 631-283-0967
Where to Eat
- Tutto Il Giorno – Chic Italian fare with coastal flair and a lush outdoor patio.
- 75 Main – Stylish New American bistro with a social scene and sidewalk seating.
- The Golden Pear Café – Casual breakfast and lunch spot popular for coffee, salads, and sandwiches.
Local Events
- Southampton July 4th Parade – Classic small-town celebration with floats, music, and local pride.
- Hamptons Classic Horse Show (August–September) – Prestigious equestrian event with world-class show jumping.
- Harvest Party at Wolffer Estate (September) – Celebrate the wine harvest with live music, food, and vineyard views nearby.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Southampton, New York
- Cooper’s Beach (5–10 min) – Relax on soft white sands at one of the Hamptons’ most beautiful and iconic beaches.
- Water Mill (10–15 min) – Explore charming art galleries, visit the historic watermill, and stroll scenic farm fields.
- Bridgehampton (20–25 min) – Discover boutique shops, visit the Children’s Museum of the East End, or tour nearby vineyards.
- Sagaponack (25–30 min) – Tour award-winning wineries like Wölffer Estate and enjoy rural charm near the coast.
- Shinnecock Indian Nation Cultural Center & Museum (10–15 min) – Learn about the rich heritage and history of the Shinnecock people through exhibits and artifacts.
- North Sea (10–15 min) – Launch a kayak or go clamming in the serene waters of North Sea Harbor.
- Meschutt Beach County Park (25–30 min) – Swim in calm bay waters, grab food from the beach shack, or catch a live band at sunset.
- Quogue Wildlife Refuge (25–30 min) – Hike through forests, wetlands, and around a peaceful pond with native animal exhibits.
- Hampton Bays (25–30 min) – Enjoy casual seaside dining, visit Ponquogue Beach, or take a relaxing boat cruise.
FAQ
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Where is Southampton located?
- Located on New York’s famous Long Island, the town of Southampton is well known as a “beach town”.
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What makes Southampton more than just a beach town?
- There’s much more to Southampton than just sand and surf. Whether visitors are history buffs, art lovers, foodies, or wine enthusiasts, there’s something for everyone.
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What cultural attractions can visitors explore in Southampton?
- The town has become the epicenter for culture and arts in the Hamptons, home to attractions like the Southampton Cultural Center, The Watermill Center, and the Parrish Art Museum.
At a Glance
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and fewer crowds before peak season. |
Southampton Inn – A charming boutique hotel near downtown and the beach. |
Visit the Parrish Art Museum – Explore a stunning collection of contemporary and classic art. |
Summer (June-August) – Peak season with warm weather and vibrant social life. |
Capri Southampton – A stylish and trendy stay with a pool and bar. |
Relax at Cooper’s Beach – Enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in the Hamptons. |
Fall (September-November) – Pleasant weather, fall foliage, and fewer tourists. |
Topping Rose House – A luxury boutique hotel with farm-to-table dining. |
Tour the historic Southampton Village – Stroll through upscale boutiques, galleries, and cafes. |
Winter (December-February) – Quiet and cozy with holiday charm. |
The 1708 House – A historic and cozy bed & breakfast with a warm atmosphere. |
Enjoy the holiday lights and seasonal events – Experience festive shopping and cozy fireside dining. |
Plan Your Trip