Craving a charming seaside village escape in the Hamptons? Head to Sag Harbor! Once a thriving whaling port, this historic waterfront town blends maritime history, boutique shopping, sandy shores, and artsy elegance. Whether you're sailing, gallery hopping, or dining dockside, Sag Harbor captures classic New England charm with a chic twist.
Sag Harbor, NY Highlights:
- For History Buffs: Explore the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum – Discover the town’s 19th-century whaling roots inside a Greek Revival mansion.
- For Art Lovers: Browse the Sag Harbor galleries – Stroll through contemporary and fine art spaces showcasing Hamptons talent.
- For Beachgoers: Lounge at Long Beach – A scenic bay beach perfect for swimming, sunsets, and picnicking.
- For Families: Visit Mashashimuet Park – Enjoy playgrounds, tennis courts, and open space just minutes from downtown.
- For Maritime Enthusiasts: Walk the Sag Harbor Marina – Admire yachts, enjoy waterfront dining, or set sail on a harbor cruise.
🌤 When I like to visit Sag Harbor, NY
The best time to visit Sag Harbor is in the late spring through early fall (May–October). Summer brings perfect beach weather, vibrant boating culture, and seasonal events. September and early October are ideal for quieter getaways with pleasant temps and fewer crowds.
🗺 My tips for getting to Sag Harbor, NY
- If you are traveling by car: Sag Harbor is located off NY-27 (Montauk Highway), about 2.5–3 hours east of New York City via the Long Island Expressway.
- By Train: Take the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Bridgehampton, then taxi or rideshare 10–15 minutes to Sag Harbor.
- By Bus: The Hampton Jitney and Hampton Luxury Liner offer regular service from NYC directly to Sag Harbor.
🏬 Where I like to stay in Sag Harbor, NY
- Recommended for Families: Baron's Cove – Harborfront resort with a pool, casual dining, and easy access to the village.
- For Couples: American Hotel – Historic and romantic with old-world elegance and a renowned fine dining restaurant.
- For Boutique Vibes: Forever Bungalows – Stylish, modern lodging on the edge of town with a laid-back, artistic feel.
😍 Best Things to Do in Sag Harbor, NY
1. The Bay Street Theatre
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"See live performances and enjoy waterfront views on an exciting weekend cultural trip."
Located on the Long Wharf in Sag Harbor, the Bay Street Theater and the Sag Harbor Center for the Arts first opened in 1991. The complex encompasses an intimate professional theatre and a community cultural center which constantly strives to foster a love of visual and performing arts within the Sag Harbor community. More than just a theatre venue, the complex has become a popular community meeting place, an arts educational center and a showcase for local and national artists. Visitors are encouraged to make a point of attending one of the ever-changing line-up of excellent Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. The center also hosts a Comedy Club, Performing Arts workshops for adults and children and a popular Kids Theater Summer Camp.
The Bay Street Theatre, 1 Bay Street, Sag Harbor, NY 11963, Phone: 631-725-9500
2. Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum
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"Explore maritime artifacts and discover local history on an affordable educational visit."
Located in a designated “National Treasure”, the Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum endeavors to educate visitors about the important historic events which put Sag Harbor on the map. The impressive building which is home to the museum was built in 1847 at a cost of $7000. Before entering the museum you can admire the beautifully detailed and ornate architecture of the building which served as the residence of a prominent whaling captain. The museum showcases the exceptionally hard lives of the whalers, the cultural background of Sag Harbor and the slow dwindling of the whaling trade, which almost lead to the extinction of the world’s whale population.
Sag Harbor Whaling and Historical Museum, 200 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963, Phone: 631-725-0770
3. First Presbyterian Old Whalers' Church
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"Admire unique architecture and walk peaceful grounds on a quiet retirement outing."
Widely considered to be Sag Harbor’s most prominent landmark, the First Presbyterian Church (or the Old Whaler’s Church) was built in 1844. The church is an excellent example of the Egyptian Revival style of architecture, and the finest surviving example in the US. Featuring an impressive 185-foot steeple, the church was the tallest structure on Long Island for many years, until the tall steeple was destroyed in a 1938 hurricane. It was never rebuilt and the church you see today is without a steeple. Interestingly, the original bell was preserved and is still on display in the narthex. The church is still in regular use by the Sag Harbor congregants.
First Presbyterian Old Whaler’s Church, 44 Union Street, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
4. The American Hotel
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"Savor fine dining and soak in historic charm on a romantic couples getaway."
The American Hotel has been a prominent Sag Harbor landmark since 1846, at the height of the whaling era, when it was part boarding house – part whaling store. If these walls could talk, what stories they could tell - legends and myths about the early whaling days and the later whaling decline - stories of visiting celebrities, boisterous sailors and everyone in between. After many decades of neglect the old building was restored in the 1970’s, and a dining room added which soon won accolades for offering fine dining and excellent wines. Each of the 8 spacious rooms offers fabulous décor and exceptional little luxuries to make your stay absolutely unforgettable.
The American Hotel, 49 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963, Phone: 631-725-3535
Where to Eat:
5. Il Capuccino Ristorante
My top 5 😎 :
"Taste hearty Italian dishes and enjoy cozy ambiance on a fun family dinner."
One of Sag Harbor’s most popular eateries, Il Capuccino is the place to go for all your favorite Italian dishes. The interior of the restaurant presents a relaxed and friendly ambiance typical of that found in countless Italian restaurants around the globe – red-checked tablecloths, raffia-covered wine bottles and loads of charm. Chef James Renner serves up delicious traditional Italian dishes made from recipes brought to the states from the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. Look forward to savoring delicious home-made ravioli, tortellini, lasagna Bolognese and specials like their Long Island Roast Duckling. The restaurant offers a good selection of wines from around the world, many sold by the glass.
Il Capuccino, 30 Madison St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963, Phone: 631-725-2747
🥗 Where to Eat in Sag Harbor, NY
- Recommended for Families: Dockside Bar & Grill – Casual American fare with waterfront seating in a relaxed setting.
- For Seafood Lovers: The Bell & Anchor – Upscale seafood dishes in a cozy, nautical space just outside the village center.
- For Brunch or Coffee: Grindstone Coffee & Donuts – Small-batch donuts, strong coffee, and an easygoing vibe.
🎟 If you are interested in local events:
- For Art Fans: Sag Harbor Cultural District’s Art Walk (Summer) – Explore galleries and meet artists during this community celebration.
- For Film Buffs: Hamptons International Film Festival (October) – Sag Harbor hosts screenings and filmmaker Q&As during this regional festival.
- For Foodies: HarborFest (September) – Celebrate the village’s maritime roots with local food, music, boat races, and crafts.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Sag Harbor, NY:
- For Wine Tasting: Wölffer Estate Vineyard (15 min) – Sample rosé and estate wines with views of vines and horse paddocks.
- For Beach Days: Sagg Main Beach (20 min) – Popular with surfers and sunbathers for its scenic dunes and Atlantic surf.
- For Nature Lovers: Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge (25 min) – Hike forested trails and spot deer, birds, and marine life.
- For Hamptons Charm: East Hampton Village (20 min) – High-end shopping, historic homes, and pretty green spaces.
- For Art Aficionados: The Parrish Art Museum (Water Mill) (30 min) – A modernist museum with works by Long Island and American artists.
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Where is Sag Harbor located?
- Located on a beautiful bay in the heart of Long Island's Hamptons.
- What are some of Sag Harbor’s historical attractions?
- Sag Harbor is steeped in maritime history, once home to a thriving whaling operation.
- Notable museums include the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum and the Custom House Museum.
- What is a must-visit place in Sag Harbor?
- The historic American Hotel is a must-visit spot in Sag Harbor.
- What entertainment can visitors enjoy in Sag Harbor?
- Visitors can enjoy performances at the Bay Street Theatre.
- What outdoor activities are available in Sag Harbor?
- Water sports, scenic boat tours, and many marine activities are available nearby.
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