What to See in Sag Harbor, The Hamptons, New York

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

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

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

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

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