Can you feel it? Salty air is mixing with fresh botanicals, the clam shacks are reopening, the beaches are calling—it’s summer in the Hamptons and we're oh so ready to eat lobster rolls, catch up with friends over cocktails and sink our toes in the sand. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, are a seasoned local or it’s been a few years but you’re ready to reclaim your beach chair, we have your guide to everything you need to do, see and eat in the Hamptons. This is the only to-do list you need this summer.
17 Awesome Things to Do In the Hamptons During Summer 2023
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Published May 25, 2023
1. Put Your Toes in the Sand
Name something better than spending the day lounging on the beach. We’ll wait. From the high dunes and white sand of Cooper’s to the family friendly Mecox, there’s a beach (or two) waiting for you in the Hamptons. So pack that beach bag, don’t forget a good summer read, and put your toes in the sand.
2. Raise A Glass
Whether your drink of choice is a glass of rosé, an IPA or a whiskey, the East End has a tasting room guaranteed to tantalize your tastebuds. Sample your way through the rosés at Wölffer Estate Vineyard (Sagaponack), beer at Montauk Brewing Company (Montauk) or whiskey, bourbon, gin and vodka at Long IslandSpirits (Baiting Hollow). Cheers.
Lunch
3. Eat a Lobster Roll (or Two)
It’s not really summer until you’ve had at least one lobster roll, is it? Whether you prefer Maine-style or Connecticut you’ll find plenty to choose from in the Hamptons. Head to Lunch, aka the Lobster Roll Restaurant for the best-selling Classic (Maine-style), bring your partner to Duryea’s for a roll while enjoying the sunset or gather up the kids and treat them to lobster rolls on the fishing docks at The Clam Bar, which is debuting some new items this summer like lobster fritters and a sushi dog.
Courtesy of Soulcycle Bridgehampton
4. Get Your Sweat On
Ready to sweat? Try a spin class at The Barn, the Bridgehampton SoulCycle location. Or HI(I)T up Barry’s Hamptons—the Wainscott outpost offers classes seven days a week (through Labor Day) while the Southampton location has classes on Saturdays and Sundays. Tracy Anderson’s sustainable workout program is available in Water Mill and Sag Harbour. Or say namaste at Montauk OM. But remember to book early—classes go fast in peak months.
5. Have a Taco Tuesday in Amagansett
Not that you’d ever get tired of your Hamptons town but if you’ve overlooked Amagansett, know that the sleepy beach hamlet is the perfect place to spend a dreamy day. Shop the chic boutiques, get tacos at La Fondita and hit the beach.
6. Spend an Afternoon at One Of the East End’s Museums
A rainy day in the Hamptons doesn’t mean there is no way to play. These towns are home to several museums of all sorts. Those with kids should check out the Children’s Museum of the East End. Art lovers can’t miss the Parrish Art Museum, and history buffs of all ages can learn about the area’s maritime past at the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum. If we had to pick just one, though, it would be the South Fork Natural History Museum. The butterfly and wildflower gardens are stunning—and how often do you get the opportunity to touch a sea urchin?
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa
7. Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
You deserve to pamper yourself this summer. Have a spa day at one of the Hamptons’ most blissful spas. Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa has Alo Skin Care spa treatments this year, soak in the healing powers of Himalayan salt at Montauk Salt Cave or lap up the luxe life with a deep-tissue massage at Topping Rose House. But remember you’re not the only one that deserves a spa day. Better book that facial or massage in advance.
8. Take a Hike
Lace up your hiking shoes, gather up your pup bestie (or borrow your bestie’s dog) and hit the trails. The Hamptons are home to some of the most picturesque trails where you can work up a sweat without having to hit the gym and many, like the Lighthouse Loop at Cedar Point County Park, are dog-friendly.
9. Catch Up With Friends Over Cocktails
Long, lazy summer afternoons are made for catching up over frozen margs and guac at Rita Cantina, gin cocktails at Nick & Toni’s, or oysters on the half shell paired with an ice-cold cocktail at Bell & Anchor.
CURIO at Project Hamptons
10. Shop to Your Heart’s Content
There is no shortage of chic places to shop in the Hamptons. From new shops like CURIO, a luxury retail collective with a selection of more than 250 upscale fashion and accessories brands, opening in the new Project Hamptons in Bridgehampton to old favs like NIBI (Montauk, Bridgehampton and Westhampton), you’ll find everything you need to have your most stylish summer yet. And don’t forget to stock up on some fall wardrobe items to bring the beach home with you.
11. Attend a Show at The Clubhouse
Haven’t checked out The Clubhouse yet? It’s time. The East Hampton destination is home to mini golf, tennis, fire pits, a sports bar, dining and live entertainment. In July, eight-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer, Stephen Marley, will perform for one night at The Clubhouse as Babylon By Bus Summer Tour, as will two-time Grammy winner, bassist Oteil Burbridge. Prefer a comedy show? Comedian Mark Normand will also perform in July. Nab your ticket now!
12. Eat Your Way Through the New Restaurants
Every year a new crop of restaurants open up in the Hamptons, each angling to become the place to be. Maison Close Montauk will offer a waterfront bistro menu that evokes St. Tropez, while Mavericks will give a fresh take on the classic steakhouse and Talya will serve flavor-packed Mediterranean fare. In Westhampton Taylor' Sushi Suite is sure to be a sushi lover’s dream, while over in East Hampton, The Sweet Spot has all your dessert needs from FroYO to coffee concoctions and homemade milkshakes.
13. Grab a Cone
Speaking of dessert, along with lobster rolls, ice cream is the quintessential summer treat. Whether you favor fruity gelato, classic soft-serve or something in between, there’s a cone or cup waiting for you in the Hamptons. Better yet, make this the year you decide once and for all if gelato from Carissa’s The Bakery, one of LT Burger’s decadent milkshakes, or a classic soft-serve at Southampton’s The Fudge Shop is the ultimate warm weather winner.
14. Find the Perfect Beach Read
You can’t really head to the beach without a stack of books. Before you scope out the perfect place for your towel, snag the hottest reads of summer at cozy Book Hampton in East Hampton shop or head to Black Cat Books on Shelter Island and finally get that first edition from your favorite author.
15. Take a North Fork Day Trip to Love Lane
The name draws you in but you’ll stay for the charm. Love Lane in Mattituck is the perfect place to spend a morning. Stop into Love Lane Kitchen for breakfast (you want the stuffed French toast) before wandering up the lane popping into the boutiques like Mint and the Village Cheese Shop.
16. Surround Yourself in Flowers
When the time comes for a break from the beach (and it will), there are flowers. Hidden in plain sight, the Peconic Land Trust’s Bridge Garden is an oasis of tranquility. The garden full of flowers, herbs and trees covers more than five acres right in the heart of Bridgehampton. Go and embrace your inner flower girl.
17. Paddle Your Heart Out
Grab a paddle and get a workout (and a tan) while exploring Long Island’s curvy shoreline. Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), kayaks and canoes are an affordable way to get on the water without much experience needed. East Hampton’s Paddle Diva offers SUP classes, group tours and rentals. In Riverhead, Long Island Canoe Kayak Rentals has a number of tours in the mellow Peconic River. Or make this the summer you finally learn to surf by taking lessons from the pros at Hamptons Surf Co.