7 Reasons to Head to the Hamptons After Labor Day

Little-known fact: September is the best time to go to a beach in the Hamptons. The weather is still mild and you have the sand virtually to yourself. Swimming is off-limits (most lifeguard duty ends Labor Day), but there’s nothing like a walk on the beach to melt away stress. And those crazy parking fees you dealt with all summer are suddenly a thing of the past. We sense a Wednesday of playing hooky in our future.

It may no longer officially be rosé season, but autumn is an excellent time to tour the region’s wine country. Many Hamptons vineyards, such as Wölffer Estate, offer live music on select days throughout the off-season. And you may just find the perfect Cabernet Franc to sip well into fall and winter.

Everything slows down in the Hamptons after Labor Day. The East End takes on the vibe of a movie-like small town. You’ll no longer find yourself tearing your hair out in traffic—there is none—and while most places are still open, you won’t find yourself waiting in any lines.

Lines too long every time you tried to go to Nick & Toni’s or La Fondita? Many Hamptons restaurants are open through September and October, and some are even open year-round. No waiting required.

We love a good deal as much as the next person. From hotels to Airbnbs to house shares, prices drop pretty much immediately after Labor Day. Look for deals and special packages during the off-season from favorites like the Maidstone, Solé East, Surf Lodge and more.

Let’s be real: You meant to stop by an art museum or check out the historic sites during the summer…but you were too busy lounging at the beach. We don’t blame you, but as the weather starts to cool off, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of cultural sites like the Parrish Art Museum, the Pollock-Krasner House (open through October), the Hamptons International Film Festival (October 5 to 9) and even a hike through a historic ghost town in East Hampton.

Hiking, SUPing, canoeing… The Hamptons were made for outdoor adventures. Take a break from the smartphone and get back in touch with nature while the temps are still mild. And once the weather does get chilly, the Buckskill Winter Club in East Hampton offers open-air ice-skating that’s guaranteed to be less crowded than Rockefeller Center. There’ll be plenty of time to hibernate in your apartment later.