Hamptons season is short and sweet, which means you don’t have time to waste worrying about the best place to dig your toes into the sand. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil escape, a place to see and be seen, where to hang ten, or simply a patch of sand where your kid can throw a tantrum, we found the best Hamptons beach for you. Slip into your swimsuit, pack a book and get ready to spread out your blanket.
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The 13 Best Beaches in the Hamptons (Plus What’s Special About Each One)
Published Jul 21, 2022
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Best Beaches In The Hamptons At A Glance:
- Best Overall: Coopers Beach
- Best Beach to See and Be Seen: Atlantic Avenue Beach
- Best for Hiking: Hither Hills State Park
- Best for Families: Mecox Beach
- Best for Foodies: Kirk Park Beach
- Best for Surfing: Ditch Plains
- Best for Dog Lovers: Gibson Lane Beach
- Best for Escaping the Crowds: Louise Point Beach
- Best for the Fitness-Forward: Wainscott Beach
- Best for That Quintessential Hamptons Feel: Main Beach
- Best for Partying: Flying Point Beach in Water Mill
- Best Private Beach: Duane Road Beach
- Best for Adventure: Camp Hero Beach
1. Cooper’s Beach
Best Overall
- Location: Southampton
- Parking: $50 per day parking fee
- Why We Recommend It: concession stands, well-kept bathrooms with freshwater showers, chair and umbrella rentals
White sand, high dunes, rolling waves—whether or not you realize it when you think about Hamptons beaches, chances are you’re thinking of Cooper’s Beach in Southampton. This is quintessential Hamptons and a must-visit for anyone new to the area or returning for a much-needed break Out East.
sue/flickr
2. Atlantic Avenue Beach
Best Beach to See and Be Seen
- Location: Amagansett
- Parking: $50 per day on weekdays
- Why We Recommend It: easily accessible (it’s one of the few Hamptons beaches you can walk to from the train), concession stand, restrooms
Yes, you will probably run into your ex-partner’s college roommate and also bump into that guy that you saw picking up a loaf of salty soured pickled rye at Carrissa’s, but that’s what makes this hot spot so fun. A 20-minute walk from the Amagansett train, Atlantic Avenue Beach is known for its young (and OK, slightly rowdier) crowd. Go ahead; flaunt that swimsuit and enjoy the people watching.
John Weiss/Flickr
3. Hither Hills State Park
Best for Hiking
- Location: Montauk
- Parking: $10 per day
- Why We Recommend It: picnic tables, playground, nature trail, concession stand, campground with tent and trailer sites
Dry off after a dip in the ocean with a nearly three-mile trek through the constantly shifting dunes of Hither Hills State Park. Keep an eye out for red-tailed hawks, ospreys and other birds of prey, then settle in for the night at the scenic and well-maintained campground. (S’mores mandatory.)
j-No/Flickr
4. Mecox Beach
Best for Families
- Location: Bridgehampton
- Parking: $25 per car per day
- Why We Recommend It: bathrooms, showers, snack stand, souvenirs, lifeguard
Lifeguard? Check. Snack stand? Check. Bathrooms and showers? Double check. These helpful amenities explain why this golden shore typically has enough screaming kids that no one will blink an eye when yours throws a 30-minute tantrum. OK, Mecox might not exactly be the most relaxing beach but if you’re a parent of young kids looking for a sandy spot to spend the day then this is the beach for you.
5. Kirk Park Beach
Best for Foodies
- Location: Montauk
- Parking: Daily parking permits are $35 per day
- Why We Recommend It: great food options, celeb spotting
Along with the beach, dining is a major draw in the Hamptons. You’ll find the best of both at Kirk Park Beach in Montauk. Not only is the laid-back beach located across the street from a 7-Eleven (hello, giant iced coffee), but its parking lot is also next to the IGA supermarket where you can stock up on beach snacks before hitting the sand. Plus, you’re within walking distance of Balsam Farms Montauk Market, Joni’s Kitchen, MTK Lobster House and so much more. No wonder celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow and Sarah Jessica Parker own homes in the area.
John Peabody/Getty Images
6. Ditch Plains
Best for Surfing
- Location: Montauk
- Parking: free (but you’ll have to find a spot on the side of the road)
- Why We Recommend It: cool vibes, great restaurants
Arguably the most well-known surf beach on Long Island (and for good reason), Ditch Plains is famous for its long, peeling waves. It can get crowded, particularly on good surfing days, so make sure you get there early, but this is still a good spot for those figuring out which way their boards go.
Joanna McCarthy/Getty Images
7. Gibson Lane Beach
Best for Dog Lovers
- Location: Sagaponack
- Parking: By permit only
- Why We Recommend It: dog friendly, uncrowded
Calling your dog your best friend is an understatement, so of course you want to take her on every beach outing. But dog-friendly beaches are in short supply in the Hamptons. Luckily, there’s Gibson’s Lane Beach. The unofficial dog beach has gotten a bit stricter in recent years: dogs have to be leashed and are only permitted on the beach before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m. from May 15 to September 15, but this is still the spot you’ll find locals strolling on the beach with their dog besties (even sneaking in a game of fetch). Just keep in mind that parking is by permit only so unless you happen to befriend a local, your best bet is to take an Uber or a Lyft down here.
ANDREW HOLBROOKE /Getty Images
8. Louse Point Beach
Best for Escaping the Crowds
- Location: East Hampton
- Parking: Town permit required
- Why We Recommend It: tranquil escape, beautiful sands
This gorgeous, relaxed beach on the bay side of East Hampton is the ultimate hideaway. Louse Point Beach is known for its calm waters, minimal crowds, and poor cell reception. Make sure to pick up some snacks on your way to the beach though since you won’t find a snack bar anywhere in sight. And again, you’ll need a parking permit or a ride to enjoy these golden sands.
9. Wainscott Beach
Best for Working Out
- Location: Wainscott
- Parking: By permit only
- Why we recommend it: quiet, proximity to gyms and Wolffer Estate Stables
A hop, skip, and throw from Hamptons workout favs like Barry’s Bootcamp, Flywheel and Sag Harbor Gym, Wainscott Beach is ideal for a post workout dip. Go ahead and flaunt all that hard work.
Michael McDonough/Flickr
10. Main Beach
Best for That Quintessential Hamptons Feel
- Location: East Hampton
- Parking: $50 per day
- Why We Recommend It: bathroom facilities, snack bar, shaded areas
Main Beach regularly tops lists of the world’s best beaches and for good reason: expanses of super-fine powdery sand and a friendly atmosphere make this beach a crowd-pleaser for surfing, families and anyone that wants a day at the beach. And isn’t that all of us?
RalphPuglieseJr/Getty Images
11. Flying Point Beach
Best for Partying
- Location: Water Mill
- Parking: $40 per day
- Why We Recommend It: clean facilities, welcoming atmosphere
Flying Point Beach might be the East End’s sceney-est slice of sand. Expect hipsters on blankets, entitled teenagers and plenty of beautiful people nursing their hangovers.
12. Dune Road Beach
Best Private Beach
- Location: Westhampton Beach
- Parking: Parking here is difficult—drive down Dune Road in Westhampton Beach and try to find a spot
- Why We Recommend It: uncrowded, beautiful sands, great for surfing
Summer goal: make friends with a Dune Road Westhampton Beach resident. This quiet, beautiful stretch of beach boasts smooth, clean sand and big, gnarly waves. It’s definitely worth schmoozing a local to sneak your way in to this gorgeous spot.
Michael Roberto/Getty Images
13. Camp Hero Beach
Best for Adventure
- Location: Montauk
- Parking: $8 per car per day
- Why We Recommend It: great surfing, beautiful sands
How are your cliff-climbing skills? Camp Hero State Park (which has the best name ever) is known for its uncrowded beach and killer waves. But know that the best spot requires climbing down a cliff so this one is best for thrill-seekers and adventurous types.
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