Discover 8 of the Best Beaches in the Hamptons

Highlights                                                                            

• Although the Gulf Coast is often touted for its white sandy beaches, the Hamptons gives those shorelines a run for their money. 
• Southampton and East Hampton, in particular, have some of the softest sands (as well as some best shops in town).
• Montauk features its famous lighthouse, but it also offers two beach options, including one that’s dog-friendly. 
• If you’re in the mood for something quieter, head to Long Beach with its softer bayfront breezes. 
• For a little more action, consider Ditch Plains where you can watch the surfers ride the waves and live out their dreams.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Long Island is such a treasure. Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine how this sparkling jewel can stand in such close proximity to the bustling streets of New York. 

But, life is nothing if it isn’t filled with wonder. Best of all, there are many ways to easily glide from the streets of New York to the Hamptons shorelines. While there are many more than what’s on this list to choose from, below you’ll find eight of the best beaches in the Hamptons. 

Nearly all of them require the purchase of an advanced permit from the Town Clerk’s Office. So, don’t make the mistake of packing up for a lovely day only to find you can’t access the beach. Rather, take a moment to plan ahead and then get ready to luxuriate along some of the finest shorelines in America. 

1. Cooper’s Beach | Southampton

Beach destinations are easily some of our favorite travel guides. At the top of every guide to beaches in the Hamptons, you’ll find Cooper’s Beach. It’s interesting because the Atlantic Ocean can sometimes have rough sands with lots of debris, sticks, and other oceanic remnants. 

Yet, somewhere, Cooper’s Beach manages to offer some of the softest spreads of white, sandy beaches. For a moment, you’ll wonder if you’re on the Gulf Coast of Florida or the shores of the Atlantic. Come camera-ready because the picturesque dines with soft bushels of grass swaying in the wind beckon for an entire roll of film. 

In a way, it’s a mini miracle that this makes a list of public beaches in the Hamptons because it’s such a treasure. You will, however, have to purchase a pass which can run about $50. 

2. Main Beach | East Hampton

Second to Cooper’s Beach, you’ll find Main Beach sitting atop nearly every list of the best public beaches in the Hamptons. Like Cooper’s, you’ll need a non-resident beach parking permit and, boy, is it worth it. 

Although its name isn’t exactly show-stopping, its pristine shorelines and clear blue waters are. This beach is beautifully maintained, and you’ll feel glorious as you bask in its sunny rays. 

This is a popular locale for families because they staff lifeguards, feature snack bars, and have clean facilities, including bathrooms and showers, an important point of reference in all our destination guides.

When you rise from your beach blanket and go for a stroll, you won’t be short on scenery, either, because a long row of impressive mansions look down on these sandy shorelines, giving you plenty of eye candy to enjoy along your walk. 

3. Two Mile Hollow Beach | East Hampton

As beautiful as Main Beach is, it can get a tad crowded if you’re there during peak season. For something a little more quaint, see if you might like Two Mile Hollow Beach. It, too, has lifeguards and public facilities to put you at ease. 

Two Mile Beach tends to feel a little more relaxed, but it still has one major attraction: surfers. You’ll find a sea of surfers out there on any given day, catching rays, wiping out, and doing everything they can to live their best life while they feature on everybody’s best travel guides.