Victoria Lupascu 
The Hamptons, a collection of towns and villages at Long Island’s eastern end in New York State is a very popular vacation destination. In this post we are going to talk about what area is best to choose if you want to stay there.
Hampton is <3. Think gorgeous beaches, breathtaking views, and yes, even some celebrity spotting.Fear not, I’ve spent quite some time comparing all the areas and accommodation options out there and I’m excited to share my top picks with you in this guide.
Montauk will probably be the best place for the majority of tourists to stay during your visit to the Hamptons – there are a variety of activities here – everything from hiking to shopping! But if that is not you, fear not, we have 5 awesome towns in this post, all with hotels sorted by prices and hand-picked by me to make sure they are truly the best of the best.
Please note that The Hamptons are unlike most other tourist destinations in that you won’t find any large chain hotels here. Instead, you can expect to discover smaller boutique hotels and plenty of vacation rentals – so this is what you will see in my short list for you!
Of course, you probably know that the Hamptons are extremely popular, so accommodation prices are on the higher end, and still, they sell out super quickly. That’s why it’s essential to book your stay as far in advance as possible, especially if you plan on visiting during the summer or on a weekend.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you want to book quickly, browse this list of the best hotels in Montauk:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Montauk – where to stay in the Hamptons for the first time
- 2. East Hampton – for the best beach experience in the Hamptons
- 3. Amagansett – where to stay in the Hamptons with family
- 4. Southampton – where to stay in the Hamptons for luxury
- 5. Sag Harbor – best spot for outdoor adventures
- FAQs about where to stay in the Hamptons
- Conclusion
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here’s a map to help you visualize the different parts of the Hamptons featured in this post:
- MONTAUK : for first-timers
- EAST HAMPTON : for the best beaches
- AMAGANSETT : for family
- SOUTHAMPTON : for luxury
- SAG HARBOR : for outdoor adventures
1. Montauk – where to stay in the Hamptons for the first time
Located at the eastern end of the Hamptons and accessible from the Montauk Highway, this town is popular among tourists who want a vacation filled with a variety of activities. You can just admire the scenic beauty of the place, go hiking or fishing or simply enjoy the time in one of the amazing upscale restaurants Montauk has to offer.
Did you know that A LOT of movies were captured here? Return To Montauk, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind are probably the most known ones, and No Hard Feelings is amongst the latest ones.
Within the Montauk village, you’ll find as many as 6 state parks, a couple of stunning beaches, and numerous shopping and dining opportunities.
Montauk has some of the best fishing spots on the East Coast – it has even been deemed ‘The Fishing Capital of the World’ due to its many offshore fishing opportunities – you can even fish for sharks!
As I already mentioned, there are several state parks in Montauk – and even if you don’t have the time to visit all of them, you have to explore at least some. If you had to pick just one, I’d suggest you start with Hither Hills State Park; I’m sure you’ll love the many picnic spots, the beautiful beach, and the outdoor fireplaces for ultimate coziness.
Then, when you find yourself wanting more of the same experience, head to Montauk Point State Park for an amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean and a visit to the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum. Alternatively, you can go to Camp Hero State Park for the fantastic landscape and the Bluff Lookout (map) within the park for some more ocean views.
No stay in the Hamptons would be complete without a day (or a few) at the beach, so if you’re staying in Montauk, you have to visit Ditch Plains Beach (map). This is the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, surfing, and other water sports. But I recommend Kirk Park Beach (map) – it is much less crowded!
You can also stop by the Montauk Farmers Market (map) to shop for some fresh food, grab a bite at Gosman’s Restaurant, or if you’re in the mood for a detour, New York is not that far away – you can plan a day trip or check out some the best places to stay in NYC.
There are some amazing hotels in Montauk, but please make sure to book in advance, especially if you’re traveling between May and September, i.e., between Memorial Day and Labor Day, as that is when everyone visits the South Fork peninsula.
This upscale property has an outdoor pool and offers spa and wellness services. All of the rooms are uniquely decorated, and each has a private bathroom stocked with free toiletries. During your free time, you can use one of the tennis courts or engage in other activities like fishing and horse riding.
Other accommodation options in Montauk
This hotel is connected to the Main Town Beach and has a spacious sun deck offering amazing sea views
The inn features a seasonal outdoor pool and a restaurant and offers beach passes and Wi-Fi access
A small, cozy studio with a private bathroom, a patio, outdoor shower, a fire pit, and offers complimentary tea/coffee
As I have already mentioned, the Hamptons book out quickly! So, in case the places above are already gone for your dates, here are some more great options in Montauk listed in price order from high to low:
- Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa ($$$) – The Gurney’s Montauk hotel is open year-round and provides stunning ocean views
- Marran ($$$) – A family-friendly hotel that has a private beach area and an oceanside pool
- Hartman’s Briney Breezes ($$) – Right across the street from the beach, the hotel offers access to an outdoor heated pool, picnic area, and BBQ facilities
Things to do in Montauk
- Spend the day at Shadmoor State Park
- Relax with a golfing session at Montauk Downs
- Make dinner reservations at Harvest on Fort Pond
2. East Hampton – for the best beach experience in the Hamptons
This cute town (also known as East End) is located south of Sag Harbor but west of Montauk and Amagansett. It’s a top vacation spot for ‘old money’ New Yorkers, as well as celebrities. It is also known as the SoHo of Long Island, and besides the fact that it has that incredible ‘old American village feeling,’ it also boasts tons of restaurants, shops, and beautiful beaches.
Now, we all know that the Hamptons beaches are famous! There are five beaches in the East End, and keep in mind that if you’re visiting between May and September, parking is only allowed with a permit, so a better choice would be to walk to the beach or get a bike!
In addition to parking being tricky, the traffic is also quite an ordeal! Wherever you’re going, you will need to take Highway 39 and sometimes getting to the beach can take your hours, so if you are traveling in the rush hour, you may need to take a back road (ex: Route 27).
With that out of the way, let me recommend my favorite beaches – Main Beach (map) and Two Mile Hollow Beach (map). Main Beach is for sure the most popular one in this part of town as it has the most facilities like sunbeds, some local bars, and incredible soft sand. Two Mile Hollow Beach is also super friendly but a bit quieter than Main Beach.
Main Street is where you’ll shop ‘till you drop! The street is full of quaint, friendly local stores waiting to dress you for your next house party in the village, plus you get a chance to buy some cool souvenirs. I also suggest you explore LongHouse Reserve, a lovely garden with art installations and sculptures scattered among the greenery.
Besides the amazing beaches, East Hampton is teeming with celebrities – Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Neil Patrick Harris, Robert Downey, Jr., and Jerry Seinfeld all have holiday homes in East Hampton and usually spend their summers there!
From East Hampton, you can venture out to Cedar Point County Park for a lovely hike or a picnic, but you can also explore the neighboring hamlet (small village) of Wainscott, just west of East Hampton. Here, you can spend a day at lesser-known Town Line Beach (map) and have an exceptional dining experience at The Clubhouse.
NOTE: East Hampton is always crowded during the summer months, and no one visits in fall or winter – most of the Hamptons hotels and restaurants are closed. One of the best tips I can give you to escape the crowds is – avoid weekends! For a much more relaxing holiday, plan your visit during the week!
This 4-star accommodation has a seasonal outdoor pool, a lovely garden, and a shared lounge. Guests can benefit from free private parking, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast. The rooms are air-conditioned, and all of them have private bathrooms, while some also have a dedicated seating area.
Other accommodation options in East Hampton
A large villa with private beach access, a sprawling courtyard garden, several pools, and spa bath with a waterfall
A family-friendly hotel that has a patio in every room, a children’s playground, a pool, and a tennis court
This spacious room offers a private entrance, free wifi, parking, a personal bathroom, and a hammock
If it happens that all of these options are fully booked for your dates, take a look at these additional East Hampton accommodations, listed from most to least expensive:
- The Baker House – A historic house that has a spa center, a bar on site, a shared lounge, and bike rentals
- EHP Resort & Marina – This 3-star property has family rooms, 3 on-site restaurants, and offers Wi-Fi and parking free of charge
- Mill House Inn – The B&B is situated in a historic building and features a private pool, a garden, picnic areas, as well as private parking at no extra cost
Things to do in East Hampton
- Learn new things about the East Hampton Historical Society
- Stop by the historical Hook Windmill (map)
- Enjoy the lovely water on Egypt Beach (map)
- Family fun at the East Hampton Youth Park (map)
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3. Amagansett – where to stay in the Hamptons with family
Amagansett is a village situated between Montauk and East Hampton, although it’s less visited and quieter than the first two, which makes it a great destination for family trips. Since the village is on the smaller side, it doesn’t have too much to offer in terms of sights and dining venues, but it does have some stunning beaches!
As soon as you settle into your accommodation, pack your bag and start for Indian Wells Beach (map), a sandy beach with calm waters, and not too crowded – very family-friendly. If you’re staying for a bit longer, you should check out Atlantic Avenue Beach (map) and Amagansett Beach (map), both quiet and clean beaches.
Another cool activity is exploring Napeague State Park, an amazing park surrounded by water – it borders the Atlantic Ocean, Napeague Bay, and Napeague Harbor. While here, you can go for a swim at Napeague Ocean Beach (map) or stop at The Lobster Roll Amagansett for their delicious lobster rolls.
As a fun activity, I can also recommend looking out for celebrities! In Amagansett, you can expect to see Alec Baldwin, Sarah Jessica Parker, or Scarlett Johansson, as well as their celebrity guests!
The Dennistown Bell Park (map) is another spot that’s definitely worth your attention; it provides stunning views of Napeague Bay, and it’s super close to the Albert’s Landing (map) beach, a top choice for kayaking or other water sports. The waves are small and mild, so it’s completely kids-friendly!
Lastly, if you’re looking for something to do in the evenings or just want to get away from the beach for a while, your best bet is to roam around Amagansett Square, stop at a coffee shop, or shop at one of the local stores.
And if you still find yourself looking for things to do, you can head north to Springs, explore the beaches there, and visit the Pollock-Krasner House, an old farmhouse that was the home and workshop of famous artists Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner.
NOTE: Amagansett doesn’t have as many accommodation options as the other parts of the Hamptons I recommend in this article, so if you want to stay here, you need to be extra quick with your reservations.
This 5-star property offers a variety of different options – rooms, suites, cottages – perfect for families of all sizes. All accommodations are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs with cable channels, and coffee machines. A good breakfast is included in the price, and the hotel also offers room service.
Other accommodation options in Amagansett
This beachfront hotel has a pool, 2 tennis courts, free Wi-Fi, and provides children’s cots on request
The property is completely non-smoking, offers family rooms and self-service laundry, and provides private beach access
A two-level beach cottage with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms that can accommodate up to 5 people
Things to do in Amagansett
- Check the event schedule at The Stephen Talkhouse
- Pay a visit to the Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge
- Stop by the Amber Waves Farm, Market & Cafe
4. Southampton – where to stay in the Hamptons for luxury
If you decide you’re going all out for this holiday of a lifetime, then Southampton is the place for you! This is where you’ll find the crème de la crème of the Hamptons – there are luxurious mansions and designer shops at every corner, and many celebrities, especially during summer when all the clubs open and everyone is out late partying the night away.
Main Street and Jobs Lane have all the high-end shops, so if you’re on the lookout for that perfect ‘Hamptons look,’ you’ll find some amazing outfits here. If you want to hit the beach, you have to check out Coopers Beach (map)! However, the parking fee here is quite high, so I suggest you walk there.
NOTE: The road that connects Shinnecock Hills and Water Mill, known as ‘Highway 39’ (officially Road 39), has the worst traffic problems in the county. This is the road that sees the most traffic when people travel to and from the Hamptons. A significant portion of it is a 2-lane road, so there are significant traffic jams – keep this in mind when planning your trip!
But you have other options, too! You can head up to the Shinnecock Canal to Ponquogue Beach (map) or go up north to Hampton Bays and the Hubbard County Park (map). If you keep going west from Southampton, you can explore the village of Westhampton Beach and spend the day on the beach there.
Southampton is the best place to see more of the Hamptons, as you can easily get to neighboring hamlets. When you head east, your first stop will be Water Mill. Here, you’ll find the lovely Flying Point Beach (map) and the Parrish Art Museum, or if you’re into golfing, you can spend a day at the courts at the Atlantic Golf Club.
Further east lies the hamlet Bridgehampton, with its lovely beaches – W. Scott Cameron Beach (map) and Mecox Beach (map) – and the Children’s Museum of the East End. Right next to Bridgehampton, you’ll find the Sagaponack village and Sagg Main Beach (map), as well as the amazing vineyard The Wine Stand at Wölffer Estate.
The town of Southampton and the neighboring hamlets and villages attract celebrities as well! Actress Brooke Shields and designer Calvin Klein have Southampton residences. Power couple Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos own a Bridgehampton property, while superstar J. Lo has a Water Mill summer home.
There’s plenty to see and do in and around Southampton – which is why it’s so popular. But if you’re going there for a weekend, there are a couple of things you should know. First, most of the hotels and vacation rentals have a minimum stay of 2 or 3 days on weekend dates, and second, people like to party, so don’t be surprised if you see a bachelorette party (or a few)!
Guests at this hotel can lounge by the pool on the large sundeck or relax in the comfort of their spacious suites, all of which have a private terrace, a seating area, and access to free Wi-Fi. Private parking is available on the property, while a limited number of beach parking passes are available to the guests.
Other accommodation options in Southampton
The hotel boasts an American restaurant that also offers poolside service and free transportation to Cooper’s Beach
A tranquil inn that has a big garden, perfect for those morning walks, and an outdoor pool
The room has a comfortable bed, access to a shared bathroom and a garden patio, and provides complimentary breakfast
Here are some more great options for those of you who missed out on my top picks above, listed in price order from high to low:
- Harpoon House ($$) – A hotel with spacious, air-conditioned rooms with an on-site bar
- 1708 House ($$) – This authentic old house offers breakfast and spacious rooms
- Long Island Hotel ($) – Swim all day in the pool of this nice hotel that has free parking
Things to do in Southampton
- See the art pieces at Southampton Art Center
- Learn more about the town at Southampton History Museum
- Spend a lovely May afternoon in the Agawam Park (map)
- Pay a visit to Halsey House & Garden (map)
5. Sag Harbor – best spot for outdoor adventures
Sag Harbor is a village situated North of the Hamptons towns of East Hampton and Southampton. It’s a quaint little village that provides many opportunities for outdoor explorations and fun day trips.
Of course, during your stay in Sag Harbor, you have to visit the beach. The best spot for it is Havens Beach (map); although this beach is small, it’s very laid-back and great for swimming. Golf fans will find a great way to occupy their time, too – the Sag Harbor Golf Course is a large course where you can easily spend the entire day.
If you’re looking for some cultural activities in the area, it’s a good idea to attend one of the events at the Bay Street Theater or check out the exhibition at the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum.
Sag Harbor is also a great hub for a day trip to Shelter Island, where you can enjoy wonderful sandy beaches and visit the Mashomack Preserve, a coastal nature reserve with a variety of creeks, marshes, and forested areas – a great spot for hiking!
From Shelter Island, you can take a ferry to Greenport, situated on the North Fork of Long Island. Even though there aren’t that many beaches in Greenport, there are some great fishing spots, the East End Seaport Museum, and the Antique Carousel, a 100-year-old carousel that will be great fun if you’re traveling with kids.
Sag Harbor doesn’t have an abundance of accommodation options, so you’ll need to hurry with booking. Below, you’ll find my top picks
During your stay at Baron’s Cove, you can use the hotel’s seasonal saltwater pool and enjoy the delicious American cuisine in the dining room. The rooms have flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and bathrooms full of toiletries; the reception is open 24/7, and The Dock Shop sells refreshments, accessories, and clothing.
Other accommodation options in Sag Harbor
A lovely hotel with individually furnished rooms and an on-site restaurant with an extensive wine collection
The rooms at this inn are clean and comfortable, and there’s a pool, a good breakfast, and friendly staff
A cozy room with a double bed and a work desk, access to a shared bathroom, and a backyard
Things to do in Sag Harbor
- Have dinner at Lulu Kitchen & Bar
- Rent a rowing boat and explore Sag Harbor Cove
- Stop by the Old Whalers Church of Sag (map)
- Visit the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$400 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | US$300 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$170 |
| 📍 Best area: | Montauk |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Montauk Manor |
| 💵 Best mid-range hotel: | Montauk Blue Hotel |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Kenny’s Tipperary Inn |
FAQs about where to stay in the Hamptons
🤔 Is it worth visiting the Hamptons?
Yes, the Hamptons are worth visiting, especially between May and September. The beaches here are amazing, and there are lots of art galleries, historic places, and state parks that offer amazing activities.
💸 What are the wealthiest Hampton towns?
Southampton, East Hampton, Water Mill, Bridgehampton and Sagaponack are the richest parts of the Hamptons.
💛 What is the best area to stay in the Hamptons?
Montauk, located on the East end of the Long Island peninsula, is the best place to stay in the Hamptons. Here, you’ll find many amazing shops, restaurants, and some of the very best Hamptons hotels, like Montauk Manor and Montauk Blue Hotel.
❓ Where to stay in East Hampton?
The best accommodation options in East Hampton are the Journey East Hampton and Art House B&B.
💰 What are some affordable places to stay in the Hamptons?
The best budget-friendly accommodations in the Hamptons are Kenny’s Tipperary Inn, East Hampton House Resort, and Ocean Vista Resort.
👪 What is the nicest part of the Hamptons for families?
Amagansett is often considered the nicest part of the Hamptons for families due to its charming village atmosphere, family-friendly beaches, and a variety of activities for all ages.
🔀 What are the key differences between Southampton and East Hampton?
Southampton boasts upscale elegance, while East Hampton offers a more laid-back charm, both embodying the Hamptons’ unique coastal allure on Long Island’s eastern tip.
💑 Which is the nicest Hampton town for couples?
Southampton is often considered the nicest Hampton town for couples due to its charming atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and an array of romantic dining options.
📸 Where can you see celebrities in the Hamptons?
Many celebrities have residences in the Hamptons, and you can expect to see many familiar faces during your stay, including Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Robert Downey, Jr. and Jon Bon Jovi in East Hampton, Robert De Niro in Montauk, and many, many more.
Conclusion
Well, fellow travelers, we’re at the end of this guide on where to stay in the Hamptons. I hope that my recommendations helped you pick an area of the Hamptons and a hotel for your upcoming stay.
I know I mentioned many hotels and other rentals here, but here are my 2 favorites, both located in Montauk:
- Montauk Manor – This upscale hotel with an amazing spa and tennis courts on-site
- Montauk Blue Hotel – A lovely hotel with an indoor pool and sun deck with ocean views
Whether you decide on either of these 2 hotels or opt for something else altogether, make sure to book in advance; I can’t emphasize this enough – Hamptons hotels sell like candy!
Have fun on your trip to the Hamptons, and leave me a comment below – I really want to hear all about it!
Have a nice holiday,
Victoria
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