As temperatures continue to rise, New Yorkers and travelers alike look to head East to escape the concrete jungle and trade it for the salty ocean breeze, delicious lobster rolls and electric colored sunsets. It feels as though the Hamptons reinvents itself each year, with a new crop of stores, galleries, popups and restaurant concepts fit for entertaining the Summer crowds. But–with all your friends talk of "heading out East" and "heading out to the Hamptons," newcomers struggle to find their place in the mix.
Where should you actually 'head' to? How do you know which of the many destinations the island has to offer is right for you. If you've chosen against the North Fork and are opting for a weekend, timeshare or months spent in the Hamptons, it's high time someone laid out the best of the best to aid in your decision making. We scoured the island and found some tried and true favorites, pop ups, and some of the new kids on the block to ease your summer planning woes and help you land the perfect Hamptons getaway.
SOUTHAMPTON
Southampton puts all other villages to shame when it comes to three things: Shopping, celebrities, and real estate. Southampton is serene, pristine and somewhat pastoral–for good reason. It's the haven of old money out East, and is packed with decades-long owned, multi-million dollar mansions that line the ocean–complete with perfectly groomed hedges to block the view of your wandering eyes.
WHERE TO STAY
Check out the glamorous Capri Southampton and hang out at the pool of the Bathing Club, the hotels beach-style pool club. Pop-up hotels are a thing here, so enjoy the rustic charm of the new Latch Pop Up Inn, a refurbished version of the iconic Southampton Village Latch Inn.
WHERE TO SHOP
Copious Row Beach is the beachwear extension of Copious Row, the ultimate Hamptons shopping destination for a unique edit of women’s accessories, fine and fashion jewelry and stylish designs from brands such as Delpozo, Victoria Beckham and Sally Lapointe. Vera Wang and Renee Zellweger favorite, LJ Cross, launched their Diamonds for the Beach capsule collection, exclusively at Copious Row, so be sure to check out those stunning, limited-edition pieces before they are gone.
Famed bauble brand Kendra Scott is bringing her designs and a fun DIY signature Color Bar out East this summer as well, so be sure to stop by if you're in the market for something customizable. Sweet tooth lovers unite at Sugarfina, whose summer pop-up makes for a delicious excuse to indulge on sweets other than ice cream this season. Lingerie and swimwear brand, Eberjey, is a go-to for shoppers looking to cozy up, take a dip and make your Hamptons sleepovers way more chic. The brand is best known for easy, elegant sleep and loungewear in a predominantly neutral and pastel color palette, but their collection is as sweet and sexy as it is comfy. It's also perfectly priced, so we suggest splurging on some of their daintier lace pieces to get ready for sleepless nights.
WHERE TO EAT
New Mediterranean restaurant Calissa opened earlier this Summer in Water Mill, right off of Montauk Highway, and is heavily inspired by the design and cuisine of Mykonos. Starting in July, they are offering Après Beach in their back garden starting at 4pm, and yes, it's inspired by Après Ski–making it a fun, cheeky social scene after a long day at the beach. Whether you plan to sip from a magnum rosé bottle, play a game of bocce ball, watch Chef Dominic grill a whole suckling pig over an open flame, or just chill to the vibes of a live DJ, there is something for everyone here.
Ultra chichi restaurant, 75 Main, will be featuring a new menu from chef Michele Brogioni, hailing from the Armani restaurant on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. For a Peruvian Japanese fusion, check out Kozu for drinks and dinner, which will host top DJ’s from Thursday to Saturday throughout the summer months. To cool down and get your afternoon caffeine fix, pop into NYC favorite Sant Ambroues for a refreshing cup of gelato, light salad or fish dish and a cappuccino.
WHAT TO DO
Learn to play polo at the Southampton Hunt and Polo Club, which can accommodate both beginners and intermediate players. Sign up for classes here, or simply attend the matches. Then, there's yoga in a vineyard. Wine and yoga? Sign us up! Wölffer Estate Vineyard presents Yoga in the Vines, a yoga series with sessions held Wednesday through Sunday this summer during both the morning and evenings until October. If yoga isn’t your thing, just check out their Wine Stand on Friday and Saturday evenings for live music and sunset gazing on the vineyard.
YOUR SOUTHAMPTON ROADMAP
Capri Hotel & The Bathing Club, 281 County Rd 39A, Southampton, NY 11968, (631) 504-6575. BOOK
The Latch Pop-Up Inn, 101 Hill St, Southampton, NY 11968, (631) 488-4800 BOOK
Copious Row Beach 28C Jobs Lane, Southampton, NY 11968, (631) 488-4555.
Kendra Scott, 44A Main Street, Southampton, NY 11968, (631) 259-4388.
Sugarfina Pop-Up, 68 Main Street, Southampton, NY 11968.
Eberjey Pop-Up, 53C Jobs Lane, Southampton, NY 11968.
Calissa, 1020 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 11976, (631) 500-9292.
75 Main, 75 Main St, Southampton, NY 11968, (631) 283-7575.
T-Bar at Kozu, 136 Main St. Southampton, NY 11968, (631) 619-6660.
Sant Ambroues, 30 Main St. Southampton, NY 11968, (631) 283-1233.
Southampton Hunt and Polo Club, 206 Millstone Rd, Water Mill, NY 11976, (516) 729-6154.
Wölffer Estate Vineyard 139 Sagg Rd, Sagaponack, NY 11962, (631) 537-5106.
BRIDGEHAMPTON
As the metaphorical midpoint of the Hamptons, Bridgehampton is easily accessible (there is a Jitney stop right on Main street), friendly, and most of the shops are mom-and-pop operated. This is the quaint area of the island; cheap groceries and beach supplies are never lacking here, and there is more of a low-key vibe in this town. Bridgehampton is less of a scene than Montauk or East Hampton, but Main Street is filled with unique boutiques, art galleries and lovely restaurants. If you're looking to dip your toe into the Hamptons without the full-fledged scene of it all, a time share or weekend spent in Bridgehampton is for you.
WHERE TO STAY
Check into the Topping Rose House, a full-service and luxurious Bridgehampton staple housed in an 1842 Greek-style contemporary mansion. It's also home to a Jean George restaurant that is sure to blow your mind. BOOK
SAG HARBOR
Sag Harbor is one of the most adorable East Coast towns out there, with its old school Hamptons appeal, iconic windmill, cute storefronts and more. It is a proper village on the bay–read: no real beach–but the vibe of this sweet town is uniquely Hamptons and comes complete with a very local feel. They say Sag Harbor is pretty much the anti-Hampton–it’s the only town with the feel of year-round residency, and most of the people you'll pass on the street and the shop owners feel like locals, regulars and institutions rather than those who show up only when the sun comes out for summer.
WHERE TO STAY
The iconic American Hotel on Main Street has charm, a unique, historical character and is walking distance to the iconic windmill, bay beach and harbor front.
WHERE TO EAT
Coastal meets local at Page at 63 Main, where stylish and cozy vibes meet a rustic-chic dining concept that boasts an outdoor patio for dining al fresco. This spot is perfect for an upscale dining vibe that doesn't try too hard–despite its sophisticated setting, a meal here will always come complete with a relaxed, quintessentially Hamptons feeling.
WHERE TO SHOP
Stop in to try on the world's most perfect jeans and countless, cool-girl basics at the AYR Beach House. This chic space (like its sister shop in Manhattan's SoHo) boasts tons of breezy silk tanks, linen dresses and loads upon loads of great denim.
YOUR SAG HARBOR ROADMAP
The American Hotel 49 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963, (631) 725-3535. BOOK
Page at 63 Main, 63 Main St, Sag Harbor, NY 11963, (631) 725-1810.
AYR Beach House, 25 Madison Street, Sag Harbor, NY
SHELTER ISLAND
A town and an island only a short ten minute ferry ride from Sag Harbor, Shelter Island makes for a great evening getaway, or a relaxing long weekend trip to remember. Save for Sunset Beach, the island is relatively scene-free, and is ideal for those looking to escape the city bustle completely–but still retain a fun option or two for a night out on the town. Practically tailor-made for the busy, overly stressed New Yorker, Shelter Island has everything from charming waterfront bed and breakfasts and calm sailing adventures, to peaceful dinner spots that are perfect for the lazy, relaxing weekend we are all after come summer.
WHERE TO STAY
Make your way off the ferry to The Chequit, an unassumingly sophisticated 37-room boutique hotel with Victorian heritage and high society service. The shabby chic décor and relaxed ambiance will allow for a quiet and peaceful moment away from the scene of the Hamptons. For those who are looking for ultra-charming lodging, The Chequit's neighboring and seasonal Summer House consists of 6 rooms with a shabby chic charm that's a quaint alternative to the main Inn. If you're looking to run shoulders and sleep in the same hotel as the whose who on the Island, Sunset Beach is a great option; and, even if you don't plan to rest your head there, it's ideal for a sunset dinner (hence the name) or to grab a chilled glass of rosé and soak in the magnificent beach views and sounds of crashing waves.
WHERE TO EAT
For epic sunset Instagram posts and a delicious seafood selection that's as close to the French Riviera as it gets, head over to Sunset Beach, for cocktails and dinner that will fuel your desire for real-deal summer vibes. Post dinner, head back towards their fire pits and DJ area for a chill-out session, or walk across the beach onto the iconic Crescent Beach for a romantic stroll into the sunset. Red Maple is all about the locally sourced produce, and is best known for tapas-style plates and to-die-for flatbreads with flavors like bacon and clam. Fisher Island oysters and the Montauk fluke crudo here are musts. If you're after a light bite, pop into the famous Marie Eiffel Market and pick up some imported cheese and organic meats to enjoy on their water dock.
WHAT TO DO
Take advantage of this sleepy town's ambiance and rent kayaks to head out on the water trails, where you may spot blue herons, egrets and other wildlife. Insider tip: A Shelter Island tradition for the past 50 years is the Wednesday night barbecues on The Pridwin lawn, where guests can chow down on all you can eat items like clams, steak, hamburgers and corn on the cob while live music plays.
YOUR SHELTER ISLAND ROADMAP
The Chequit & Summer House 23 Grand Avenue, Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965, (631) 749-0018. BOOK
Sunset Beach 35 Shore Road, Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965, (631) 749-2001. BOOK
Red Maple at the Chequit, 23 Grand Avenue, Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965, (631) 749-0183.
Marie Eiffel Market 184 North Ferry Rd, Shelter Island Heights, NY 11965.
Pridwin Lawn 81 Shore Rd, Shelter Island, NY 11964, (631) 749-0476.
EAST HAMPTON
When it comes to nightlife, East Hampton’s got you covered. This town has a serious party scene and a high probability for celebrity sightings. The beaches on this part of the Island are stellar, and there are plenty of amazing shops and top-notch restaurants. Essentially, East Hampton has everything.
WHERE TO STAY
You will find luxury at its finest at The Baker House 1650, with its homey yet majestic ambiance in this modern English manor-style accommodation.
WHERE TO SHOP
For all the cool-girl staples, breezy dresses and tried-and-true favorites, head to the Reformation Beach House, which opened Memorial Day weekend and will be open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. all season. Pop into the new Kirna Zabête East Hampton shop for the best edits of Summer must haves from brands like Dolce and Gabbana and Chloé and trunk shows with indie labels like Miaou Jeans, Shellouch Jewelry and Bonnie Young throughout the summer. Check their website for their full list of summer event details that avid shoppers won't want to miss.
Club Monaco opened its second outpost in The Hamptons, adding an East Hampton location to its roster. This location plus its Southampton location are the only two to sell home products, and they will also sell a unique selection of vintage this summer only. The limited-edition capsule collection of camisoles, skirts, dresses and 19th century lace pieces were curated by Dannijo designers Danielle Snyder and Jodie Snyder Morel, and will all be available in shades of summer white only. A luxe-boho aesthetic reigns over all of the offerings at Figue, whose founder Stephanie Von Watzdorf offers every and any option for the jet-setter on the hunt for the perfect print, layered texture and uniquely embroidered cover-up, dress and handbag. Head here for a seemingly statement piece that you'll find yourself easily incorporating into your wardrobe all season long.
WHERE TO EAT
Saying goodbye to iconic Moby’s wasn’t easy, but all is well now that one of the best restaurants in the world, Eleven Madison Park, has opened EMP Summer House, which will be taking over Moby’s old spot this season while their NYC flagship location is being renovated. But note, you can only pay with cash or with an an Amex here. For more of a party all night feel, head to Harbor East, a new all-in-one venue for those who hope their boozy brunch turns into dinner and dancing on tables. For all you NYC foodies, the team behind Café Clover and head chef, David Standridge, will be taking over The Maidstone’s new restaurant, which will be a combination of Cali meets Hampton vibes in the form of veggie and shellfish dishes.
WHAT TO DO
Working out and shopping go hand-in-hand, so head over to the Elements Fitness Studio, who recently just expanded their studio to include a luxury private training studio with custom ballet barres and a resistance band system for those hard core ballerinas. Post workout, find PopUp Summer by Susan Sandler, a series of trunk shows at Elements throughout the summer, including appearances by specially-curated brands such as Eric Javits and Tory Sport. You can find the full trunk show and class schedule on their website.
YOUR EAST HAMPTON ROADMAP
The Baker House 1650, 181 Main Street East Hampton, NY 11937, (631) 324-4081. BOOK
Reformation Beach House, 45 Main Street East Hampton, NY 11937.
Kirna Zabête, 66 Newtown Ln, East Hampton, NY 11937, (631) 527-5794.
Club Monaco East Hampton, 17 Newtown Ln, East Hampton, NY 11937, (631) 324-5348.
Figue, 55 Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937, (631) 527-5111.
EMP Summer House, 341 Pantigo Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937, click here to book a table.
Harbor East, 44 Three Mile Harbor Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937, (631) 408-5771.
The Maidstone, 207 Main St, East Hampton, NY 11937, (631) 324-5006.
Elements Fitness Studio, 68 Newtown Ln #6, East Hampton, NY 11937, (631) 604-5445.
AMAGANSETT
Amagansett is the low-key, not-so-in-the-spotlight little sister of East Hampton. Technically in East, if you want less of a scene with the same level of delicious food and sandy beaches, this is the town for you. A little quieter and perfect for those who don’t want to commit to the drive to Montauk, Amagansett gives you the best of both worlds.
WHERE TO EAT
Sag Harbor favorite, Wölffer Kitchen, has just expended to Amagansett, which means it's one more location for you to enjoy the delicious seasonal fare–and of course enjoy plenty of that famous summer-in-a-bottle, local rosé (all day). Wölffer Kitchen, 4 Amagansett Square Drive, Amagansett, NY 11930, (631) 267-2764.
WHERE TO SHOP
Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle beand, Goop, opened up it's Hamptons outpost on Main Street for all of your wellness essentials and organic beauty product needs. goop MRKT, 145 Main St., Amagansett, NY 11930, (631) 579-7925.
MONTAUK
Montauk is as far East as you can go without diving into the sea. They call it the End (of the Earth), and the sunsets out there are unforgettable. During the day, surfers takeover the turf and flock to Ditch Plains Beach for the best waves on Long Island. By night, the local pubs and nightlife scene draws both hipster and local crowds. What was once a quiet fishing town has now turned into a scene for young Manhattanites looking to live the east coast version of a Venice Beach lifestyle, except for this one comes complete with surfing and lounging at pricey beach clubs.
WHERE TO STAY
Stretch out and soak in the sunsets and sweeping views of the Atlantic at Gurney’s Montauk, a true Hamptons staple with direct access to over a 2,000 foot private sand beach and fun in the sun Beach Club with cabanas and bottle service directly on the beach.
For a more boutique stay, check into Haven, a veritable Instagram heaven in the form of a motel right at the harbor that offers complementary poolside drinks and a decked out fire pit area for late night marshmallow roasts.
Highly sought after, The Surf Lodge is also a popular option. It's best known for the ultimate beach chic summer experience. Plus, you'll have direct access to their summer concert series right on the beach.
WHERE TO EAT
Montauk has some of the most succulent seafood in the Hamptons, and for good reason. Flagship, offers an array of seafood dishes with a tropical twist in this open-air harbor restaurant. While here, go hard on oysters and shrimp cocktail, but don’t disregard the burger–it’s an underrated gem on the menu.
Under new management, Ruschmeyer’s, the adult-summer-camp-like spot for eating and playing games like corn hole and ping pong under twinkly string lights surrounded by fire pits will continue to be a to be a go-to spot in the low-key Montauk night scene. An to watch surfers at Ditch Plains while having a famed breakfast burrito, head to Ditch Witch, the popular family run stand, for its killer early morning delights.
WHERE TO SHOP
Resort brand 6 Shore Road will pop up at Gurney’s Montauk beach deck from Memorial Day through Labor Day, offering shoppers easy breezy styles that will take you from the beach to the bar without issue. Other pop-ups there will include popular contemporary brand Joie and active wear label Sweaty Betty.
For a luxury multi-label curated concept, head to R09M (technically ROOM 09), a reconfigured guest room at Haven Montauk featuring curated luxury items like BlackSea clutches with eye catching Moroccan tile inspiration to bomber jackets by cool kid brand Rochambeau. For nautical rope bracelets and dainty metallic cuffs, head over to Navy Beach for Miansai’s pop up inside their retro airstream, which will be parked there through Labor Day. For a dose of culture, stop into the Boo-Hooray Summer Rental and check out the vintage posters and photos that eternalize Montauk's beachside summer culture.
WHAT TO DO
Vacation mode may be on, but don’t skimp on your bikini bod workouts. Famed hot spot, Surf Lodge, will be the home to boutique fitness studio, Bari Studio, every Saturday for those who are looking to work off the lobster and rosé from the night before.
YOUR MONTAUK ROADMAP
Gurney's Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa 290 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954, (631) 668-2345. BOOK
Haven Montauk, 533 W Lake Dr, Montauk, NY 11954, (631) 668-7000. BOOK
The Surf Lodge 183 Edgemere St, Montauk, NY 11954, (631) 483-5037. BOOK
Flagship Montauk 466 West Lake Dr, Montauk, NY 11954, (631) 668-8260.
Ruschmeyer's 161 2nd House Rd, Montauk, NY 11954, (631) 668-2877.
Ditch Witch, 40 Deforest Rd, Montauk, New York 11954, (631) 668-4084.
Miansai at Navy Beach 16 Navy Rd, Montauk, NY 11954.
Boo-Hooray Summer Rental 805 Montauk Highway, Montauk, 11954.
