In order to bring you the best possible user experience, this site uses Javascript. If you are seeing this message, it is likely that the Javascript option in your browser is disabled. For optimal viewing of this site, please ensure that Javascript is enabled for your browser.

Best Beaches

East Hampton Beach, New York

The Best of the Outer Boroughs

 by Zoë Schneider and Valerie Conners

Overview

Strolling along the broad stretches of white sand, listening to roaring waves and passing the glorious mansions of Lily Pond, it's easy to forget that East Hampton is an extension of New York City's Brooklyn and Queens.

In the early 20th century, this remote farming village began attracting wealthy families and successful artists seeking refuge from nearby New York City. The 1950s saw the arrival of Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning and Truman Capote. The '80s greeted Steven Spielberg and Lorne Michaels. And the '90s made way for Jennifer Lopez and rapper Jay-Z. The upper elite of American society life still resides in East Hampton, but these days you'll also knock elbows with Martha Stewart at the bakery (when she isn't making her own scones) and maybe catch a glimpse of P.Diddy and his entourage around town.

So what has changed since the farmers stopped milking? Fancier restaurants, longer lines and the addition of velvet ropes. What hasn't changed? The charming, small-town feel, the beautiful scenery and the serenity. And you don't have to look too hard to find the primary timeless attraction that lured such beautiful people here over the years -- the majestic beaches.

The scenery of East Hampton is something out of a tabletop picture book. Along Main Street, working windmills from the 18th century stand tall, towering elm trees shade passersby and the Town Pond with its swans and a 300-year-old cemetery add to the elegance. There are incredible colonial homes -- many of which are historic landmarks -- the first prep school in the States, Guild Hall (one of the premier art institutions on Long Island), and a pint-sized, 1-room schoolhouse. At the end of Main Street past sprawling yards and fences surrounding huge homes is Main Beach, where perfect white beaches and incredibly tasty lobster rolls await enjoyment. If you don't dig the surf, roam through thousands of acres of white pines in Northwest Woods. And if you just don't want to deal with Mother Nature, take part in gallery hopping, antiquing and shopping -- not to mention celebrity spotting.

East Hampton is the perfect summer getaway, but the town is equally beautiful, calmer and much more serene during fall and winter. Without the hipsters and crowds, the village is brought back to its original charm. You can still enjoy the beach without harmful rays and dine in the restaurants that wouldn't give you a table before Labor Day, though you probably won't see Robert DeNiro or Tom Hanks.


 

Child-Friendliness
rating:
3 of 5
more:
This is more of a place for adults to see and be seen, but kids are welcome. Remember to keep an eye on the tots, even in shallow waters.
Swimming
rating:
5 of 5
more:
Swimming is delightful with attentive lifeguards pristine waters and high tides to bring in some fantastic breakers.
Sand
rating:
4 of 5
more:
Broad but not deep stretches of sand mean very large crowds during the high season. Beaches are exceptionally well-maintained.
Atmosphere
rating:
4 of 5
more:
East Hampton is known for natural grassy dunes, beautiful houses to envy, and lots of local gossip.
Non-Beach Activities
rating:
4 of 5
more:
Other attractions include cool museums, impressive galleries, trendy clubs and restaurants, celebrity viewing, and endless shopping.

 



1 . 2. 3. 4.

Pictures: Travel Channel

Toolbox

TV Shows

Destinations

Ghost Adventures
Ghost Adventures
Watch exclusive online video from “Ghost Adventures” featuring Zak, Nick and Aaron discussing their scariest encounters from each haunted location.
Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern
Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern
Travel with Andrew as he experiences different cultures through their local cuisine, Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET.
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations
Anthony Bourdain
Catch Tony's culinary and cultural adventures around the world, Mondays at 10 p.m. ET.

Hot Trips

Cities

Rock 'n Rio
Rock 'n Rio
Discover this fascinating city and its magnificent beaches.

Book Your Trip

Wherever you're going, we can help you get there — and for less.

Search for Deals Now

Air

Type of flight:

Hotel

Search:

Car at airport

Search:

Car in city

Vacation Package



Sign up for the latest news, tips and deals
click here to register your email