When you hear of The Hamptons, you may think of affluent residents, luxurious communities, and long stretches of beach. Why’s it so popular?
Where are The Hamptons?
The Hamptons are in New York and are on the eastern end of Long Island. It’s about two hours away from New York City.
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You may also hear it referred to as the South Fork of Long Island because the eastern side of Long Island splits into two. When you visit, you’ll have uninterrupted and beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s a group of about 20 villages, towns, farmland, and estates. The main towns are Southampton and East Hampton.
Why it’s popular
If you’re from the east coast, more specifically, the northeastern part of the United States, you may be familiar with The Hamptons. For everyone else, you may have heard of it and don’t know why it’s popular.
New York City is fast-paced and exciting. There’s a lot to do, sights to see, and places to eat. If you’re looking for the opposite, The Hamptons is it. It has a slower pace and will ensure that you get time to relax.
The Hamptons is a popular destination because of the beaches, views of the Atlantic Ocean, upscale dining, shopping, museums, and historic sites.
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It’s also a location that attracts celebrities and affluent Americans. Many of them live, have a second home there, or like to visit for a vacation. Due to a large number of wealthy individuals, The Hamptons have become a coveted place.
You don’t have to be wealthy to visit The Hamptons. There’s plenty for you to do, and it’s the perfect escape from the busyness of life.
If you want to go to The Hamptons, avoid going around the holiday months because that’s when it’s crowded. The spring or early summer is a great time because the temperatures aren’t too cold or too hot, and it won’t be crowded.
Getting to The Hamptons
The most popular way to get to The Hamptons is from New York City. It’s accessible by car, train, bus, or helicopter. The trip is just under 100 miles east of New York City.
If you’re looking for a quick and affordable option, travel by train. First, go to Penn Station, and take the Montauk Branch of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). Since you’re traveling by train, you’ll avoid the crazy traffic, which can add an extra hour to your trip.
Driving to The Hamptons can range from two to three hours based on traffic. It’s 94 miles east, and you’ll take the Long Island Expressway, which is also called I-495 E. You’ll drive for about 60 miles and take Exit 70 toward Manorville/Eastport. It’s also known as Montauk Highway, and it’ll take you right through The Hamptons.
Traveling by bus is a common way to get there. The most popular bus is the Hampton Jitney. On their website, select a pickup and drop-off location, the date, and the number of passengers. It’ll cost around $40 to $50.
The fastest, and most expensive way to get to The Hamptons is by helicopter. It takes about 40 minutes to get there from Manhattan. You can use the BLADE, which is a helicopter service, and it costs around $840. The prices can vary based on time and demand.
Things to do
There are many things to do and see in The Hamptons. Montauk Point Lighthouse is one of the most popular places to see because of the gorgeous views, and it was the first lighthouse in New York. Adjacent to the lighthouse is Montauk Point State Park, which is a great spot to relax and walk.
During your stay, visit the pristine Cooper’s Beach. It features soft sand, views of nature, and historic mansions. If you’re bringing a car, be aware of the $40 per day parking fee. Overall, it’s a beautiful and clean beach.
Other popular attractions include Parrish Art Museum, LongHouse Reserve, Pollock-Krasner House, and plenty of vineyards.
Where to eat
The Hamptons offers plenty of restaurants to dine at. If you’re craving Italian food, check out Tutto il Giorno. There’s a location in Sag Harbor and Southampton.
For a quick to-go meal, try Hampton Chutney Co. It’s an Indian-American spot known for its dosas.
Calissa is another amazing place to eat. It’s a Mediterranean restaurant with a beautiful outdoor dining space. You can enjoy Montauk fish and Mykonos-inspired Greek food.
For more great dining options, visit East Hampton Grill, Cowfish, Highway, Babette’s, and Estia’s Little Kitchen.
Conclusion
If you want a peaceful beach vacation with a sophisticated and upscale vibe, The Hamptons will give you that. The best part is that it’s within driving distance of New York City. From kayaking to viewing the Montauk Lighthouse, there are many things to do and see.
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Featured image courtesy of Canva.
About David Em
David Em is the founder of Nola & Luna Travel, the destination for travel advice and inspiration. He launched Nola & Luna Travel to share expert advice, useful tips, unbiased reviews, and inspiration about destinations across the globe.