The Hamptons: A Complete Guide to New York’s Most Iconic Coastal Escape
If someone asked what are the Hamptons, the short answer would be: one of the most glamorous, sun-soaked, and culturally rich destinations on the entire East Coast. But the longer answer? That’s what this guide is all about. Whether someone is planning a summer getaway, curious about who lives in the Hamptons, or simply wondering what state are the Hamptons in — all the answers are right here.
What Are the Hamptons?
A common question people ask is — what is the Hamptons, exactly? The Hamptons is not a single town or city. It’s actually a collection of charming seaside communities and villages nestled along the South Fork of Long Island. Officially, the region falls within the towns of Southampton and East Hampton in Suffolk County, New York State. So for anyone still wondering what state is the Hamptons in — it’s proudly New York.
Together, these communities form one of the most iconic luxury resort destinations in the entire country, drawing visitors, artists, celebrities, and dreamers year after year.
Where Are the Hamptons Located?
So, where are the Hamptons? Geographically, the Hamptons sit on the South Fork of Long Island — a narrow stretch of land hugged by the Atlantic Ocean to the south and Peconic Bay to the north. The region spans roughly 30 miles from Westhampton in the west all the way to Montauk Point in the east.
And yes — the Hamptons are on Long Island. For anyone who has ever Googled where is the Hamptons located, that’s the key geographic fact to hold onto.
How Far Are the Hamptons from NYC?
One of the most searched questions about this destination is how far is the Hamptons from New York City. The answer: about 90 to 120 miles, which typically translates to a two-to-three-hour drive — though anyone hitting the road on a Friday evening in July should budget significantly more time.
How to Get to the Hamptons from NYC
For those wondering how to get to the Hamptons from NYC, there are several solid options:
- By Car: Montauk Highway and Sunrise Highway are the two main routes into the region.
- By Train: The Long Island Rail Road runs a Montauk Branch line with stops throughout the Hamptons. It’s a scenic and stress-free option.
- By Coach: Private services like Hampton Jitney and Hampton Luxury Liner run frequent routes from Manhattan — comfortable, convenient, and popular with regulars.
- By Ferry: Seasonal ferry options are available from certain Manhattan and Connecticut departure points.
- By Bus: Suffolk County Transit provides local bus routes throughout the area.
A Brief History of the Hamptons
The story of the Hamptons goes back much further than the glitzy summer parties and celebrity sightings that define it today. In 1640, English Puritans from Lynn, Massachusetts, founded Southampton — making it the first English settlement in what is now New York State. That’s nearly 400 years of history packed into one coastal region.
The area began its transformation into a resort destination following the extension of the Long Island Rail Road in the 1870s and 1890s. Wealthy New Yorkers discovered that the South Fork offered something the city never could: fresh sea air, wide-open beaches, and a slower pace of life.
By the 20th century, the Hamptons had become a magnet for the art world. Abstract Expressionist legends like Jackson Pollock and Lee Krasner made their homes here, attracted by the light, the landscape, and the creative community taking shape. Cultural pillars like the Parrish Art Museum, founded in 1898, and Guild Hall, established in 1931, helped cement the region’s identity as a hub for the arts.
The 21st century brought another shift. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a trend of full-time residency, as remote work made it possible — and deeply appealing — to swap city apartments for Hamptons homes year-round.
Key Towns and Villages in the Hamptons
The Hamptons is really a string of distinct personalities stitched together along the South Fork. Here’s a look at each:
Southampton
The westernmost of the major Hamptons towns, Southampton is defined by grand estates, immaculate hedgerows, and some of the finest beaches on the East Coast. Cooper’s Beach, consistently ranked among the best in the nation, anchors the shoreline. The Parrish Art Museum and a stretch of upscale boutiques on Jobs Lane round out the experience.
Bridgehampton
A little quieter but no less refined, Bridgehampton is the heart of Hamptons equestrian culture. The Hampton Classic Horse Show — one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the country — calls this town home every summer. Add in excellent fine dining and luxury shopping and it’s easy to see the appeal.
East Hampton
If Southampton is old money, East Hampton is pure sophistication. Designer storefronts line Main Street, Guild Hall hosts world-class exhibitions and performances, and the exclusive Maidstone Club has been a fixture of the social scene for over a century. It’s quintessentially Hamptons.
Sag Harbor
A lot of people ask — is Sag Harbor in the Hamptons? The answer is yes, technically straddling both the Town of Southampton and the Town of East Hampton. Once a thriving whaling port, Sag Harbor now charmed visitors with its historic main street, independent bookstores, art galleries, and boutique restaurants. It has a slightly more bohemian, relaxed energy compared to its neighbors.
Amagansett
Tucked between East Hampton and Montauk, Amagansett has a wonderful low-key character. Locally owned shops, farm stands, and the legendary Stephen Talkhouse — a small live music venue that has hosted major artists for decades — give this village a soul that money can’t manufacture.
Montauk
And then there’s Montauk — the wild eastern tip of Long Island. Is Montauk in the Hamptons? Technically yes, it falls within East Hampton Township. But it feels like its own world: a surf town with a lighthouse, wide open beaches, rugged bluffs, and some of the best sportfishing on the Atlantic seaboard. How far is Montauk from the Hamptons proper? About 20 miles from East Hampton Village — close enough for a day trip, different enough to feel like an adventure.
Things to Do in the Hamptons
There is genuinely no shortage of things to do in the Hamptons, regardless of the season or travel style.
Beaches
The beaches here are world-class. Cooper’s Beach in Southampton has earned national top-ten rankings repeatedly. Main Beach in East Hampton is another perennial favorite. Whether someone prefers the rolling Atlantic surf or the calm bay-side waters of Peconic, the Hamptons delivers.
Arts and Culture
The cultural calendar in the Hamptons runs deep. The Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill showcases modern and contemporary works. Guild Hall in East Hampton doubles as a theater and gallery space, hosting everything from Broadway-caliber productions to major art exhibitions. The Hamptons International Film Festival each October draws filmmakers and cinephiles from around the world. The Southampton Arts Center is another fixture worth exploring.
Outdoor Recreation
Active travelers are well served here. Surfing off Ditch Plains in Montauk is legendary. Cycling through the back roads of Bridgehampton and Sagaponack is a summer ritual for many locals. Fishing — both from shore and charter boat — is outstanding, and the equestrian scene centered around the Hampton Classic is a spectacle unlike any other.
Food and Drink
The Hamptons dining scene punches well above its weight. Farm-to-table restaurants source produce from the region’s working farms, and fresh seafood — lobster, clams, striped bass — appears on menus all over the South Fork. Local vineyards and wineries on the North Fork are an easy day trip away, and farm stands selling sweet corn, tomatoes, and fresh flowers are a summertime staple.
Shopping
From designer boutiques on Jobs Lane in Southampton to antique shops tucked along back roads, shopping in the Hamptons rewards the browser. Local artisan markets pop up throughout the summer, and Sag Harbor offers some genuinely independent retail that stands apart from the luxury chains.
Where to Stay in the Hamptons
For those figuring out where to stay in the Hamptons, the options span a wide range. Hotels in the Hamptons range from boutique inns and historic bed-and-breakfasts to high-end resort properties. The Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton and Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa are two well-known names. Vacation rentals are also extremely popular throughout the region, offering the chance to live like a local — at least for a week or two.
Real Estate and Lifestyle in the Hamptons
The Hamptons real estate market is, by any measure, extraordinary. It consistently ranks among the most expensive in the United States, with properties ranging from modest beach cottages to sprawling oceanfront estates with nine-figure price tags.
The luxury segment has shown remarkable strength. Sales above $20 million doubled year-over-year in 2025, and Amagansett saw total home sales surge an extraordinary 91% compared to 2024. A narrow stretch of Sagaponack — informally known as “Billionaire Lane” — is home to some of the wealthiest individuals in the country.
The pandemic era reshaped who calls the Hamptons home. Remote work made it possible for many high-earners to make a permanent move, turning what was once purely a seasonal retreat into a year-round lifestyle destination. That shift has had ripple effects across everything from school enrollment to restaurant hours.
The Seasonal Character of the Hamptons
The Hamptons has a markedly seasonal personality. Peak season runs from July through August, when the population swells dramatically. Traffic on Montauk Highway can be brutal, prices at restaurants and hotels reach their highest, and celebrity sightings become a near-daily occurrence.
May, June, September, and October offer a far more relaxed version of the experience. Fall, in particular, is a hidden gem — harvest festivals, fresh apple cider, wine tastings, and foliage that rivals anything in New England, all without the summer crush. Winter brings a quiet beauty of its own, and a growing number of year-round residents means many restaurants and shops now stay open through the colder months.
The Hamptons in Culture and Pop Culture
The Hamptons has long functioned as a cultural symbol as much as a physical place. It appears regularly in film and television — from Woody Allen’s Annie Hall to HBO’s Succession to the Bravo reality series Summer House — almost always as shorthand for wealth, sophistication, and a particular brand of East Coast leisure.
Artists have defined the region’s cultural identity for over a century. The community of Abstract Expressionists who gathered in the area during the mid-20th century left a legacy that continues to shape the arts scene today. The Hamptons is also closely associated with the fashion and media worlds, with major figures from both industries maintaining homes here.
Serving the Hamptons, in every sense of the phrase, has been the mission of businesses, hospitality professionals, and creative communities for generations — and that tradition continues to evolve.
Why Visit the Hamptons?
There are very few destinations in the Northeast — or anywhere in the United States, for that matter — that manage to blend natural beauty, cultural depth, culinary excellence, and sheer elegance the way the Hamptons does. It’s the kind of place that justifies its reputation.
Whether it’s a long weekend escape from the city, a summer of beach mornings and farm-stand afternoons, or a longer stay to explore the towns, galleries, and back roads at a leisurely pace — the Hamptons delivers something memorable. Beach lovers, art enthusiasts, food travelers, outdoor adventurers, and anyone who simply appreciates beautiful surroundings will find something that resonates here.
The Hamptons, New York is more than a destination. It’s an experience — one that people tend to return to, season after season.
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