The Secret Sands of New York’s Iconic East End
By Kate Flemma
When the Jitney is packed and Round Swamp Farm opens its doors, that’s when you know that summer in the Hamptons is officially in full swing. While your average Hamptons tourist fights for square footage on the most popular beaches in town, those of us who have been lucky enough to call this place our home know exactly where to place our beach towels. From the best hidden surf spots to the most beautiful beach walk routes, you can consider this your ultimate guide to the best beaches in the Hamptons.
Best Beach for Scenery and People Watching: Little Plains, Southampton
Credit: Howie Guja
Right off of Gin Lane, Little Plains is a favorite for locals who still want that quintessential Hamptons beauty without the crowds. It is the kind of place where you will run into familiar faces and people on their early morning walks. This beach is even more beautiful at sunset, when families and friends are sitting around a bonfire eating their food from Citarella.
Best Beach to Lay Back and Relax: Sagg Main, Sagg Harbor
Credit: Whalebone Magazine
Unpretentious and scenic but still known by all is Sagg Main Beach. It’s a spot where morning workout classes, surfers, and families place their towels – or their yoga mats. This beach has a relaxing and low-key charm to it, especially when you’re walking down the long wooden path to the shore.
Best Beach for Water Sports: Ditch Plains, Montauk
Credit: Expedia
Ditch Plains is the Hamptons capitol for surfing, but don’t worry, it is just as welcoming as it is iconic. Not only is it a surfers dream, but a sightseer’s paradise with the beaches gorgeous cliffside trails. Even if you’re not surfing or walking the cliffside trails, just sitting on the beach and people watching is equally as beautiful of an activity.
Best Beach for Summer Fun: Main Beach, Amagansett
Credit: Beach Hut on Main
This is one of the more busy beaches, but for a good reason. This East Coast gem is known for their iconic “Beach Hut on Main,” which serves everything from onion rings to lobster rolls, making this beach perfect for family beach days or chill dinners with friends. The beach is also the perfect place to make memories, as some of my fondest memories were of their summer events like movie showings or concerts.
Best “If You Know You Know” Beach: Road D Beach, Southampton
Credit: Sandee
You’ve probably never heard of this beach before, as it’s hidden in plain sight off of the renowned Meadow Lane. With no major signage outside the entrance, you will have to trust your GPS with this one. Even during the summer rush, this is a place where you can bring a good book and chill out, away from all the hustle and bustle.
Best Family-Friendly Beach: Flying Point Beach, Water Mill
Credit: StayMarquis
The scenic drive to this beach is part of what makes it so charming, but that’s not everything that is special about it. Flying Point’s “The Cut” is a body of water that connects the bay and ocean, and while adults are sitting ocean-front, younger children stay skim boarding through the more calm waters of the bay, making this beach perfect for all age groups. The entire beach area is gorgeous, but I may have some bias as I grew up at this beach.
Best Beach for Sightseeing: Peters Pond, Sagaponack
Credit: Sandee
A more calm scene “off the beaten path,” is what the parking lot of Peters Pond looks like, but that is no way to describe the actual drive to this beach. This beach lies in Sagaponack surrounded by some of the most beautiful streets and houses in the Hamptons. If you’re lucky enough to find a parking spot here, it is absolutely worth the journey.
