The Hamptons

Coastal charm meets upscale seaside retreats

The Hamptons spans coastal towns along New York’s southeastern shore, stretching from Southampton to Montauk. Known for sandy beaches and historic villages, the area draws visitors seeking relaxation or cultural experiences. Local shops line Main Streets in towns like East Hampton and Sag Harbor, while vineyards and farms provide fresh produce. Seasonal changes shape activities, with summer bringing beach gatherings and fall offering quieter moments exploring nature trails or historic sites. The region balances relaxed coastal living with vibrant community events throughout the year.

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Region in United States

$$$+

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 8.4

General Safety:	9
Health & medical:	8
Accessibility:	7
Tap water:	7

Read details

5/5

In the Hamptons, English is spoken fluently by locals and service staff. Tourists will find no language barrier – everyone communicates comfortably in standard American English.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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The Hamptons Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Famous for upscale beach escapes. Relax on wide Atlantic beaches, visit art galleries, enjoy seafood restaurants and explore quiet coastal villages.

Place score

8.9

Best at:

Sea

Beaches

Luxury

Golf

Cosy towns

Personal score

Suited for

👶 8

Families

🧓 7

Seniors

🛡️ 9

Travel Beginners

❤️ 8

Couples

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for The Hamptons, United States

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Jan

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Feb

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Mar

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Apr

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May

☀️

Jun

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Jul

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Aug

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Sep

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Oct

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Nov

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Dec

High season:	June - Sep.
Shoulder season:	May, Oct.
Crowdedness:	9 (Very crowded)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Main season runs Memorial Day to Labor Day, many restaurants, shops and hotels close or cut hours October to April

Summer weekends bring heavy traffic from New York City, with trains and buses booked out Friday and Sunday

Hurricane season June to November, storms most likely August to September

Don't miss

🌅 Stroll through Sag Harbor's historic waterfront at sunset
🖼️ Explore the art galleries in East Hampton’s Main Street
🦞 Sample fresh lobster rolls at a beachfront shack
🏗️ Hike to the top of Montauk Point Lighthouse
🎶 Attend an outdoor concert in Amagansett’s summer series

You've been here?

Why travel to The Hamptons?

The Hamptons offer a balanced blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and relaxed sophistication that appeals to travelers seeking both leisure and inspiration. Stretching along the eastern shore of Long Island, this coastal enclave features miles of sandy beaches, dunes and tidal marshes that provide ample opportunities for sunbathing, kayaking and wildlife observation. The area’s well-preserved maritime heritage is evident in its historic lighthouses, quaint fishing villages and charming waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood. Beyond the shoreline, the Hamptons boast a vibrant arts scene with galleries, sculpture parks and seasonal festivals that showcase local talent. Visitors can explore the region’s architectural diversity – from classic Cape Cod cottages to contemporary eco-friendly homes – while enjoying scenic drives through rolling vineyards and apple orchards. The area also offers a range of outdoor activities such as cycling along dedicated bike paths, horseback riding on open pastures and guided nature walks in nearby state parks. For those interested in culinary experiences, the Hamptons provide farm-to-table dining options that highlight regional produce and artisanal products. Seasonal markets and farmers’ fairs offer fresh ingredients and a taste of local culture. Whether you’re looking to unwind by the sea, immerse yourself in art and nature or indulge in seasonal cuisine, the Hamptons deliver an authentic New England coastal experience without the bustle of larger cities.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Montauk Point Lighthouse
2 Fire Island National Seashore

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Fire Island National Seashore
2 Crane Neck Drive
3 Walking Dunes

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Knowledge before you go

Pack light layers; Hamptons weather shifts quickly between sun and breeze.
Reserve accommodations early in summer, as beachfront properties fill within weeks of opening season.
Use public transit or rideshare to avoid parking restrictions on popular coves during peak weekends.
Explore lesser-known inland trails for scenic views and quieter beach access, especially near the Shinnecock Hills area.

How to travel to The Hamptons

The Hamptons, located in Suffolk County on Long Island’s eastern end, are accessible primarily by road and air. The nearest major airport is Westchester County Airport (HPY), approximately 30 miles west of the region, with additional options including Newark Liberty International (EWR) and JFK International (JFK). Major highways such as the Long Island Expressway (I-495) connect the area to New York City, while Route 27 provides a scenic coastal route through the towns. Public transit includes seasonal train services from Penn Station via the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), with stops in nearby stations like Montauk or Greenport. Rental cars are recommended for flexibility due to limited public transport within the area.

Access summary

From JFK (EWR): AirTrain to Newark, NJ Transit to NYC, shuttle to Hamptons (~2h).
From NYC Penn Station: LIRR to East Hampton (1h30).
By car via I‑95 and Long Island Expressway (~2h).

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in The Hamptons

The Hamptons offer an eclectic mix of lodging that caters to every taste and budget. Luxury seekers can indulge in sprawling beachfront estates or boutique oceanfront suites boasting private pools and panoramic sea views, with nightly rates ranging from US$1,200 (£901.83) to over US$5,000 (£3,757.64). Mid‑range travelers will find stylish condos and charming bed‑and‑breakfasts in towns like East Hampton and Southampton, typically priced between US$300 (£225.46) and US$800 (£601.22) per night. Budget guests can opt for cozy cottages or hostels tucked away in quieter villages such as Sag Harbor, with rates around US$100 (£75.15) to US$250 (£187.88). The area is renowned for its high‑end, architecturally distinctive villas that blend modern amenities with classic coastal charm.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

The Shoals Suites & Slips

9.1

Hilton Garden Inn Riverhead

8.0

Hyatt Place Long Island East End

8.7

Budget Host East End Riverhead

7.2

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Riverhead - Long Island by IHG

Hotel Indigo East End By IHG

7.8

Topping Rose House

10.0

Residence Inn by Marriott Long Island East End

9.2

Explore more accommodations

How to get around The Hamptons

The Hamptons, located on Long Island’s eastern end in New York, offer several convenient transportation options. The most common way to get around is by car, as it provides flexibility for exploring the various towns and beaches at your own pace. Rental cars are widely available from major airports like JFK or Newark, as well as local stations. For those preferring not to drive, public buses operated by Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) connect key areas within the region, though service is limited outside peak hours. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also accessible in larger towns like Southampton or East Hampton. Biking is a popular choice during warmer months for short distances along scenic routes.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

+19 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 19% higher than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably more on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£100	£217	£572
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£56	£120	£285
🍝 Food per day	£36	£89	£257
🚕 Transportation per day	£8	£8	£30

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£38
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£18
🍟 Fast food combo	£8.50
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£13
☕ Cappuccino	£3.70
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£6

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£2.10
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£17
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.65

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£11
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£110
🤧 Cold medication	£12.50
💇 Basic haircut	£15

Safety information overview

General safety

The Hamptons in Connecticut are generally safe, with low crime rates and well‑policed tourist areas. Visitors should stay vigilant in crowded spots, keep valuables secure, avoid isolated beaches after dark and follow local advisories for a worry‑free trip.

Health & Medical

The Hamptons boast world‑class medical facilities, with nearby hospitals in New York City offering advanced care and specialty services. Air quality is generally good, though summer heat can strain outdoor activities; travelers should stay hydrated, use sunscreen and keep up-to-date vaccinations.

Accessibility

The Hamptons offer mixed accessibility: many hotels and restaurants have ramps, elevators and accessible restrooms and some beaches feature boardwalks for wheelchairs. However, narrow streets, limited public transit and uneven cobblestones can pose challenges for mobility‑impairment visitors.

Tap water

Tap water in The Hamptons is generally safe and well‑treated, meeting U.S. EPA standards. Most towns provide public fountains and filtered tap options, though some rural areas may recommend bottled water for travelers. Local utilities maintain regular quality testing and clear advisories.