Travel east from New York City to enjoy the beaches and amenities of this small town on the southern coast of Long Island.
Hampton Bays is one of 18 hamlets in the Long Island town of Southampton. Its location between Shinnecock Bay and Great Peconic Bay provides many opportunities for water sports. Relax on the beaches or rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to get some exercise on the water. Wander through the town to enjoy shopping and dining.
Drive south along the new Ponquogue Bridge to cross Shinnecock Bay and reach the sandy shoreline of Ponquogue Beach along the Atlantic Ocean. This 600-foot-long (180-meter) beach is one of the most popular on Long Island. Stop at Edward J. Warner Sr. Old Ponquogue Bridge Marine Park near the new bridge to use the boat launch, go fishing or do some scuba diving.
Meschutt Beach County Park offers an inland shoreline along Great Peconic Bay near Shinnecock Canal. The park has picnicking, showers, restrooms and a playground, along with access to swimming, sailing and windsurfing on the water.
Rent a bicycle and ride through Hampton Bays to admire the large modern homes and gardens, typical of the comfortable and sometimes lavish lifestyle in “The Hamptons.” Take a yoga class and enjoy fine dining. Hampton Bays was established in the mid-1700s. Visit the many antique shops throughout the area to look for treasures from Southampton’s early days.
See some of the historic sites of Hampton Bays, including Canoe Place Chapel, Prosper King House, Ellis Squires Sr. House, Lyzon Hat Shop and the Tiana Life Saving Station. Look for old headstones in Hubbard Cemetery and Fournier Cemetery.
Drive to Hampton Bays in about 2 hours from Manhattan. Find accommodations in country inns, convenient motels or high-end resorts in and around the town. Visit some of Southampton’s other hamlets, such as Bridgehampton, Quogue and Tuckahoe.
