Where Are the Hamptons, and Why Are They So Popular?

Most people who grew up in the Northeastern U.S. or know the New York area know about the Hamptons. But “the Hamptons” is just a name for a lot of other people. What are the Hamptons, then? Where do they live? And why does everyone go there?

What Are the Hamptons?

Hamptons is a group of small towns and villages on Long Island, which is in the county of Suffolk in New York. Hamptons is on the east end of Long Island. It is known for its beautiful, quiet, and peaceful beaches. Lower Manhattan is less than two hours away. 

A lot of famous people have been seen in the seaside area. Many rich and famous people spend the summer on large properties along the Atlantic Ocean. These estates are often hidden by tall hedgerows. Ina Garten is a well-known local. Alec Baldwin is often seen there, and during the summer, a lot of the Real Housewives are out and about. Jimmy Fallon is known for showing up at hot spots in the Hamptons. During the pandemic, he even filmed “The Tonight Show” from his home in the Hamptons.

Why are the Hamptons So Popular?

You might be thinking about these kinds of questions, which is normal. People in the U.S. think of the Hamptons as one of the best places to go on vacation in the summer. Why? Because some of the best beaches and shores are here. It also has a long history of city people, which makes it a great place to spend a long weekend. Here, you can go to many places, do many fun and exciting things, and find many hidden places.  

In this trip guide, we’ll talk about the Hamptons today. We’ve thought of everything, from the different Hamptons villages and towns to where to stay and what to do. So, keep reading this post and get ready to visit this amazing place on earth. 

Is New York in the Hamptons?

Yes indeed! The Hamptons are at the very end of Long Island in the southeast corner of New York state. The Hamptons start in Westhampton, which is 80 miles east of New York City and takes about two and a half hours to drive to (if there’s no traffic). But Montauk, at the end of the South Fork of the island, is another 50 miles to the east. From New York City, it takes at least three hours to get to Montauk, and often closer to four.

Between Westhampton and Montauk, there are many famous towns to visit, including Southampton, Bridgehampton, Sagaponack, East Hampton, and Amagansett.

What are the Hamptons’ towns?

Technically, there are only two townships in the Hamptons: the Town of Southampton and the Town of East Hampton. But each city is made up of smaller villages and hamlets that have their own zip codes and ways of life.

Southampton is in charge of the village of Southampton, as well as the towns of Westhampton Beach, Quogue, Sagaponack, and Sag Harbor, which it shares with the town of East Hampton. Westhampton, East Quogue, Hampton Bays, Shinnecock Hills, Water Mill, and Bridgehampton are all examples of hamlets. The small towns of Eastport, Speonk, and Remsenburg are also in Southampton Town, but they are not usually thought of as part of the Hamptons. It’s not simple!

Southampton Town is usually a bit more laid-back than the other city. West of the river, places like Westhampton and Hampton Bays are popular because they are laid-back and have real estate that isn’t too expensive. But as you move east, you can see that real estate prices are going up. When people get to Southampton town, they’ll really feel like they’re in the Hamptons.

On the other hand, East Hampton Town feels a bit more “old money.” Jackie Kennedy Onassis used to spend her summers there, and the Maidstone Club is there. Most of the time, the rules and laws in East Hampton are stricter than in Southampton. But East Hampton Town is also home to Montauk and Springs, which are more laid back places.

Sag Harbor and East Hampton Village are both towns in East Hampton. Wainscott, Springs, Napeague, Amagansett, and Montauk are some of its hamlets.

Top 5 Best Hamptons Towns and Villages

1. The town of Westhampton

The town of Bridgehampton in Hampton
Source: static01.nyt.com

Westhampton is a great place to visit. The Francis S. Gabreski Airport is only a few minutes away by car. This Westhampton has many great things that make it a great place for couples, families, and even people traveling alone. Even if you like to shop and eat, there are many markets, festival events, family-owned shops, and restaurants to choose from here. 

2. Shelter Island

Shelter Island
Source: static1.mansionglobal.com

Do you want to stay in a quiet place away from all the noise and activity of the city? If so, you should visit Shelter Island! This is not in one of Hampton’s busy towns, but it is still close to everything you need. A nice place for couples, families with kids, and people who like to eat. Some of the best fish and champagne are served at shelters.  

3. Amagansett

Amagansett
Source: danspapers.com

You can also go to Amagansett if you are near East Hampton. You can enjoy sand beaches, good food at local places, and a lot more. This place has eight beaches where you can sunbathe, swim, or do water sports. Because of this, it is one of the best places for tourists to visit in the city.

4. The town of Bridgehampton

The town of Bridgehampton
Source: unknown

There’s a good chance you’ll see more than one famous person at once. You can also meet many other famous people, like Beyonce, Madonna, and Isaac Mizrahi. That’s because Bridgehampton is known for its cool shops and high-end restaurants. You can also enjoy the scene and go shopping that will blow your mind. Golf and polo are two popular sports that people like to do here. 

5. Montauk

Montauk
Source: easthamptonstar.com

Montauk, which is at the end of The Hamptons peninsula, is a favorite place for couples to go. This place has a lot to offer, from historical sites like Montauk Point State Park and the Montauk Point Lighthouse to smooth beaches like Ditch Plains Beach and Camp Hero State Park. 

FAQ’s on Hamptons

Homes and mansions in the Hamptons

People know that the houses in the Hamptons look like they were built in the 1700s. Some of the most popular people in the world can be alone in their homes because they are surrounded by hedges.

Which house in the Hamptons costs the most?

In 2014, it went to Barry Rosenstein, a hedge fund millionaire, for $147 million.

With a price tag of $175 million, this Southampton house is one of the most expensive homes ever put up for sale. It has 15,512 square feet.

Where can you live in the Hamptons that will cost you the most?

One of the most expensive zip codes in the US is Sagaponack. Meadow Lane in Southampton is known as “Billionaire Lane,” because it is where the summer homes of the richest 1% of the 1% are.

Do people live year-round in the Hamptons?

The Hamptons are a place where people live all year. The number of people “triples” in the summer because there are more things to do and the weather is nice. During the winter, the weather is very cold, and many businesses in the Hamptons close so they can get ready for the spring tourists. 

Most restaurants and hotels hire casual help during the busy summer months to make as much money as they can before the slower winter months. 

Does celebrities live in Hamptons ?

People know the Hamptons for the famous people who live there and for their big, fancy holiday homes. If you go to this place in the summer, you might see a famous person taking a break from their busy life in New York.

Who are the famous people who live in The Hamptons?

A lot of famous, rich people live in the Hamptons. When I lived in East Hampton, I would see a famous person walking into town for coffee about once a week. Most of these stars have vacation places that they go to when the weather is good in the summer. 

What are the Hamptons’ most well-known foods?

Since the Hamptons are mostly made up of fishing towns, they are mostly known for their seafood. Most people know that the Hamptons has some of the best clam soup, lobster rolls, and Italian food, but that’s not all. When you know where to go, the food scene is great. Here are some ideas from a local, namely me.

Where in the Hamptons is the best place to stay?

Montauk has great daytime beaches, a great little town, and fun things to do at night (Surf Lodge, Gurney’s). It’s known as a drinking town with a fishing problem. The weekends are busy in this town.

Amagansett has beautiful beaches that are good for families, and you can hear live music at The Stephen Talkhouse.

East Hampton has some of the best shopping and restaurants in the Hamptons. It is also home to Main Beach, which is my favorite beach in the area. 

Greenport has day trips for wine tasting, and there are great little places all over. Check out American Beach or Claudios Waterfront. American Beach has a great vibe, and Claudios Waterfront is right on the water. 

Sag Harbor has a lot of restaurants, small shops, and is close to Shelter Island. Happy hour is at Sen. 

Southampton has fun bars that aren’t too fancy, and it’s a bigger town than most in the Hamptons, so there are a lot of good places to eat and shop. It is also home to the well-known Coopers Beach.  

What are Long Island’s best wineries?

People have different ideas about which are the best farms in the Hamptons. It all depends on what you want. Here are a few of our favorite places that we’ve been able to visit:

Who makes the best wine on the South Fork?

Wolffer Estate Vineyard, Sagaponik – This place is so beautiful that you can’t miss it. It’s also where they make the famous “Summer in a Bottle” Rose, which sells out every year. There are good wine tours here.

Click here to make a reservation

139 Sagg Rd, Sagaponack, NY 11962

Who makes the best wine on the North Fork?

Macari Vineyards is a great family-run vineyard in Mattituck. If you go to the Mattituck site, wine tours cost between $40 and $185. There are many wineries nearby, so you might want to visit more than one. 

Click here to make a reservation

631-298-0100

150 Bergen Ave, Mattituck, NY 11952

Conclusion

The Hamptons are the focus here. This is a great place for people who like to explore places that are fun and exciting. The best thing about the Hamptons is that you can go to a lot of different places, like beaches and shores, and do a lot of different things, like try new foods at local restaurants and do things outside, like swim, sunbathe, and so much more.  

So, choose your favorite town from the list of the best places in the Hamptons and spend time with the people you care about. Right now is a great time to go to the Hamptons. So, plan a trip with your family or friends, buy your plane tickets, and get out of town to see this amazing place. 

I hope this trip guide on where is the Hamptons has answered all your questions, like what are the Hamptons, where are they, and how far is New York? If you find this blog helpful, share it with your friends and family and tell them about this amazing place to go on vacation.  

Check out The Organic Vibes to find more helpful travel tips and learn about more tourist spots.

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