If you believe summer is the only time to go to the Hamptons, think again – the string of seaside communities quiets down and becomes more conducive to relaxation during off-season. Empty beaches, zero traffic, and fewer people will make your trip a memorable one.
- Hit the beach
Summer may be the best time to go into the water, but the feel of the cool sea air on a lovely day in the spring or fall is just as marvelous. Go for a leisurely stroll along the Hamptons’ famed white sand shoreline. Two of the best-loved public beaches in the area, Main Beach and Flying Point Beach, are virtually empty during off-season. Take it as an opportunity to admire the picturesque scenery that the place is known for. - Dine at the local restaurants
The local restaurants are almost always fully booked in the summer, so off-season is a good time to visit the Hampton’s dining hotspots. Go to Suki Zuki for the best sushi in town, tear into some BBQ ribs at East Hampton Grill, and feast on dry-age porterhouse steak at 75 Main. Enjoy waterfront dining at Oakland’s Restaurant & Marina, which serves seared tuna, flash fried calamari, steamed mussels, and other seafood favorites. - Explore the Parrish Art Museum
The Parrish Art Museum is one of the longest-running cultural venues in the Hamptons. Its permanent collection consists of over 3,000 paintings, sculptures, and works on paper. Many of the works on display are by artists who have lived on Long Island, namely Roy Lichtenstein, Lee Krasner, and Jackson Pollock. Go on a guided tour of the museum and join any of the workshops, classes, and open studios that take place in the spring and fall. - Tour the Jackson Pollock-Lee Krasner House & Study Center
Get a glimpse into the lives of two of America’s most celebrated painters at The Jackson Pollock-Lee Krasner House & Study Center. The property is a National Historic Landmark. Go on a guided tour of the house and studio where both artists lived and worked. A number of their furniture and personal belongings are still at the home – check out Pollock’s hi-fi phonograph and collection of jazz records, as well as the couple’s personal library. A rotating exhibit of artworks can also be viewed in the house. - Visit the Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum
The Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum will give you a renewed appreciation for the village’s culture and whaling history by way of contemporary exhibits, film screenings, and educational events. The museum itself is a certified National Treasure and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. - Follow the South Fork Wine Trail
Go on a wine tasting tour of the South Fork Wine Trail. Visit elegant tasting rooms, gain access to wine cellars stocked with award-winning vintage wines, and explore scenic vineyards. Channing Daughters Winery, Duck Walk Vineyards South, and Wolffer Estate Vineyard are just some of the places to see. - Drop by the Montauk Point Lighthouse
Enjoy breathtaking views of the East End of the Hamptons at Montauk Point Lighthouse. This National Historic Landmark has an on-site museum where you’ll see old photographs, historical documents, and whaling industry artifacts on display. It’s also home to the Oceans Institute and Surf Museum, which features exhibits on surf culture and ecology.
Visit the Hampton Bays Chamber of Commerce website for local shopping and dining options.