The Ultimate Hamptons Beach List (2025 Local Guide)

Iconic shores, hidden gems, scenic drives, and walks that feel like a rom-com.

If you’re planning to beach-hop across the Hamptons this summer, consider this your essential guide. Whether you’re tanning, reading, strolling, or bird-watching, these best beaches in the Hamptons deliver the beauty and the vibe.
BYO beach towel, SPF, and main character energy.

Top Ocean Beaches in the Hamptons

Coopers Beach – Best Overall Beach in Southampton

Consistently ranked among the top beaches in the U.S., Coopers offers wide sandy stretches, gentle waves, clean facilities, and easy paid parking.
Amenities: On-site restrooms, snack bar, chairs/umbrella rentals.
🚫 No dogs allowed.
Keywords: best beach in Southampton, family-friendly Hamptons beach


Main Beach – Classic East Hampton Beach Experience

Beautiful, clean, and quintessentially East Hampton. Expect a lively crowd and scenic views.
Bonus: Snack shack and bathrooms available.
Keywords: East Hampton beach, best ocean beach in the Hamptons


4 Gem Beaches in the Hamptons (~Off-the-Beaten-Path)

Flying Point Beach – Ocean Meets Bay Views (Water Mill)

Also known as “The Cut Beach,” this one gives you Mecox Bay on one side and the ocean on the other. The only beach with this unique feature. Not to be missed.


Gibson Beach – Scenic Drive + Serene Shoreline (Sagaponack)

The journey here is a vibe: think farm views and rolling fields with stacks of hay and horse country before your arrival.


Peter’s Pond Beach – Off a long dirt road to pristine views (Sagaponack)

I love this beach for its off the beaten path dirt road arrival and less frequented shores. But note – no amenities


Best Bay Beaches & Nature Walks in the Hamptons

Gerard Drive Nature Park – Peaceful Bayside Escape (East Hampton)

A hidden gem for kayaking, sunset picnics, or quiet solo hangs. Great for birdwatching or a gentle afternoon walk.


Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge – Wildlife Meets Waterfront (Sag Harbor)

Forest trails, hands-on bird encounters (literally), and a secluded bay beach at the end. Walking the whole trail all the way to the beach is 100% worth it because the bay rocky reach with cliffs is stunning. I go back here again and again. Be careful for ticks in the high season.
🌿 Tip: Bring bird seed!

Keep walking until the path unveils the beach …
… & walk a bit further to see this!

Scallop Pond Preserve (Southampton)

Exploring The Nature Conservancy preserve out east is one of our favorite things to do. With an abundance of bird species, rolling grasses in shallow waters, and an actual Scallop Pond, this is a must see for a non-ocean beach exploration.

Sagg Swamp Preserve (Sagaponack)

Red maple swamp with the prettiest boardwalk going through it. Such a special place to exlpore and unique from the others due to the boardwalk over the swamp area.

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Welcome to the hamptons!

Lauren here – former weekender turned full-time Hamptonite. Now in my 30s, I’m proud to call the East End home year-round. This guide is my love letter to the place that captured our hearts — beyond the beach days and beyond the season.