The Best Beaches in the Hamptons (2025 Guide)
If you’re heading out east this summer, chances are you’re looking for that perfect beach day – sand between your toes, iced coffee in hand, and maybe a lobster roll waiting nearby. This 2025 guide to the best beaches in the Hamptons breaks down where to go based on your vibe: swimming, surfing, family-friendly, photo ops, or that low-key locals-only feel.
Main Beach – East Hampton
Best for: Classic Hamptons beach day with great facilities
Why Go: Main Beach is the iconic Hamptons experience. Beautiful sand, lifeguards, snack bar, restrooms, and clean boardwalks — all just a short walk from town. It does require a permit to park, so take a bike or grab a ride share if you’re just visiting.
Tip: Get there before 11 AM for prime towel space.
? Read more: The Best Restaurants in the Hamptons
Cooper’s Beach – Southampton
Best for: Families + long beach walks
Why Go: Wide, flat, and postcard-pretty, Cooper’s is ideal for lounging, playing in the waves, or taking a romantic stroll. There’s a snack shack, bathroom facilities, and chair/umbrella rentals. It’s one of the only beaches where non-residents can pay for daily parking ($50).
Tip: Bring a picnic and plan to stay a while.
Ditch Plains Beach – Montauk
Best for: Surfing + people-watching
Why Go: Known for its reliable waves and cool surfer vibe, Ditch Plains is a Montauk must. It draws a young crowd and offers a great blend of activity and scenery. Food trucks (hello, Ditch Witch) are usually parked nearby.
Tip: It’s popular, so go early or late to skip the crowd.
Planning a trip? Read my Montauk day trip guide
Craving coffee? Check out the 7 Best Coffee Shops in Montauk
Sagg Main Beach – Sagaponack
Best for: Low-key locals vibes
Why Go: Less crowded than Main or Cooper’s, this beach is gorgeous and peaceful with soft dunes, clean sand, and friendly locals. There are lifeguards and restrooms, and the parking situation is manageable if you get a daily pass in advance.
Tip: Bring your own snacks and spend the day.
Kirk Park Beach – Montauk
Best for: Easy beach access in Montauk
Why Go: Located right off Main Street, Kirk Park is great if you want to grab coffee from Left Hand Coffee and walk straight to the beach. It’s low-key, has restrooms, and tends to be less chaotic than Ditch Plains.
Tip: It’s walking distance from lots of restaurants and coffee shops.
Atlantic Avenue Beach – Amagansett
Best for: Quiet, scenic beach days
Why Go: With lifeguards, concessions, and clean bathrooms, Atlantic Avenue is great for a laid-back beach day. It’s family-friendly but not packed, and the surf is calm enough for casual swimming.
Tip: Buy your daily parking pass early — they sell out on weekends.
Flying Point Beach – Water Mill
Best for: A more hidden gem vibe
Why Go: Tucked between Southampton and Bridgehampton, this beach offers soft sand and a chill atmosphere. No major facilities, but it’s often less crowded and very picturesque.
Tip: Perfect for a beach read and a quiet swim.
Nearby bites: The Best Restaurants in the Hamptons
Hamptons Beaches FAQ
Most beaches require a parking permit during summer. If you’re just visiting, plan to bike, walk, or get dropped off — or look for beaches like Cooper’s that allow paid daily parking.
Main Beach in East Hampton or Cooper’s in Southampton — both have amenities, views, and that classic Hamptons feel.
Try Sagg Main, Atlantic Avenue, or Flying Point for more local, peaceful vibes.
Ditch Plains in Montauk is the most popular surf beach.
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