Dr. Beach says East Hampton’s Main Beach is “No. 1 in America” and we agree!
With all that The Hamptons have to offer, it’s the beaches that draw the crowds. Especially our seemingly endless wide, sandy Atlantic Ocean beaches.
Did you know you can walk all the way from East Hampton to Montauk on the beach? That’s a long 20-mile walk. Maybe a 4-wheeler is more your style? You can drive on the beach with a beach access permit from East Hampton Town.
The ocean beaches in East Hampton are well preserved and protected. You’ll never see high rise hotels, condos or beach vendors, only beautiful homes tucked behind the dunes and a few concession stands in a few of the parking lots.
Please don’t walk on the dunes as they are fragile and harbor a paradise for endangered species such as hognose snakes, Fowler’s toads, and birds in migration. The most contentious of these birds is the Piping Plover, which nests near the dunes — off limits to dogs, firework displays, and even privileged people!
If you’re into crowds, Main Beach in East Hampton Village is the place to be in the summer. Bring an umbrella, beach chairs, and a cooler of ice water (we’ll provide them for you!) and settle in for a day of fun in the sun.
Things to check out:
- Keep an eye out for supermodels stopping to pick up litter. That’s one of the reasons our beaches are so popular (and clean)!
- Make sure you have a hot dog and a lobster roll from the Chowder Bar concession.
- Off-season, Main Beach is dog friendly all-day and (almost) empty!
- Early in the spring, the sun warms the beach so you and your children can take off your flip flops and run wild with sand between your toes — with your dog!
- Slow down and stroll along the water’s edge and look for beach glass. It’s hard to find these days with strict recycling — but you can always find moonstones and driftwood.
West of Main Beach, off Lily Pond Lane, is Georgica Beach (facilities, but no food). Walk west on the beach to the stretch where Georgica Pond almost meets the ocean.
Here you can see the very exclusive homes of folks like Martha Stewart and Steven Spielberg. But you can only see them from the pond as they are guarded by private roads and big privet hedges.
Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle around the pond but beware of the swans — one of them warrants a warning sign at the launching spot — just keep paddling if Fred starts circling your boat.
And of course, there’s the notorious “gay beach” at Two Mile Hollow. (The “gay family beach” now, since they installed restrooms and a lifeguard stand about ten years ago.)
In Amagansett, Indian Wells Beach is “residents only”, but Atlantic Beach has a great dune-top food stand and is host to the Annual Sand Castle Contest the second weekend in August.
Further east, there’s a little-known beach on Napeague Lane that is dog friendly year-round.
For surfing, Ditch Plains in Montauk is the most popular beach with incredible waves and the ever-popular Ditch Witch Food Truck.
Or, stop on the way at Herb’s Market in Montauk for a bag of fried chicken. Be sure to call and place your order in advance because they are always sold out!
Keep heading east and you’ll reach “The End,” but that’s a story for another day …
The fine print for beach goers …
- Most beaches require parking permits from mid-May to late September. The Mill House Inn provides both Village and Town beach parking permits for our guests.
- Ocean Beaches are dog friendly in-season, before 9am and after 6pm.
- Bay Beaches are dog friendly 300 feet from the end of the paved road. Dogs must be leashed or carried to that point.
- It’s your responsibility to check with Natural Resources (631.324.0496) on a daily basis to determine bird-nesting areas where dogs are prohibited. Beware the Piping Plovers!
We’re ready to help you enjoy all the best beaches in the Hamptons. We will even share our secret spots! Call our email us to plan your beach adventure.
Happy Beach Going!
– Sylvia
