10 Things to Do in The Hamptons

In 1945, Jackson Pollock and his wife lived in what is now the Pollock-Krasner House and Studios in East Hampton. The home sits on 1.56 acres and has a barn on the property. At the time, Pollock used the upstairs bedroom as a studio before moving it to the barn, and his wife began using the bedroom as her studio. 

You can visit the Pollock-Krasner House and tour the interior and grounds to experience the period rooms and studios, both of which still have paint remnants.

The Hamptons is home to an abundance of beaches that offer something for everyone, whether you want to spend time playing with the kids, surfing the big waves, or relaxing in a beachfront bar. After dinner, choose any one of the Hamptons’ picturesque beaches to enjoy the salty air and see the sunset over the water. 

Some of the best beaches in the area are Cooper’s Beach, Ditch Plains Beach, Atlantic Avenue Beach, and Sagg Main Beach. Long Beach in Sag Harbor is a local favorite for sunsets.

The Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge is a stunning 187-acre National Wildlife Refuge between the Noyack and Little Peconic bays. The refuge provides a diverse natural habitat that includes ponds, bay beaches, tidal flats, salt marshes, fresh marshes, grasslands, and maritime oak forests for many types of wildlife. 

Many birds live in the refuge, including piping plovers, black ducks, and various types of raptors and songbirds. Kemp’s ridley sea turtles and loggerhead sea turtles also reside in the refuge.

Located on the easternmost tip of the Hamptons, the Montauk Point Lighthouse is one of the most famous attractions in the area. You can approach the historic 1876 lighthouse to get spectacular views of the coast and surrounding Atlantic Ocean, or climb the iron steps to the top for panoramic views. 

You could visit the museum as well to learn more about the history and importance of the lighthouse to Montauk’s heritage. There’s also a gift shop onsite to shop for mementos of your visit to the oldest lighthouse in New York.

The Big Duck is one of the Hamptons' most popular attractions and a roadside curiosity that’s a must-see on your trip. The ferro-cement building is shaped like a massive duck and was built by a duck farmer in 1931 to sell ducks and duck eggs. 

Along with being a hallmark of American architecture, the Big Duck stands as a sign for travelers that respite in the Hamptons isn’t far away. The duck is even decorated for holidays and has its own local lore.

The Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum is a Native-American-owned and operated cultural center and museum that is dedicated to the ancestors and Algonquin descendants in Long Island from the past 10,000 years. 

You can see numerous artifacts in the permanent displays that chronicle different periods of Shinnecock history from paleolithic times to the recent history. If you’re staying in the Hamptons, visiting the Shinnecock Nation Cultural Center and Museum is a must to understand and appreciate what shaped the area.

The Parrish Art Museum is a fascinating art museum that focuses on works from the artist colony of South Shore and North Shore. The entire collection spans from the 19th century to the present day, including impressive works from artists like Roy Lichtenstein, Jackson Pollock, and Chuck Close. 

Throughout the year, the museum has themed, temporary exhibitions of established artists in the region. Some past exhibitions have included History of the Universe – Paintings 1970-2011, Some Stories Are Worth Repeating, and Master Paintings from the Corcoran Gallery of Art.

The Hamptons is local wine country, so what better way to take in the viticulture than with a vineyard tour? The Hamptons offer over 60 vineyards and wineries that produce red, white, rose, and sparkling wines. Some of the top award-winning vineyards include Kontokosta Winery, Bedell Cellars, and Castello di Borghese. 

You can visit these wineries and take tours of the vineyard and grounds to learn about the growing and production. If you like sparkling wine, be sure to stop in Sparkling Point to try bubblies inspired by the Champagne region of France.

The Montauk Brewing Company is a locally owned and distributed brewery that produces award-winning brews in the New York Metro area. You can visit the brewery to tour the taproom and learn about the brewery’s production process. It’s also dog- and child-friendly, so you can bring the whole family along to sit at the picnic tables on the outdoor patio and sample some local brews. 

In addition to classic and craft brews, the Montauk Brewing Company also has seasonal flavors like Watermelon Session Ale and Pumpkin Ale.