The Hamptons Travel Guide

The Hamptons may be on Long Island, but the stereotypical suburban sensibility that Long Island is known for and the posh glamour of the Hamptons are oceans apart. The Hamptons, located on the northern end of the island, are where New York's rich and famous come to party and play during the warm weather months. They spend hours at great restaurants, sip cocktails at trendy bars and party in plus-sized mansions.

But you don't have to be named Puff Daddy to enjoy this swath of sand and surf. Beyond the glamour and glitz, the Hamptons have plenty to offer for everyone. Take, for instance, the natural beauty: the sunsets over the undulating reed-covered marshy fields, or those misty fall mornings that are always accompanied by the seasonal honking of the Canadian geese and that strong, briny smell of the Atlantic. And then there's the gorgeous natural light — one of the many reasons why artists and writers flocked to the East End of Long Island during the second half of the 20th century. Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, Fairfield Porter and Frank O'Hara, among many others, made their home in the eastside villages, imported chic bohemia and opened themselves up to the unique golden sunlight, allowing it to shine into their work.

And who could forget the great local food? Celebrity chefs have opened up several stylish restaurants (most of which are worth stopping in for) but there are also those lovable clam shacks by the sea with their delicious lobster rolls; they're best when you eat them right on the sand, with long views of the beach in either direction. The good news about hanging out in the Hamptons is that you don't need to travel far to experience a whole slew of leisure activities. There are beaches to sit on, vineyards in which to sip wine, restaurants to tantalize the taste buds and, of course, seas to sail on. And accommodations run the gamut: from the historic and posh Huntting Inn in East Hampton to the woodsy and cozy Hampton Maid.

THE HAMPTONS ITINERARY: DAY 1

The Huntting Inn

Start at the easternmost tip of Long Island and make your way back west. After a restful night at the Huntting Inn, grab breakfast in town at Babette's. The omelets are huge and they come with some very tasty sides like oatmeal or sweet potato fries. Then drive out to gorgeous Montauk, and keep driving until you hit the Montauk Point Light House, which was built in 1796 (making it the oldest lighthouse in New York State). There, a small museum tells the rich past of the Montaukett Indians and the local fishermen's century-old struggle against the sea. Climb nearly 130 steps for an unforgettable panorama and a geography lesson: Block Island, Connecticut and even the distant coast of Rhode Island are actually visible on a clear day (children under 12 are not allowed to climb). On the way back west, families will want to stop at Rita's Stables and Petting Farm for a horse ride through the dunes or a date with their adorable piglets and goats. Check out the surfers and the dramatic 2.5-mile beach at the Hither Hills State Park, where you can leave your car for a small fee. Keep in mind that most beaches in the Hamptons require a parking permit.

Lunch beckons, so head on over to the Harvest on Fort Pond restaurant. It doesn't sound very Italian, but trust us: once you walk into this rustic spot and smell the pizzas on the grill (and hear the sizzle of cooking garlic), you'll know you're in for a nice treat. Get the garlic shrimp and spaghetti or the super hearty pork tenderloin with apricot apple chutney. The seafood-topped bruschetta is also a nice option.

Another option for lunch is to start the drive back west to East Hampton. About twenty minutes away is Bostwick's on the Harbor, a classic sea shack that serves fresh clams and oysters as well as the ubiquitous lobster roll — you can't leave Long Island without trying one!

The Harvest on Fort Pond restaurant

In the town of East Hampton, you should think about checking into the friendly Colonial-styled Bassett House, which has been around since 1830. But if you don't want a 19th-century hotel and are looking for something a bit more modern, try the lovely and family-friendly Ocean Vista Resort in the town of Amagansett.

For dinner, don't pass up a chance to dine at the 1770 House, which serves up elevated American fare in a comfortable, rustic environment. The seafood on the menu is (naturally) the way to go, especially the seared Montauk scallops paired with the luscious pork belly or the local striped bass sashimi. If you're there around summer, go for a nightcap at the Lily Pond Club (a few minute's drive from Downtown East Hampton), which packs them in until the wee hours of the night for superior drinks and a wicked mix of house and rock music.