View this post and decide on which beach you will visit next on the east end of Long Island, New York.
Like the fictitious towns found in the “The Great Gatsby,” the Hamptons exude the splendor of the Long Island coastline. Renowned for the white-sand beaches that skirt the Atlantic Ocean and bays, the Hamptons may very well have served as the inspiration for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s fictious towns. Here, travelers and residents may relax, catch some rays, and enjoy the waves.
East Hampton
East Hampton boasts several ocean beaches. Main Beach may well be one of the area’s top beaches due to its proximity to the charming village, sparkling blue waters and celebrity beach-goers. Main Beach offers full amenities, ranging from concession stand to umbrella rentals. Parking comes at a hefty fee. Georgica Beach, surrounded by opulent estates and mansions, is equipped with fewer amenities, but features standard restroom facilities and lifeguard service.
Southampton and Hamlets
The Town of Southampton features beaches with ocean and bay views. A popular spot for saltwater fishermen, Shinnecock East County Park’s barrier beach touches both the ocean and Shinnecock Bay. Coopers Beach is a favorite with tourists. Restrooms, concession stand and chair and umbrella rentals are all available, but comes at a hefty parking fee. Less-celebrated beaches include handicap-accessible Dune Beach, Old Town Beach and South Main Beach. The latter two include no amenities and limited free parking. Further west in Hampton Bays, swimmers can frequent Meschutt Beach, Ponquogue Beach and Tiana Beach. Meschutt Beach, located on the Peconic Bay, provides a picnic area and a playground and is known for its saltwater fishing, snorkeling, windsurfing and sailing opportunities. In Bridgehampton, vacationers can swim in the Atlantic Ocean at the W. Scott Cameron and Mecox beaches. While parking is available at Cameron Beach for residents with a town permit, non-residents are always welcome at the no-frills, Mecox Beach.
Westhampton
Within the township at Cupsogue Beach County Park, you can enjoy an ocean barrier-beach experience with restrooms, showers, changing rooms, first aid center and a concession stand. Leashed dogs are permitted in certain areas. The quaint village of Westhampton Beach offers two ocean beaches: Lashley Beach and Rogers Beach. Both feature restrooms, showers and lifeguard service. Parking permits are limited to residents, but walk-on passes are also available. Rogers Beach is handicap accessible and is known for its superior concession stand featuring fresh, local fruits and vegetables. Try Lashley Beach for a quieter, less-crowded alternative.
Parking
Visitors are encouraged to walk or bike to all Hampton beaches, but if you wish to drive, follow all parking requirements. Due to the high volume of tourism that these beaches receive, parking restrictions at all Hampton beaches are heavily enforced. Some spots may offer paid daily parking on a first-come, first-served basis, but most require permits. Parking permit stickers are necessary from Memorial Day to Labor Day and are available for residents and non-residents. Parking permits are available at each village town hall.
References
- The Great Gatsby; F. Scott Fitzgerald
- The Hamptons: A Great Destination; Suzi Forbes Chase
- Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission: Beaches
- The Village of Westhampton Beach: Village Beaches
Photos
Cover Photo: Caren Milheron
Pexels