Montauk Point Lighthouse
New York's oldest, from 1796.
The Hamptons and Montauk
Long Island's wealthy beach towns, with white sand and mansions, ending at Montauk's old lighthouse.
New York's elite have summered here for over a century. The beaches are public, even if parking isn't. Montauk Point Light, ordered by George Washington, stands at the very end of the island, and Fire Island and Sag Harbor are lovely nearby.
- Best Time
- June–September
- Time Needed
- 2–3 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Check before you go; hours vary by season
- Getting There
- About 2.5 hours from New York City by train or Jitney bus, more by car.
What to See
2 of 3 are freeMain Beach, East Hampton
Regularly ranked among America's best. Parking is by permit.
Sag Harbor
A whaling port with an excellent small museum.
Know Before You Go
- Summer traffic is awful, and rooms are very costly. Try the Jitney or the train.
Where to Stay
Stay in Montauk or Sag Harbor.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Something wrong or out of date?
Traveler Reviews
Sign in and mark The Hamptons and Montauk as visited to write a review.
Go Next
Must-See
If You're NearbyBlock Island
Rhode Island
A small island of stone walls, bluffs and Victorian hotels, a world away from Rhode Island's mainland.
Full Guide
Last checked 2026-11-02. Part of the Northeast list.