Visit the Hamptons on a Budget
The South Fork of Long Island is known for being a haven for affluent Manhattanites and celebrities who are eager to flee the city in search of fresh farmland, oceanside views, and, of course, rosé. After a weekend road-tripping through this region, to my surprise, I realized that there were a ton of activities to do in the eastern hamlets and villages of Long Island that are accessible for the everyday explorer.
Hi I can’t afford this!
Being the perfect destination for ocean-lovers, house-hunters and foodies alike to enjoy, here’s everything you should check out while staying in the Hamptons:
Where To Stay
Only an hour and a half from New York City, Westhampton is the perfect spot for those looking for more affordable accommodations. If you hope to experience the Hamptons like a local, your best option is to find a vacation rental property online with a group of friends.
If you have the chance to travel during the “offseason,” to your advantage many of the properties are available for short-term weekend rentals (vs. the full week) with rates that are often lower than in the summer peak periods. Lucky for you, this area of Long Island is beautiful no matter the season.
However, if you’re looking for more of a vibrant waterfront stretch, head over to Montauk. At the (literal) end of the road, you’ll reach the easternmost point of Long Island where you’ll find this surfer‘s paradise. Home of six state parks and known for its local fisheries, Montauk exudes a youthful energy that’s worth exploring. For an artistic and upbeat vibe, visit Surf Lodge nestled on Fort Pond Bay for delicious eats at their onsite restaurant, to hang out on their open-air deck or to stay in one of their 32 waterfront rooms.
My personal favorite property is the Hero Beach Club in Montauk. While it’s not exactly a budget stay, you can play around with dates to stay during a more affordable time. The money you’ll save on their amenities (beach cruisers to s’mores to fire pits to cabanas on the beach) and transportation (located so close to everything you’d wanna do in Montauk with beach access, you’ll be saving $$$ on Ubers).
For those looking for something more luxurious, swing by the Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina to stay at a resort oasis with three pools, four tennis courts, a spa, and a marina.
What To Do
Get Real Local
The best way to see the South Fork is by taking time for a leisurely drive along the coast and through the farmlands. Begin with a drive down the Montauk Highway to visit the Westhampton Farmers Market Farmstand. Every day they sell an assortment of produce, freshly-baked Blue Duck Breads, baked goods, cheeses from nearby farms and other jams and spreads for locals and visitors to enjoy.
Many of the local shops and restaurants are along Main Street in Westhampton Beach. Save some time to take the scenic drive along Dune Road to see the rows of beachfront mansions along the Atlantic shore.
Wine Down
Travel up Montauk Highway on Route 27 East to explore The Hamptons Wine Trail. For those visiting in the fall, plan your harvest season routes to see changing leaves while sipping and savoring bountiful wines from nearby Long Island vineyards. While there are over 60 vineyards all over Long Island, South Fork favorites include Duck Walk Vineyards, Channing Daughters Winery, Wolffer Estate Vineyard and The Grapes of Roth.
The Wölffer Estate is one of the most popular vineyards in the Hamptons – and it’s easy to see why! Perched between Southampton and Easthampton, Wölffer offers its visitors a huge selection of award-winning varieties for us thirsty lot to guzzle on. Head over to Sagaponack and enjoy a gorgeous wine tasting experience which you can also pair with some delicious cheeses (and chocolate, if you have a sweet tooth).
Get artsy
Continue your scenic drive along the Montauk Highway, passing through the affluent area of East Hampton. Take your time to catch glimpses of the quintessential Americana houses along the way. Escape the fresh fall winds by exploring a local gallery or plan your visit around a local art fair. The Hamptons Art Hub is a great resource to learn about the upcoming arts and cultural activities.
Enjoy the surf at Coopers Beach
Coopers Beach is easily accessible from Southampton, with it (arguably) being one of the best beaches in the region. It doesn’t matter what season you visit, its sandy shores always draw a crowd – especially on a gloriously sunny day. Take yourself a picnic, enjoy the rays or even try your hands at surfing. If you’re looking for less crowded times, consider visiting during the weekdays.
Go take a hike (on a bike)
One of the nicest ways to explore the small communities in The Hamptons is by grabbing yourself a bike and heading off on your own adventure! Hire a bike for a sunny afternoon jaunt around the little hamlets and discover some of the quaint charms of the local towns. A great place to grab your bikes is from Sag Harbor cycle, though there are many others too.
Where To Eat
While there is plenty along the Main Street stretch, all of the locals we spoke to recommended heading over to John Scott’s Surf Shack for a cool drink and the catch of the day. Known for their delicious steamers, lobster rolls and wing night, John Scott’s is well-loved for their hearty meals and laid back atmosphere.
Be sure to also drop by Brewology295 for some of the best craft brews in the area. Pairing small-batch craft beer with freshly-made food with local ingredients, this gastro-pub playfully displays what is currently on tap on a periodic table allowing guests to sample seasonal brews. Brewology295 is open nightly for dinner and for brunch on weekends.
For a quick bite with a devoted line every morning, Goldberg’s Famous Deli caters to the New Yorker looking for a tasty breakfast on the go. They are best known for their bagels and other breakfast foods that are made fresh onsite daily.
Housed in a gorgeous, historic inn, the North Fork is a great place to devour your weight in delicious local foods. Make sure to try some of their raw, oyster pond, oysters that are served with lashings of fresh lemon. Alternatively, chow down on the local yellowfin tuna tartare – served with taro chips or a mighty sandwich from their resident food truck!
Have a sweet tooth? Bridgehampton Candy Kitchen is an old time candy kitchen and retro American diner. Make sure to try one of their milkshakes and head across for a hearty breakfast.
Grindstone Coffee & Donuts is a great place to indulgent when those hungry afternoon tummy rumbles kick in. Their donuts and brioche are top notch. Make sure to ask for some of the seasonal blends that they conjure up on site.
For some Montauk-specific faves, check out:
Hooked: A no-frills seafood spot. It’s everything you could want after a day of activities!
Ruschmeyer's: A fancy-ish spot with a huge grassy outdoor section and firepits. It gets rowdy at night (in the summertime at least) so definitely arrive on the earlier side if you want to avoid lines.
Roundswamp Farm: This is a country market with amazing snacks, prepared food, salads and more. Head here if you’re looking for a casual lunch spot or want to take food back to wherever you’re staying for the weekend.
The Surf Lodge: Ok, so I won’t lie and tell you this place is great for someone on a budget…but, did you even go to Montauk if you didn’t go to The Surf Lodge? Popular with locals and visitors, The Surf Lodge is a great place to unwind over a good glass of wine and some delicious food. The Surf Lodge do an amazing lunch time menu that includes, crispy soft-shell crab sandwiches – all topped off with some radish slaw!
Harvest on Fort Pond: Another one that’s not exactly budget-friendly, but can be squeezed in if you’re a seafood fan (it’ll be worth it). One of the most delicious restaurants in Montauk, Harvest on Fort Pond is the perfect place to explore some incredible seafood. Make sure to try one of their Swordfish Piccatas or their Seafood Bruschetta with clams, mussels and, my favorite, scallops!
Now go get out there! And thank us later for the money you saved.
