Southampton New YorkATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Southampton, New York.
1. Cooper's Beach
PRISTINE COASTAL PARADISE
Cooper's Beach is a beautiful 500-foot stretch of sand that offers visitors a perfect setting for a relaxing day by the ocean. Visitors can enjoy amazing views of historic mansions in the distance while occasionally spotting whales offshore. This family-friendly destination is considered one of the best beaches in Long Island, featuring pristine sands and crystal-clear waters.
2. Ponquogue Beach
SURFER'S SANDY HAVEN
Ponquogue Beach is a highly-rated sandy destination known for its excellent swimming conditions and popular surfing spots. The beach features clean facilities and ample parking, making it convenient for day-trippers from across Long Island. Visitors appreciate the less crowded atmosphere compared to other Southampton beaches, creating a more peaceful oceanfront experience.
3. Parrish Art Museum
CONTEMPORARY ART SHOWCASE
The Parrish Art Museum illuminates the creative process through exhibits inspired by the natural setting and artistic life of Long Island's East End. The museum's architecture itself is a work of art, featuring a minimalist barn-like design that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions showcasing both emerging and established artists with connections to the Hamptons area.
4. Southampton Arts Center
CREATIVE COMMUNITY HUB
Southampton Arts Center is dedicated to community building through diverse artistic programming across all disciplines. The center presents inspiring, inclusive, and socially relevant exhibits and performances throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy everything from art exhibitions to film screenings, live music, and theater in this cultural cornerstone of Southampton.
5. Meschutt Beach
LOCAL FAVORITE SEASIDE
Meschutt Beach is considered by many locals to be their favorite beach destination in the Hamptons area. The beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere compared to some of the more tourist-heavy coastal areas in Southampton. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and dining at the popular beach bar and restaurant on site.
6. Hank's Pumpkintown
SEASONAL FAMILY ADVENTURE
Hank's Pumpkintown offers a delightful seasonal experience with pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy wagon rides, playground areas, and various fall-themed attractions during the harvest season. This popular autumn destination captures the agricultural heritage of Southampton while providing entertainment for all ages.
7. Halsey House
HISTORIC COLONIAL HOMESTEAD
Halsey House was built in 1683 by Thomas Halsey Jr., son of one of Southampton's founders who established the homestead in 1648. This historic property offers visitors a glimpse into early colonial life with period furnishings and architectural details. As one of the oldest buildings in New York state, the Halsey House stands as a testament to Southampton's deep colonial roots dating back nearly four centuries.
8. Southampton History Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVED
The Southampton History Museum, organized in 1898 and incorporated in 1910, preserves and exhibits historical objects and documents relating to the town's development. The museum complex includes 12 structures from the 19th century, including a schoolhouse and barn that transport visitors back in time. Through its collections and educational programs, the museum celebrates Southampton's rich cultural heritage spanning from Native American settlements through colonial times to the present.
9. Flying Point Beach
SERENE COASTAL RETREAT
Flying Point Beach offers visitors a more secluded coastal experience away from the more crowded beaches in Southampton. The beach features beautiful dunes, soft sand, and excellent opportunities for spotting dolphins and other marine life. Sunset enthusiasts particularly appreciate this location for its unobstructed views across the Atlantic Ocean.
10. Duck Walk Vineyards
PREMIER WINE EXPERIENCE
Duck Walk Vineyards encompasses 140 scenic acres where they produce approximately 35,000 cases of award-winning wine annually. Visitors can sample a variety of wines that have been repeatedly recognized for excellence in national competitions. The vineyard offers a quintessential Long Island wine experience with beautiful grounds and regular tasting events throughout the year.
11. Shopping
LUXURY RETAIL THERAPY
Southampton offers an exceptional shopping experience with numerous boutiques and high-end retailers located throughout the town. Visitors can browse luxury fashion at stores like Tenet, Intermix, and Alice + Olivia, or discover unique home goods at Hildreth's, America's oldest department store established in 1842. The charming downtown area combines upscale shopping opportunities with small-town charm, making retail therapy an essential part of any Southampton visit.
12. Dining
CULINARY COASTAL DELIGHTS
Southampton's dining scene features exceptional restaurants showcasing fresh seafood and farm-to-table cuisine. Visitors can enjoy waterfront dining at establishments like Sant Ambroeus for Italian cuisine, 75 Main for American classics, or The Lobster Roll for fresh seafood. The town's restaurants range from casual beach bars to fine dining destinations, many featuring seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms and waters.
13. Hiking
NATURAL TRAIL EXPLORATION
Southampton offers several beautiful hiking opportunities including the scenic trails at Conscience Point Nature Walk and Historic Site. Visitors can explore the Long Pond Greenbelt, featuring a network of trails winding through forests, meadows, and connecting several kettle ponds formed by glacial activity. The Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge provides an additional hiking destination where nature enthusiasts can observe local wildlife while traversing coastal paths.
14. Fishing
PREMIER ANGLER DESTINATION
Southampton provides outstanding fishing opportunities at locations like Shinnecock East County Park, known for excellent striped bass fishing. Anglers can also enjoy surf casting from the beaches or booking chartered fishing trips from Shinnecock Inlet for deep-sea expeditions. The waters surrounding Southampton offer seasonal catches including fluke, bluefish, and tuna depending on the time of year.
15. Camping
OUTDOOR OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES
Camping enthusiasts can enjoy overnight stays at Cedar Point County Park, offering waterfront sites with views of Gardiner's Bay. Nearby North Sea Camping offers family-friendly facilities with amenities including swimming pools and recreational activities. For a more natural experience, Sears Bellows County Park provides campsites nestled among the wooded areas surrounding Bellows Pond, perfect for visitors seeking a peaceful outdoor retreat.