East Hampton
White sand, lighthouse views, and a $12 million parking spotWhite sand beaches and rolling waves define this Long Island coastal town. Local art galleries, historic 18th-century homes, and the Montauk Point Lighthouse draw visitors year-round.
East Hampton sits at the eastern end of Long Island's South Shore, where you can walk on white sandy beaches, explore three preserved 18th-century windmills, and step inside historic buildings from the 1700s. Walk through Jackson Pollock's paint-splattered studio, watch independent films at the October film festival, or join locals for July 4th fireworks at Main Beach. Main Street combines art galleries and boutiques with landmarks like the 1806 Hook Mill and 1784 Clinton Academy.
Beaches and Coastline
East Hampton's 70 miles of shoreline include several public beaches with white sand and undeveloped coastline. At Main Beach, you'll find a food pavilion and lockers for residents, while surfers head to Georgica Beach for its strong waves and unique current patterns. Two Mile Hollow Beach has a large parking lot for easier day visits. Beach parking permits cost $500 for non-residents during summer (Memorial Day through Labor Day), but you can reach all beaches by bike or on foot without a permit.
Art and Culture Scene
When Jackson Pollock moved to the Springs neighborhood in the 1940s, other artists followed. Visit the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center to see the artist's original studio - the floor still covered in paint splatters exactly as he left it. Each October, the Hamptons International Film Festival screens independent films at venues throughout town, drawing filmmakers and cinema fans from across the country.
Historic Buildings and Architecture
Colonial-era buildings remain central to East Hampton's community. Watch grain being ground at Hook Mill, an operating windmill from 1806 that still uses traditional methods. Learn about early American education at Clinton Academy, built in 1784 as the first academy chartered by New York State. Visit Home Sweet Home Museum, set in a 1680 colonial saltbox, to see period furnishings and learn about composer John Howard Payne's life.
Summer Activities
Watch fireworks light up Main Beach during the East Hampton Fire Department's annual July 4th display. Take a fishing trip from Montauk Harbor, New York state's busiest fishing port, or buy fresh fish directly from returning boats. Local venues host outdoor concerts, art exhibitions, and theater productions from June through August, with many events happening in town parks and on the beach.
Getting Around
East Hampton lies 100 miles east of New York City. Take the Long Island Rail Road, which runs more frequent trains during summer months. Many visitors rent bikes to travel between beaches and town since parking is limited from June through August, especially near beaches and downtown.
