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Home » 6 Public Beaches in the Hamptons to Visit Before Summer’s Over

The summer months are already winding down, but it’s not too late to enjoy the best beaches in the Hamptons.

While some beaches in the Hamptons are semi-private – requiring resident parking permits or restricted entirely to property owners in the most exclusive enclaves – several public beaches are open to everyone.

If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway before summer’s over, here are 6 public beaches in the Hamptons to consider (plus some travel tips to make your getaway easier).

Cupsogue Beach, Westhampton Beach

Cupsogue Beach County Park is one of the more popular public beaches in the Hamptons, in part because it’s one of the closest to the city, so it’s quicker to get to. This beach is part of a county park located at the west end of Westhampton Island. The entire park is nearly 300 acres and features on-duty lifeguards, restrooms, showers, a snack bar and a small boardwalk. There’s a daily fee to enter the park, but it’s free after 5:30pm. RV access is also allowed for outer beach access and camping (with permit), which makes it unique from many other Hamptons beaches.

Cooper’s Beach, Southampton

Cooper’s Beach is consistently rated as one of the best beaches in the Hamptons – and in 2023 it was named “#1 beach in America” by travel expert Dr. Beach. It’s no surprise because Cooper’s Beach offers a little bit of everything: pristine sand, clear blue water, rolling dunes and lots of convenient amenities. Plus, beachgoers can get a glimpse of some of the luxury mansions that the Hamptons is known for. Beach access is free, but there is a parking fee ($50/day in 2024). The beach offers a concession stand, bathhouse, umbrella & chair rentals and on-duty lifeguards. We recommend going early, because this beach gets crowded during the summer!

Main Beach, East Hampton

Main Beach, located in East Hampton, is generally considered the most popular public beach in the Hamptons. Like Cooper’s Beach, Main Beach has gained national recognition for its gorgeous coastline, convenient amenities and clean, family-friendly environment. Another big draw, of course, is its location in East Hampton, which has been referred to as “Hollywood East” for its celebrity sightings and overall elite vibe. Main Beach has lifeguards during the summer, plus a snack stand and bathrooms. It’s free to enter, but you’ll need a permit to park – generally $50+ per day.

Atlantic Avenue Beach, Amagansett

Atlantic Avenue Beach tends to attract younger crowds and has a livelier atmosphere, but it’s also popular with families and casual beachgoers. It offers everything you would expect from a beach destination in the Hamptons: beautiful ocean views and plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming, beach games and relaxation. Atlantic Avenue Beach has parking ($50+ day or with resident permit), concessions, restrooms, showers and lifeguards. If you’re taking the LIRR to Amagansett, you can technically walk to the beach from the train station, though it’s about a 25-minute walk. (Consider a Hamptons car service instead, especially if you’re carrying beach gear.)

Ditch Plains Beach, Montauk

Ditch Plains Beach isn’t the only public beach in Montauk (Kirk Park Beach is another good option, as is Hither Hills State Park, highlighted below), but it has nice amenities and the crowds generally aren’t too big, making it a popular spot for surfers, sunbathers and other visitors. While Ditch Plains is technically a public beach, you will need a parking permit from the town of East Hampton to be able to park in one of the three parking lots. (If you’re staying overnight at a local hotel, some hotels provide passes. For day trips, you might want to consider Kirk Park Beach instead, where parking is open to all – for a fee.) Beach amenities include food trucks in the parking lot, restrooms and showers.

Hither Hills State Park, Montauk

Another Montauk gem, Hither Hills has a laid-back atmosphere that sets it apart from other Hamptons beaches. That’s because the park is so much more than a beach. It’s a popular destination for camping, cycling, hiking trails, fishing, paddleboarding and more. In addition to the two-mile sandy ocean beach, this park offers more than 1,755 acres of natural beauty, including a 40-acre freshwater lake, rolling sand dunes and preserved woodlands. A 190-site campground lets you camp right by the ocean – you can drive right up to your site, pitch your tent, sleep under the stars and wake up to the sound of gentle waves in the morning. It’s a truly unique and enjoyable experience for all ages. There are fees for entry and parking, but they start as low as $10 per car, which makes it especially affordable for day trips.

Recommended Transportation to Hamptons Beaches

If you want to avoid parking fees or the required permits at some beaches in the Hamptons, then you might find it easiest to use a local car service. Chauffeured transportation is available from NYC to Hamptons’ beaches (and reverse), as well as for on-demand car service to any other destinations in the Hamptons and beyond. This makes your beach getaway much more comfortable and relaxed, as you won’t have to worry about driving, parking or taking crowded public transportation.


For 24-hour car service in the Hamptons, as well as transportation to/from NYC and Long Island, call Jackrabbit Limo at (631) 600-7700.