A Long Weekend or Summer in the Hamptons

The Hamptons rewards both the quick escape and the long settle-in. Whether you have three days or three months, the rhythm is the same — beach, pool, grill, table, stars — and the art is in not over-scheduling it. Here's how to spend it.

Base yourself well

The single biggest decision is the house, because in the Hamptons the property is the destination as much as the region is. A home with a great pool and grounds means your best days may never require fighting summer traffic. For a group, Sea Farm in Bridgehampton sleeps twelve with a pool and three tennis courts; for a couple or small family who want walkable village life, Hubbard House sits south of the highway in Southampton, minutes from the beach.

Beyond your own backyard

Build in the regional classics: a local vineyard, the cliff walk around the Montauk lighthouse, the Longhouse Reserve sculpture garden, ice cream in Sag Harbor, shopping in East Hampton. Farm stands and Saturday markets are part of the pace.

A local's rule on timing

On busy summer weekends, keep your road time to early mornings and late evenings — traffic is the one true Hamptons hazard. Pack a layer; evenings near the water get cool even in July.

For the full regional rundown, see our Hamptons guide.