Gucci FINALLY has a permanent location in the Hamptons.
Your guide to a weekend in the Hamptons
As temperatures rise and the sweltering sidewalks teem with tourists, New Yorkers know the best course of action is to get out.
A weekend in the Hamptons offers pristine beaches, a thriving culinary scene, bustling nightlife (if you know where to look 👀), and boutique hotels and home rentals perfect for a group of friends. But Long Island’s East End is also wildly popular, so get booking yesterday.
What makes the Hamptons a great weekend trip
There’s a reason why Beyoncé, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Neil Patrick Harris all have East End homes (it’s gorgeous, like all of them), and they represent a lineage of icons from Truman Capote to Jackson Pollock who found weekend getaways in the Hamptons to be a source of creative and rejuvenating inspiration.
There are plenty of things to do in the Hamptons anytime throughout the summer. Whether you’re hitting high-end boutiques in East Hampton—after years of pop-ups, Gucci finally has a permanent location—or taking in the laidback vibes of Sag Harbor, each town offers unique energy. But remember: The Hamptons spans 50 miles from Westhampton to Montauk’s eastern tip, so consider whether you’re looking for rest or revelry to minimize drive time.
Put together a looooong playlist if you plan on driving; traffic on I-495 in the summer is the Hampton’s biggest buzzkill. You can also hop on the Hampton Jitney bus, which runs multiple trips per day with pickups throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn and features onboard Wi-Fi to get your to-do list done before the weekend begins. But there’s no grander way to arrive at the home of the east coast elite than by helicopter or seaplane—and just think of the Insta opportunities.
Where to stay in the Hamptons
If you’re looking for the best place to stay in the Hamptons for a weekend with friends, The Surf Lodge in Montauk features plenty of outdoor communal space, a summer concert series, and free bike rentals to zip around town to spots like The Montauket, known for fun frozen cocktails and legendary sunset views. For a more serene spot, The Roundtree’s 15 pristine cottages, rooms, and suites pay homage to the region’s farmstead history on beautifully landscaped grounds.
Even if you don’t own one of the luxe estates (yet!), which can command a selling price upward of $175 million (casual), houses in the Hamptons for weekend rent provide a taste of what the future may hold and a terrific way to assemble your besties for a low-key or lavish weekend. Plenty of options can be found on Airbnb, but none checks all the boxes like a luxury Amagansett hideaway, including seven bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private beach access. Additionally, Hamptons Rentals lists more than 3,500 summer rental properties.
No matter in which home you happen to rest your head, take a load off of meal-planning with the help of local experts. Hamptons Aristocrat prepares customized culinary experiences, clambakes, and barbecue and can even dispatch a chef and servers for no-fuss entertaining.
Where to eat in the Hamptons
Discerning palates will appreciate the East End’s culinary scene, attracting award-winning chefs who take advantage of seasonal produce and a bounty of locally sourced seafood. When considering what to do in the Hamptons this weekend, a memorable meal is a must.
Tip: Book in advance or consider mid-week dining for the most in-demand restaurants.
Two of the most anticipated openings of the summer bring a taste of Italy to the East End. New York City’s chef and restaurateur PJ Calapa takes over the legendary Astro’s Pizza with a modern spin on Italian favorites, while the popular Brooklyn eatery Roberta’s migrates to Montauk with wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and tiki bar cocktails.
Even James Beard Award-winning chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is in on the action with an outpost at Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton, delivering a sophisticated farm-to-table menu.
Your itinerary for a weekend in the Hamptons
Whether you’re wondering what’s happening in the Hamptons this weekend or looking for ideas later in the summer, here’s our take on the ultimate East End getaway.
Friday: Nothing kicks off a weekend like happy hour, and nothing screams summer like margaritas. Head to Rita Cantina in East Hampton for tequila-based cocktails and modern coastal Mexican cuisine. Before calling it a night, pick up a scoop or pint from nearby Moo Moo’s East Hampton Ice Cream Shop.
Saturday: Begin the morning with a stop at Carissa’s Bakery for European-style pastries and a strong cuppa to kick off your Hamptons weekend, including time spent on the water. Yacht Hampton, located in Sag Harbor, offers a modern fleet of yachts, speedboats, catamarans, and sailboats, along with a captain and crew to enjoy a day at sea. There is plenty to discover once disembarking, including vintage finds at Ruby Beets, housed inside a historic movie theatre. Stick around town for dinner at Sen and sample sake sommelier Jesse Matsuoka’s curated collection. Head to 668 The Gig Shack and Solé East for a nightcap and live music, both in Montauk.
Sunday: Sweat out the weekend’s sins with a steamy class at Hamptons Hot Yoga, where a stretch and sweat (followed by a shower) will prep you for a final hurrah at 75 Main, a longtime favorite and setting for the new reality show Serving the Hamptons.
A weekend to remember
Whether you head east to experience an array of events in the Hamptons this weekend or prefer to unplug from the daily grind at a later date, there’s no better destination to experience the intersection of luxury and relaxation. The only drawback is that you may never want to leave—and not only because the traffic to New York will be grueling.
