East End Getaway has curated a guide to the towns across the North and South Forks, highlighting some of the best of what to see, do, and what the insiders know. This information will help you map and plan your next getaway to the East End of Long Island. Today, we take you inside the town of East Hampton.
Brief Overview of East Hampton
The town of East Hampton, located on the South Fork of Long Island, is in the southeastern part of Suffolk County. The town, which is home to the Village of East Hampton, also includes the following hamlets and villages: Montauk, Amagansett, Springs, and Wainscott.
East Hampton is located just over two hours away or about 90 miles from New York City.
East Hampton is a great destination for families and couples of all ages looking to tour and visit the restaurants, shops, camping sites, museums, beaches, nature trails and preserves, and array of events held all year long.
East Hampton was founded in 1640 by Presbyterian Puritan farmers. During this time, the town of East Hampton was home to the Pequot people, part of the culture that also occupied territory on the northern side of Long Island Sound. They belong to the large Algonquian-speaking language family, including the Montaukett tribe from eastern Long Island. In the mid to late nineteenth century, their most well-known member was Stephen Talkhouse, the namesake of the famous nightclub in Amagansett.
East Hampton Village has many miles of extraordinary oceanfront with five individual beaches. Beaches include Egypt Beach, Georgica Beach, Main Beach (considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world), Two Mile Hollow Beach, and Wiborg Beach.
The three lifeguard protected beaches (in-season) are Main Beach, Georgica Beach, and Two Mile Hollow Beach. Lifeguards are on duty from 10am to 5pm on days protected beaches are open.
Beaches in surrounding villages and hamlets include Amagansett Beach, Indian Wells Beach, Gin Beach, and Ditch Plains.
How to Travel to East Hampton
There are several convenient ways to travel to East Hampton. From Manhattan, the most direct and fastest route is by train from Penn Station with several direct trains throughout the day. There is a train station in East Hampton as well as in Amagansett and Montauk. There are also bus routes from Manhattan with the Hampton Jitney and their luxury line, the Hampton Ambassador. The Hampton Jitney has both a North and South Fork line, with a preliminary stop in Manorville. The Hampton Jitney and Ambassador buses stop in Wainscott, East Hampton, Amagansett, and Montauk.
Traveling from Connecticut? The Cross Sound Ferry travels between New London and Orient Point and offers a full, daily timetable schedule. Orient Point is approximately one hour from East Hampton Village via the Shelter Island North and South Ferries.
Places to Go
The town of East Hampton on the South Fork has several notable places of interest for individuals and families of all ages. For those who wish to discover more about local history or the arts, visit such sites and attractions as Guild Hall, Pollock-Krasner House and Studio, The Art Barge, East Hampton Historical Society, LongHouse Reserve, Deep Hollow Ranch and Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum.
For those looking for outdoor recreation, there are a plethora of parks and hiking trails to enjoy all year around such as Hither Hills State Park, Montauk Point State Park, Camp Hero State Park, Shadmoor State Park, Napeague State Park and Cedar Point County Park. For the avid golf enthusiast, Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course is one of the few public courses in the area.
A must is stopping at one of the many farm stands across the town of East Hampton. Top picks include Round Swamp Farm, Balsam Farms and Amber Waves Farm Market & Cafe.
East Hampton Farmers Market typically is held at Herrick Park near Stop n’ Shop on Fridays throughout the late spring, summer and early fall. Over in Montauk, the Farmers Market is held at the Village Green Thursdays June to mid-Sept and Fridays mid-Sept to mid-November.
(Note that most of these farm stands and markets are open seasonally, or through the holiday season).
Where to Dine in East Hampton
The town of East Hampton on the South Fork has an abundance of casual and fine dining establishments. Many of these restaurants are family owned and operated, and have been in business for decades.
We divided the following recommended restaurants by hamlet:
Amagansett
Clam Bar is a popular outdoor, seasonal seafood restaurant on the Napeague stretch that has been a landmark in the Hamptons for over forty years. Popular dishes include the Spicy Crab & Sweet Corn Bisque, Fried Local Tuna Bits, Steamers, Lobster Salad Roll, and Sweet Potato Fries. Outdoor seating only, including at their countertop.
Coche Comedor is an indoor and outdoor inspired Mexican restaurant on Montauk Highway. Walk-ins only, no reservations. Their menu includes a selection of small plates, Aguachiles, and main dishes. Popular selections include Balsam Farms Black Kale Salad, Apricot-Tamarind Glazed Half Duck, Huevos Rancheros, and Local Catch Ceviche. Currently open seven days a week for dinner.
Wölffer Kitchen is a coastal American restaurant in the heart of Amagansett Square. Wolffer Kitchen is currently open for dinner Thursday-Monday beginning at 5pm. Happy Hour is served at the bar Monday, Thursday, and Sunday from 5-6pm. Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday. Notable dishes include the Sesame Crusted Tuna, Green Goddess Kale Salad, and Wild Mushroom Pizza.
Rosie’s Amagansett is a seasonal restaurant on Main Street. Rosie’s puts a fresh spin on traditional American fare. Their breakfast menu includes an array of fuel-focused dishes to grab and go after a workout or on the way to the beach. For dinner, their menu includes a selection of small plates, signature cocktails, and more. Indoor and outdoor dining is available.
East Hampton
The Blend At Three Mile Harbor is a family run American restaurant on Three Mile Harbor outside of East Hampton Village. They are known for their steaks, surf n’ turf options, and rotating prix fixe menus. The Blend is currency open for dinner Wednesday through Monday beginning at 5pm. Popular dishes include the Imported Black Truffle Burrata, Pan Roasted Local Fluke Filet, and Grilled Boneless Prime Rib Eye Steak With Soft Gorgonzola Crust.
East Hampton Grill is an upscale American restaurant that is open year round, serving dinner seven days a week beginning at 5pm. Dishes to try include the Heavenly Biscuits, Tuna Tartare, and Barbecue Ribs. They also have an exceptional wine list and strong cocktail bar. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Fresno is a New American restaurant in East Hampton steps away from the railroad station. They offer ample indoor seating as well as a spacious patio. Reservations are made available seven days in advance. Dishes to try include the Salmon Tartare, Roasted Balsam Farm Cauliflower Soup, and Cazuela Roasted Cod Fish. Open for dinner beginning at 5:30pm Thursday-Tuesday. Closed Wednesdays.
Hampton Chutney Co. is a vegan friendly Indian inspired restaurant in East Hampton Village. Their menu features South Indian dosas, uttapams, soups, salads, sandwiches, and more. They are also known for their selection of spiced coffees and juices like their Chai and Oat Cardamom Coffee. Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The 1770 House is a fine dining restaurant open for dinner year round on Main Street. The1770 House is a dual dining concept that reflects both sides of the lively Hamptons restaurant scene with local bounty, noteworthy wines, five-star service and celebrity sightings. Executive Chef Michael Rozzi presents a sophisticated fine dining menu of New American cuisine in the candlelit dining room and on the starlit garden patio; pub-style fare in the inn’s casual downstairs Tavern with dishes including their famous meatloaf and tavern burger. The 250-bottle wine list has been a year-on-year Wine Spectator Award of Excellence recipient since 2007.
Montauk
Duryea’s Montauk is a seafood restaurant that is open seasonally in the heart of Montauk for lunch and dinner. Some of the favorite dishes include the Lobster Cobb Salad, White Gazpacho, the Lobster Roll, and any of their seafood towers. Duryea’s also has an onsite market and boutique. They also have a sister restaurant in Orient Point.
Harvest on Fort Pond has been a local favorite for over twenty-five years. The restaurant, which is open for dinner, is known for their platters of Tuscan-style Italian cooking served family-style paired with gorgeous waterfront views. Notable dishes include Linguini and Little Neck Clams, Porterhouse Steak, Seafood Bruschetta, and their selection of grilled pizzas.
Inlet Seafood Restaurant is located on the waterfront in Montauk and serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. Their lunch and dinner menu includes Steamed Whole Artichoke, Crispy Calamari, Fluke Picatta, Lobster Ravioli, and Half Long Island Duck. Inlet Seafood also has a full sushi menu and bar.
La Fin Kitchen & Lounge is open seasonally and serves coastal French cuisine on Montauk Harbor just down the road from Gosman’s Dock. La Fin also partners with a lot of local farms, vineyards, and fisherman including but not limited to Satur Farms, Iacono Farm, Mecox Bay Dairy, and 8 Hands Farm. Dinner is served in-season seven days a week beginning at 5pm. The bar is open at 4pm until late.
Roberta’s Montauk is a popular pizzeria in Montauk that serves dinner beginning at 5pm, except on Sundays when they open at 1pm. Indoor and outdoor seating is available. Popular pizzas are the Famous Original, Bee Sting, and Ursula’s Parade. The bar and takeout is only available after mid-October during the off-season.
Annual Activities in East Hampton
East Hampton is known for hosting a wide selection of annual events that are perfect for everyone to enjoy. Events are held year-round.
One of the most popular events is the Montauk Music Festival. Other events include the Montauk Fall Festival, East Hampton Fall Festival, and the Hamptons International Film Festival over Columbus Day weekend.
East Hampton hosts a number of holiday fairs during the months of November and December. The village of East Hampton is always beautifully decorated and lit during the festive season.
Lodging in East Hampton
The town of East Hampton on the South Fork has a wide variety of hotel accommodations and lodging options.
Aqualina Inn Montauk is a modern hotel with upscale amenities in the heart of Montauk Village. The hotel features an outdoor pool, picnic benches with umbrellas, spacious bedrooms, complimentary beach towel use, and more. Aqualina is open seasonally from May through mid October.
The Baker House 1650 is considered one of the finest bed and breakfasts in the Hamptons. Guests will experience casual luxury with a “home away from home”. The Baker House offers high-end concierge services, luxurious amenities, and oversized rooms. Amenities include a gourmet breakfast each morning, Frette guest slippers and robes, bath amenities by L’Occitane, complimentary electric vehicle charging, purified heat and air conditioning, in-room security safe, and more. There is also an onsite spa with treatment options, sauna, and jacuzzi, and indoor pool that is exclusive for guests.
EHP Resort & Marina is a five-acre waterfront property off of Three Mile Harbor that is known for its undisturbed sunset views. EHP offers accommodations ranging from one to three-bedroom suites, and one- to two-bedroom standalone cottages. It boasts three food and beverage venues including the Italian bakery and espresso bar Buongiorno, tennis court, resort pool and a full-service marina with “dock to dine” options by Sí Sí.
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa is a year round oceanfront resort off of Montauk Highway. The hotel features a range of stunning rooms and suites with breathtaking ocean views as well as a full spa with an indoor saltwater pool, treatment rooms, salon, and fitness center. On-site restaurants include Scarpetta that serves coastal Italian cuisine with an American influence, and an outdoor cocktail lounge with a fire pit. During the summer months, Gurney’s hosts a wide range of wellness, fashion and lifestyle pop ups.
The Roundtree, Amagansett is a boutique hotel on Main Street in the heart of Amagansett. Amenities for outdoor excursions and activities are complimentary use of bicycles and beach gear as well as a backyard fire pit offering up nightly s’mores. The Roundtree is also very kid friendly. The hotel’s beach shack is stocked with buckets, shovels and sand toys to keep little ones entertained at the beach for hours. Also, their unique Lemonade Stand Program offers our young guests a fun opportunity to do good while on vacation.
