Local Hamptons Beach Guide
PONQUOGUE BEACH
276 DUNE RD HAMPTON BYAS NY 11946
When we think of our Long Island beaches, we picture Ponquogue. By far the most popular ocean beach in Hampton Bays, this sprawling white sand beach serves up stunning views all the way to the horizon. Located right off the Ponquogue Bridge near the Shinnecock Inlet, making Ponquogue the ultimate beach hot stop.
This public beach stretches to the end of Westhampton Island and is a local gem. Its name comes from the traditional words "Pawonon Quogue" which mean "pond at the place where the bay bends." The beach is run by the Town of Southampton and has a family-friendly atmosphere. Truly a gorgeous spot.
TIPS: Make sure to grab water shoes if you plan on exploring the jetty or bridge while visiting this icon beach!
FEATURES + AMENITIES: Beach, concessions, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and public phones are available. No alcohol or fires allowed. Pay to park. Because there are no lifeguards on duty, swimming is not advised.
Beach Parking Permits are required at all Town Beach Recreation Facilities on weekends beginning May 25th, and 7 days a week starting June 29th - Labor Day.
TIANA BEACH
90 DUNE RD HAMPTON BAYS NY 11946
Just a short drive away from Ponquogue Beach, at Tiana you’ll find pristine sand, volleyball courts, lifeguards on duty, and locals who might just know the Hamptons’ most intimate secrets.
Perfect for families and those who prefer a bit more privacy, this small Hamptons beach is the ideal place to crack open your beach read and get a few more freckles on your nose.
This public beach is run by Suffolk County in Westhampton and is perfect for sunning and strolling.
TIPS: Tiana Beach is part quiet, family beach with a side of party beach. Daytime beach goers can expect a family-oriented day of fun in the sun. The restrooms and showers here are great for rinsing off before heading over to a local Tiana beach club.
FEATURES + AMENITIES: Beach, picnic tables and restrooms. During the day this beach is more laid-back and family oriented, but can become more festive as evening rolls around with the nearby Tiana clubs. The beach closes at 7pm daily. No alcohol, fires, or cars allowed on the beach. This is a Tier III beach
PIKES BEACH
769 DUNE RD WESTHAMPTON BEACH NY 11978
Pikes Beach in Westhampton Beach is 400 ft of quiet, clean ocean views, and has a private feel. The sand is almost white its so pristine and the water is clear. This beach does not get too crowded, making it the perfect oasis for surfers and fishermen to get as salty as they’d like!
Beach Treats ,is the Pike’s Beach pavilion concession and offers refreshments and treats such and ice cream and gelato to help keep you cool on those summer scorchers! Fishing is also a popular activity at Pikes Beach.
TIPS: Pikes Beach gets a lot of overflow from Cupsogue beach when parking fills up, especially on weekends. A colorful ice cream truck is nearby, which is the only food around the beach. People trust each other enough to leave their shoes on the wooden path unguarded. Peaceful and handicap accessible, this is probably one of the best beaches for seniors.
FEATURES + AMENITIES: Lifeguards are on duty from 9am to 5:30pm daily during summer months. Beach, picnic tables and restrooms. There are restrooms, beach wheelchairs, and a handicap ramp. This is a Tier III beach.
COOPER’S BEACH
268 MEADOW LN SOUTHAMPTON NY 11968
America’s No.3 beach of 2023
Coopers Beach is located on the south shore of Long Island, New York, shielded from the cold Labrador currents in the beautiful village of Southampton. As the first “Gold Coast” in the country, Coopers Beach is hundreds of yards wide, made of grainy white quartz sand. The beach is backed by large sand dunes covered by American beach grass interspersed with large and extravagant mansions. Some of the best beach access in the Hamptons exists on Coopers Beach, and a snack bar serving lunch and drinks can be found here as well.
Some say this strip of sand and sea makes up the best beach in the Hamptons, while others say the decision is still up for debate. If you’re willing to be the judge, head to Cooper’s Beach where there’s no shortage of luxury. Beach goers can rent umbrellas and chairs, dine at the deck’s picnic tables, and enjoy the beautiful views with their toes in the pristine white sand.
TIPS: Cooper’s Beach of Southampton was rated America’s No.3 beach of 23’! White sand, high dunes, amazing waves & delicious food! Selected by "Dr. Beach" in 2010 as America’s best beach and, more recently, by National Geographic Traveler as the Number 2 family beach, Coopers Beach is definitely a local champion. Here you will find grassy dunes, soft sand, and stately mansions. It’s simply the best
FEATURES + AMENITIES: The only village beach with lifeguards, Coopers also gives visitors the option to rent chairs and umbrellas. There is a large parking lot, a pavilion with concessions, bathrooms, and showers. Seasonal and daily parking stickers, required between 9:30am and 5pm during summer, are available at Village Hall and at the beach and are free for residents. Surfcasting, launching power boats and surfing outside of designated areas are prohibited during these times. If the parking fee is too steep, ride a bike from Southampton Village; the newly launched SpotRide will take you there for free! Camping, bonfires, alcohol, littering, nudity, and unleashed pets are prohibited. This is a Tier III beach.
CUPSOGUE BEACH
975 DUNE RD WESTHAMPTON BEACH NY 11978
You’ll find this Long Island beach at the very west end of Dune Road, giving you a feel for the opulence and glamor that has given the Hamptons its reputation along the way. Cupsogue Beach is the perfect background for a day full of activities like fishing (especially saltwater bass!), scuba diving, swimming, and picnicking.
This 296 acre barrier beach park offers lifeguard supervised Atlantic Ocean swimming, sun bathing on white sand beaches, and some of the finest saltwater bass fishing on the Island. A snack bar, rest rooms, first aid center, shower, and changing rooms are all situated at Cupsogues pavilion.
The Cupsogue County Park in Westhampton is truly a local paradise. Enjoy long sandy beaches, a cabana, hiking trails, four-wheel access, free Wi-Fi, and the chance to spot local seals sunning on sandbars.
TIPS: Make sure to check out Tiki Joe’s Cupsogue formally known as the Beach Hut for seafood bites and drinks! This park is the best when it comes to off-roading and harbor seal watching.
FEATURES + AMENITIES: Cupsogue Beach is a 300-acre public beach that offers swimming, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and camping. The beach has a concession stand, shower areas, a changing room, and bathrooms. Open daily from dawn to dusk and lifeguard supervised during summer months. This is a Tier III beach. This park offers outer beach access weather and beach conditions permitting. Campsite: Remote Camping. Features: Outer Beach access. Dogs must be leashed and out of lifeguard area.
TRITON LANE “HOT DOG” BEACH
36 DUNE RD EAST QUOGUE NY 11942
Triton Lane is one of East Quogue’s many ocean beaches. Triton Lane is a popular place for resident families to hang out during the summertime, as no day passes are available for non-residents.
TIPS: Locals refer to this beach as “Hot Dog Beach” + Dogs Are Allowed at this beach.
FEATURES + AMENITIES: Southampton Town parking permits are required from July 1 to Labor Day. There are no lifeguards at Triton Lane, nor are there restrooms.
