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Visiting the Hamptons is one of the joys of summer outside the city. The luxurious South Fork of Long Island is known for its gorgeous beaches, pristine coastal towns, high-end shopping and farm-fresh produce. A favorite weekend getaway and vacation destination for celebrities and billionaires, the Hamptons is also home to nearly 75,000 residents year-round, though the population quadruples during the warmer months. That means more crowds, more traffic and more confused tourists.
The good news: The Hamptons doesn’t have to be some elusive place gatekept to those in the know. With a little research and friendly conversation, you can easily navigate your way out of the city and around the towns, enjoy the beach, local agriculture and food, and be a respectful visitor that won’t go viral online for bad behavior. Here are five mistakes to avoid making out East.
1. Driving in peak traffic
Sure, everyone wants to leave for the Hamptons on a sunny summer afternoon and make it back to the city by Sunday evening, but that’s where you’ve gone wrong. Heading out east or back to the city when everyone else is too is a big mistake. You’ll sit bumper to bumper (literally) on the Montauk Highway, either before or after being frustrated with the madness of the Long Island Expressway (LIE). Try to drive as early in the morning or as late as possible, be it the crack of dawn or long after dinner, to avoid the traffic and make the most of your time on the road. On weekdays, some off-peak times like lunchtime can also be good, just use a GPS app before planning your drive to see local trends.
2. Not having reservations
A spontaneous trip to the Hamptons always sounds like a good idea, but before you get in the car or hop onto the Jitney, do a little pre-planning. Properties book up well in advance of the season, meaning you may be stuck with wildly expensive options for accommodations—or none at all. Know where you’re staying before you commit to heading out. The same goes for restaurant reservations. While some more casual spots are walk-in only (be prepared to wait), most dinner tables are booked weeks in advance. If you don’t know where you’re dining, prepare to pick up takeout for a beach picnic (not the worst option!) or cook in your Hamptons accommodations.
3. Driving to the beach
New Yorkers are luckily not used to the car-based culture of Long Island, but that can be overwhelming when you have to drive almost everywhere. While many shopping centers and businesses are close to street parking or municipal lots, you’ll need to build in time to find a spot during the peak chaos of summer. Most spots are also limited to just a few hours before you get a ticket, so don’t plan to leave your car there all day. The beaches, in particular, can get tricky, with various permits and high fees ($50) for parking lots that fill up early. Consider biking or getting a rideshare or taxi to the beach to avoid a parking nightmare.
4. Bringing a city pace to the seaside
One of the perks of escaping the city is, well, not being in New York City. Sure, it’s the greatest place on earth, but taking a breather every so often lets you appreciate what you have. So while you’re away, enjoy the getaway and forget your typical borough-ingrained sensibilities. That is, be patient and kind and accept people’s personal space perhaps more than you’re used to. Making small talk while getting a coffee can be expected, not everything is done as fast or efficiently as possible, and that’s how it’s supposed to be. You can say good morning to strangers if you’re on a walk! Try talking to locals, be nice to servers (you may get a local tip, though those are usually gatekept from tourists for good reason), and of course, tip generously. Businesses also don’t maintain city hours, so expect coffee shops to close shortly after lunch, and dinner service to end around 10pm (if not earlier). Late-night takeout isn’t an abundant option, and if you’re ordering grocery delivery, preorder by at least a day.
5. Not exploring nature
Sure, the Hamptons is synonymous with chic villages by the ocean, but you’re in nature, enjoy it! The Hamptons is full of state and local parks to hike in, plus preserves and even sand dunes. Pack a pair of comfy shoes, tick protection and a water bottle to explore the trails in Napeague State Park near Amagansett, birdwatch and enjoy the fresh air at Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge in Sag Harbor, hike up the Walking Dunes Trail near Montauk and more local gems.