The Hamptons beaches that appear in magazine spreads represent maybe 20% of what’s actually available. The other 80% requires understanding a permit system so Byzantine that longtime residents still get it wrong, knowing which beaches match which activities, and recognizing that the best sand often comes with the most complicated access.

This guide covers both the famous beaches everyone knows and the quieter stretches that locals protect. More importantly, it explains how to actually get there and park without accumulating tickets that cost more than your lobster roll lunch.

Understanding the Permit System

Before discussing which beaches to visit, you need to understand why visiting them isn’t simple. The Hamptons operate under multiple overlapping jurisdictions, each with separate permit requirements, pricing structures, and enforcement calendars.

The Jurisdictional Maze

Town of Southampton handles beaches from Westhampton to Sagaponack. Village of Southampton controls seven beaches within its borders, including the famous Coopers Beach. Town of East Hampton manages beaches from Wainscott to Montauk. Village of East Hampton oversees five beaches including Main Beach. Sag Harbor has its own system. Permits from one jurisdiction don’t work in another.

That summer rental costing $50,000 per month doesn’t include beach parking. That’s a separate transaction requiring separate documentation.

2026 Permit Pricing

Southampton Town residents pay $50 for a full season permit. Non-residents pay $500 for a Southampton Town season pass. East Hampton Village non-resident permits cost $750 for the full season (May 15 to September 15), with only 3,100 available. These sell out within hours when they go on sale February 1st at 9 AM.

Town of East Hampton non-resident permits run $600 for parking. Daily parking at select beaches costs $50 through the ParkMobile app, available Monday through Thursday only at Main Beach Lot 2 and Two Mile Hollow Beach.

Village of Southampton offers daily parking at Coopers Beach for $40-50, making it one of the more accessible premium beaches for day visitors.

The Permit Calendar

Southampton Town requires permits on weekends starting Memorial Day weekend and seven days per week from late June through Labor Day. East Hampton Town requires permits year-round, 24/7, 365 days. East Hampton Village enforces from May 15 through September 15. Before and after enforcement periods, parking is free.

The Trophy Beaches

These Hamptons beaches appear on national rankings, draw the largest crowds, and offer the most developed amenities. They’ve earned their reputations.

Coopers Beach, Southampton Village

Dr. Beach named Coopers Beach the best beach in America for 2025, its second time topping the national list since 2010. The 500-foot stretch of grainy white quartz sand backs against large dunes covered in American beach grass, with views of Meadow Lane’s oceanfront mansions in the distance.

Facilities include lifeguards, restrooms, a snack bar, and chair rentals. The beach is well-maintained with regular raking and garbage pickup. Non-resident parking runs $40-50 daily, making it one of the few premium Hamptons beaches accessible without a season permit.

The Hamptons Free Ride shuttle provides free transportation from downtown Southampton to Coopers Beach in electric carts holding 6-8 people. This eliminates the parking cost and hassle entirely.

Best time to visit: September, when summer tourists have departed but ocean water remains warm.

Main Beach, East Hampton Village

Dr. Beach ranked Main Beach fifth nationally in 2025. The powdery white sand and crystal-clear water draw both celebrities and families. Facilities include a boardwalk, food shack, restrooms, showers, and lifeguards.

Access presents the primary challenge. Non-resident season permits ($750) sell out within hours of going on sale February 1st. Only 3,100 are available annually. Monthly permits run $250-300 depending on the month. Daily parking ($50) is available Monday through Thursday only through the ParkMobile app.

The Circuit provides free transportation within East Hampton Village to and from Main Beach, with stops at the LIRR Station, Jitney Stop, and Main Street. Service runs Monday through Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM all summer.

The parking situation has generated lawsuits, fistfights during permit sales, and ongoing controversy. Some argue this chaos explains why Main Beach consistently ranks below Coopers despite comparable sand quality.

Georgica Beach, East Hampton Village

Where Coopers and Main Beach draw crowds, Georgica Beach attracts those who prefer their sand with fewer people and more privacy. The 90-meter stretch of fine golden sand offers stunning views of East Hampton’s finest oceanfront estates.

The road to Georgica passes some of the area’s most valuable properties, making the drive itself worthwhile for architecture enthusiasts. The beach is popular among celebrities seeking discretion.

No concession stands exist, so pack your own provisions. Requires an East Hampton Village parking permit. The quieter atmosphere and celebrity-spotting potential make Georgica the insider’s choice among village beaches.

The Surf Beaches

These beaches draw surfers, bodyboarders, and those who prefer active water sports over sunbathing.

Ditch Plains, Montauk

The Hamptons’ premier surf beach draws riders from across the region. Located in central Montauk, Ditch Plains offers consistent waves more forgiving than other Atlantic breaks, making it suitable for intermediate surfers and families with older children.

The beach is narrow compared to the wide western beaches, with the focus clearly on the water rather than sunbathing real estate. A concession stand and restrooms provide basic amenities. The vibe trends younger and more casual than the Southampton beaches.

Parking requires a Town of East Hampton permit. The first paved lot at Ditch Plains accepts resident permits only, creating additional access challenges for visitors. Biking from town or parking elsewhere and walking remain popular alternatives.

Atlantic Avenue Beach, Amagansett

This lifeguard-protected ocean beach offers excellent surf conditions alongside family-friendly amenities including restrooms, a concession stand, and a surf wheelchair for accessibility. The waves draw serious surfers, but designated swimming areas provide protected space for those who prefer calmer water.

Town of East Hampton permit required. Daily parking available on weekdays for $50.

Flying Point Beach, Water Mill

Known for excellent surfing and boogie boarding conditions, Flying Point also offers volleyball, fishing, and kayaking. The beach provides a playground for families, lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and a mobile food stand.

Southampton Town permits required. ATVs and 4×4 vehicles can access the beach with a special Southampton Town Trustees permit, though driving is prohibited from 9 AM to 6 PM between Memorial Day and September 15.

The Family Beaches

These Hamptons beaches prioritize calm water, playground access, and amenities that make extended family visits practical.

Indian Wells Beach, Amagansett

Families with young children gravitate toward Indian Wells for its gentler conditions and dedicated playground. The beach offers lifeguards, restrooms, and a volleyball net. The calmer waters provide safer swimming for children compared to the open ocean beaches.

Resident parking only, making access challenging for visitors without East Hampton Town connections.

Havens Beach, Sag Harbor

This bay beach in Sag Harbor village offers calm waters, playground facilities, and views of Shelter Island in the distance. The gentle conditions make it ideal for young swimmers. Sailing boats passing through the harbor provide entertainment.

Location steps from Main Street means restaurants, shops, and ice cream are always nearby. The combination of beach access and village amenities makes Havens Beach particularly practical for families.

Ponquogue Beach, Hampton Bays

The ultimate family destination in the western Hamptons, Ponquogue offers volleyball courts, concession stands, picnic areas, and lifeguards. The wide beach provides ample space for spreading out. Boogie boarding is popular in the moderate surf.

Southampton Town permits required, but day passes are available, making Ponquogue one of the more accessible beaches for visitors.

The Insider Beaches

These beaches don’t appear on tourist lists, which is precisely why locals prefer them.

Sagg Main Beach, Sagaponack

Quality sand rivaling Coopers Beach with a fraction of the crowds. The trade-off involves fewer amenities and facilities. What you gain is space, quiet, and the feeling that you’ve found something others missed.

Southampton Town permits work here. Day passes available Tuesday through Friday, making weekday visits practical for non-residents.

Two Mile Hollow Beach, East Hampton Village

Known for exceptionally clear water, Two Mile Hollow attracts swimmers seeking the best visibility in the Hamptons. The calm tides and picturesque surroundings create conditions ideal for leisurely swimming and snorkeling.

Daily parking ($50) available through ParkMobile, making this one of the few East Hampton Village beaches accessible to non-permit holders.

Gibson Beach, Southampton

For those who find Coopers Beach too crowded, Gibson offers a more subdued alternative nearby. The atmosphere trends quieter without sacrificing sand quality.

Gin Beach, Montauk

This hidden gem features sparkling turquoise waters unusual for the Atlantic coast. The secluded location keeps crowds away, creating a peaceful atmosphere rare during Hamptons summer months.

The State Park Beaches

Four Montauk beaches operate as New York State parks, offering an alternative permit system through the Empire Pass program.

Hither Hills State Park

Camping, hiking trails, and ocean beach combine in this expansive Montauk park. The beach provides a different experience from the manicured village beaches, with a more rugged, natural feel.

Empire Pass ($80 annual) or daily parking fees provide access. The pass works at most New York State parks and beaches statewide.

Camp Hero State Park

The former military installation at Montauk Point now offers beach access alongside hiking trails and historical radar tower ruins. The beach is less developed than other options but provides a unique setting.

Strategic Beach Access

Without resident permits, accessing Hamptons beaches requires strategy rather than spontaneity.

Daily Parking Options

Coopers Beach (Southampton Village) offers daily parking for $40-50. Main Beach and Two Mile Hollow (East Hampton Village) offer $50 daily parking Monday-Thursday via ParkMobile. Mecox Beach (Bridgehampton) accepts day passes Monday through Friday. Sagg Main Beach takes day passes Tuesday through Friday. Foster Memorial Long Beach offers daily passes seven days per week.

Free Transportation

The Hamptons Free Ride shuttles visitors to Coopers Beach from downtown Southampton. The Circuit provides free rides to Main Beach from East Hampton Village locations. The Hamptons Hopper offers free bus service along its Montauk Loop from late June through Labor Day.

The Bicycle Solution

No permits are required for bicycles at any Hamptons beach. Southampton’s bike-share program provides convenient access without needing to transport equipment. Cycling to the beach eliminates parking fees entirely while providing exercise and avoiding traffic.

Timing Strategies

Weekday visits face less competition for daily parking than weekends. Early arrivals secure limited daily spots before they fill. September offers warm water, smaller crowds, and free parking at many beaches after Labor Day.

Beach Rules Worth Knowing

Dogs are prohibited on most beaches between May 15 and September 15. Outside this period, dogs must remain leashed within 300 feet of road endings. Swimming is only permitted when lifeguards are on duty, typically 9 AM to 5 PM during season.

Alcohol consumption is prohibited within 1,000 feet of road endings at Town of East Hampton beaches. Beach bonfires require permits. No unauthorized commercial activity is permitted.

Lifeguard schedules and beach operations can change based on weather. Check local beach reports before heading out.

The Beach Hierarchy

Understanding Hamptons beaches means recognizing what each signals about the people who choose it. Coopers Beach draws those comfortable with visibility and social scenes. Main Beach attracts the East Hampton establishment and those who’ve mastered the permit system. Georgica appeals to those who value privacy over amenities. Ditch Plains signals an active, athletic orientation. The bay beaches suggest families and those prioritizing calm water over waves.

None of these choices is wrong. They simply reflect different priorities. The best beach is the one that matches what you’re actually looking for, not the one that topped this year’s ranking.

Social Life Magazine has spent over two decades covering Hamptons life. We navigate the permit system annually and know which beaches deliver on their reputations.

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