Visitors head to the Hamptons in the summer to escape from the environs of New York City. Many restaurants, nightclubs and other merchants cater to the well-to do visitors that want to relax in style. There are other attractions to found here too, besides those that involve eating and carousing. The beaches, fishing, kayaking and other outdoor adventure are all here for those that like to enjoy them. You can also find golf courses, a lighthouse, museums and more.
Here is a shortlist of interesting local attractions that you may want to visit during your next Hampton’s vacation.
The Sag Harbor Whaling Museum
The 19th century whaling industry brought prosperity to Sag Harbor, which was once a busy port and hub for whaling. The museum tells the story of whaling, the economics of the industry and its significance and history in Sag Harbor. It is located at 200 Main Street, and is open every day during the summer.
Montauk lighthouse
New York’s first lighthouse, it began operating in 1796. To get there simply follow the Montaug Highway (Rte 27) to the eastern tip of Long Island and you will have arrived at the lighthouse. The area is set apart and a bit distant from the busier and more expensive villages and hamlets found in more westerly Hampton locations. It is worth visiting the lighthouse even just to go for a ride to see the end of the island.
Antiques
There are few centralized locations where you can find clusters of antique shops. Eastport, for example. Once a small village that was renowned as the duck capital of the world it now has many antique shops and dealers. You can see a list of antique dealers here:
The Beaches
So many nice coastline beaches are found in the Hamptons that they need to have their own webpage. Hampton’s beaches.
The Parrish Art Museum
A fine collection of American art, including significant holdings of local Long Island artists. Samuel Longstreth Parrish founded the museum to house art that he started collecting at the turn of the twentieth century. The first sign of the significance and potential staying power of the museum was seen when the original building had to be expanded in 1913.
The nine acres museum property features wonderful views of the Shinnecock Bay. These same views were painted many times by William Merritt Chase, one of the area’s most renowned artists. He ran an art school at the time that Parish started his museum. A sizeable number of Chase’s works are owned by the museum today.
25 Job’s Lane. Southampton
The South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center
If you visit the Hamptons with children that are curious about nature, the natural history museum is a must see. It is especially nice on a rainy day when you cannot go to the beach. The museum itself is set up like a self guided nature walk but is all inside. Here you can find interpretive information, hands on displays, nature talks and more. There is also an opporuntity to go outside if the weather is nice, as there is a nature trail and an outdoor observation deck.
377 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike. Bridgehampton.