Things To Do
in Hampton Bays

Local oysters from Shinnecock Bay are a must-try — served raw on the half shell at harborside restaurants and raw bars.

Must-Try!

A New England-style lobster roll made with fresh lobster meat, often served warm with butter or chilled with mayo at seasonal seafood shacks.

Creamy New England clam chowder made with local clams is a comforting classic available at many eateries.

Locally caught striped bass (rockfish) and fluke (summer flounder) appear on many menus; grilled, broiled or pan-seared preparations are common.

A seasonal market (spring–fall) offering farm produce, baked goods, seafood vendors and prepared foods — great for local produce and snacks.

Small seasonal stands near marinas selling fried clams, lobster rolls, oysters and other quick seafood bites — ideal for takeaway and picnic-style dining.

Follow posted beach rules, respect dune vegetation, and avoid disturbing nesting birds or protected areas. Pack out trash and use recycling where available.

Residents appreciate polite, neighborly behavior — greet shopkeepers and neighbors, keep noise down in residential areas, and observe quiet hours.

If boating, follow local speed zones, no-wake areas and harbor rules. Give right-of-way as required and watch for swimmers and paddlecraft.

Many properties are privately owned or second homes — respect private property and signage about access or parking.

Standard restaurant tipping is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for table service; $1–2 per drink for bartenders and $2–5 per bag for hotel porters. Tipping charter crews or fishing guides is customary (10–20%) depending on service.

Credit/debit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in year-round businesses; small seasonal stands may prefer cash. ATMs are available but can be limited near smaller marinas and beaches.

Peak season with warm weather, crowded beaches, seasonal businesses open and busy marinas. Book accommodations and restaurants in advance; expect traffic on weekends and high demand for boat rentals.

Shoulder season brings cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, good fishing and excellent bird migration viewing. Many eateries stay open through October, and rates are generally lower.

Quiet and much less tourist-focused; many seasonal businesses close or reduce hours. Expect cold temperatures, occasional Nor'easters, and fewer services, but good value for rentals.

Temperatures moderate, buds and migrating birds return, and seasonal businesses reopen. Weather can be changeable — bring layers and plan for sporadic rain.

Boardwalks and trails around marshes and tidal creeks offering short, scenic walks and birdwatching.

Dune walks and beachside trails with opportunities for coastal birding and long shoreline walks.

A short drive away, this refuge has marked trails, ponds and forested areas with good native flora and fauna viewing.

Areas along the Carmans River have walking paths and more secluded natural scenery suitable for hikes, paddling and fishing.

Located in Ronkonkoma (~30–45 minutes by car), this is the closest regional airport with domestic flights and convenient access to central Long Island.

Major international airport in Queens (~60–90 minutes by car depending on traffic). Offers the most flight options and car rental services; consider park-and-ride or shuttle connections.

Another New York-area airport (~60–90 minutes drive) serving domestic flights. Useful for regional connections but smaller international capacity than JFK.

Regional airports and private fields exist on Long Island; check seasonal services as availability varies.

Local families, retirees and service workers who live in the community year-round and maintain local businesses and schools.

Many people own or rent summer homes in the area; they increase population and demand for services during the summer months.

Weekend visitors and day-trippers from NYC and Long Island predominate in peak season, drawn by beaches and boating.

A working waterfront community includes commercial fishermen, charter operators and marina staff integral to local industry.

Angling is extremely popular — both inshore bay fishing for fluke and striped bass and offshore deep-water fishing for larger species are common activities.

Sailing, powerboating and yachting are central to local leisure, with regattas and charter outings in summer months.

Some nearby ocean-facing beaches support surfing when swell conditions are right; locals and visitors participate in surf culture into fall.

The East End has several well-known golf courses and private clubs popular with residents and visitors.

Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in big cities; look for salads, grain bowls, farm-stand produce and vegetarian-friendly cafés. Call ahead to confirm options during the off-season.

Vegan choices are incremental — some cafés and newer eateries offer plant-based sandwiches and dairy-free milks, but selections are best in larger nearby towns like Southampton or East Hampton.

Many restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests (gluten-free bread/pasta) but confirm cross-contamination policies if you have celiac disease.

Because seafood is central to local cuisine, inform staff about allergies; choose farm-to-table or vegetarian-focused menus when possible and consider cooking in rental accommodations.