The Hamptons are considered one of the most famous destinations in the US for celebrities and the ultra-elite to escape during the summer months.
But many visitors don’t realize the area is also home to longtime locals, like me, who live here year-round. As someone who’s spent most of my life here, I’ve experienced a lot of what the area has to offer.
However, over the years, I’ve seen many less-experienced tourists make the same errors over and over. Here are five of the most common mistakes I see people make when visiting the Hamptons.
Believing the Hamptons are only for the rich and famous
When visiting the Hamptons in the summer, you may spot a celebrity, hedge fund executive, or fashion designer grabbing coffee or hanging out by the beach. But in reality, these people are only one tiny part of what the Hamptons are about.
For example, there are families who’ve been here for generations, living on land their ancestors owned. Many of them are “land rich,” but not necessarily wealthy in the way people assume.
The area is also home to many small-business owners who run the local grocery markets, delis, hardware stores, and boutiques.
Having grown up here, I’ve seen this side of the Hamptons my whole life. That’s why I truly believe this part of New York is for everyone, not just those with money.
Forgetting to take traffic into account when making plans
When it comes to driving in the Hamptons, miles don’t equal minutes. Even a trip 5 miles down the road can be time-consuming because traffic can get backed up pretty quickly.
For example, I never recommend traveling from East Hampton to Southampton between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. during the week, when it can take over an hour to drive less than 15 miles.
This is because most tradespeople — like landscapers, plumbers, electricians, and builders — who work at the estates are leaving during that timeframe.
Likewise, in the morning, traffic can also get backed up as early as 5 a.m., when the workers are arriving to start their day.
Overall, it’s very important to leave plenty of time to get from one point to another.
Only visiting the most popular parts of the Hamptons
Every summer, I watch tourists flock to popular villages like Sag Harbor, especially on rainy or cloudy days when going to the beach isn’t an option.
However, there are so many beautiful places in the Hamptons with fewer crowds. For example, there are lots of unique activities, walking trails, and campgrounds across the area.
One of my favorite spots to escape with my kids is Longhouse Reserve, an expansive walkable sculpture garden in East Hampton. I also love visiting the Channing Daughters Winery in Bridgehampton.
Relying on public transportation to get around
Unfortunately, in my opinion, the Hamptons lack reliable public transportation.
Although we have buses and trains, I often find that they either get delayed during the busy summer months or do not run very frequently.
I think renting a car is the best way to get around reliably. However, Uber, Lyft, and taxi services are good options if you’re looking to catch a ride.
Planning on having a late night out
Although the nightlife scene in the Hamptons has been picking up over the last couple of seasons, late-night options are slim overall, and many popular venues have lines out the door. If you’re looking to have a late night, Sag Harbor is probably your best bet.
It’s also important to remember that very few restaurants are open late (many close around 10 p.m.). If you plan to eat out, I suggest getting to the restaurant early.
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