Things to do in Hamptons, Long Island: The Best Nature & Parks

March 20, 2022 Joeann Galban

The legendary Hamptons, a cluster of wealthy enclaves on Long Island’s South Fork, remains a celebrity summer playground, with splashy restaurants and nightclubs galore. But lovely beaches, fishing and kayaking attract off-the-A-list visitors, as well. Old money oozes throughout Southampton, while new wealth reigns in East Hampton. Montauk is a hit with fishermen and surfers. The Long Island Railroad travels the Hamptons in an hour. The Sag Harbor Whaling Museum and Montauk lighthouse are popular stops.
Restaurants in Hamptons

1. LongHouse Reserve

133 Hands Creek Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937-3808 +1 631-329-3568 [email protected] http://www.longhouse.org
Excellent
90%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 112 reviews

LongHouse Reserve

Located in beautiful East Hampton, New York, LongHouse Reserve is a sixteen acre garden with established lawns, ornamental borders, plant collections and outdoor sculpture, planned by the internationally recognized textile designer, Jack Lenor Larsen. Mr. Larsen, along with the recommendations of the LHR Art Committee, has assembled a collection of over 70 sculptures for the gardens. LongHouse Reserve was established in 1991 and reflects founder Jack Lenor Larsen's desire to encourage creativity in gardening and in collecting and everyday living with art.

Reviewed By StephenCr0ss - Dublin, Ireland

Amazing gardens and wonderful place to see. It’s under refurbishment for the winter but the items are still amazing. Recommended

2. Madoo Conservancy

618 Sagg Main St, Sagaponack, NY 11962-2038 +1 631-537-8200 [email protected] http://www.madoo.org
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Madoo is an ever-changing, horticulturally diverse public garden with historic structures established in 1967 by artist, gardener, and writer Robert Dash in the village of Sagaponack, New York. At Madoo, a unique living tribute to the artistic imagination of its founder, we seek to continually engage, educate, and inspire our visitors. We are open Mid-May to Columbus Day weekend. Please email info@madoo for appointments at other times.

Reviewed By Goddessofthegrill - Sagaponack, United States

Went and wandered this amazing place. Met Alejandro who enthusiastically shared his wonderful views and history of Madoo. I almost felt like Alice in wonderland as each corner of the garden offered a new surprise. It’s peaceful and serene in places and other spots are full of the energy of the birds and other folks wandering the trail. It’s a great location, tucked into the way to the beach, and great local farm stands. The winery is close as well, so you can create a magical day just on one street off the main road in the Hamptons.

3. Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue

2746 Sound Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901-1113 +1 631-875-0433 [email protected] http://www.spiritspromiserescue.org/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 13 reviews

Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue

At Spirit’s Promise Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation, our mission is to rescue horses and other animals who have been abused, neglected, or unwanted. Farm Animal Tours, Horse Experience and Mini Horse Herding Experience

Reviewed By melissalZ7599TB

Took my 3 year old daughter for a drive thru visit yesterday and we all loved it! It was absolutely wonderful that they offered this during a time when we have to socially distance ourselves (COVID-19 time for anyone reading this later on). The staff was beyond amazing and friendly. They did not rush us at all during this visit and they each made my daughter smile and enjoy herself. We can not wait to go back!

4. Mashomack Preserve

79 S. Ferry Rd., Shelter Island, NY +1 516-749-1001 http://www.shelter-island.org/mashomack.html
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 136 reviews

Mashomack Preserve

This Nature Conservancy property spans 2,100 acres, and accounts for one-third of the land on Shelter Island.

Reviewed By debrak2

This is a great place for a hike, especially with the family. I went with my 2 daughters in their 20s and we chose the red trail (1.4 miles). The trail was easy (I have arthritis of the knees, so it was just fine) and it was clearly marked with benches along the way. Kids will really like the fact that you get to read one page of a children's picture book every few yards, so that once you finish the hike you finish the story. There is also a gazebo along the way with water views. A lovely experience ... highly recommend it!

5. Cooper's Beach

268 Meadow Ln, Southampton, NY 11968-4600
Excellent
67%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 347 reviews

Cooper's Beach

Scenic beach stretches 500 feet along the Atlantic shoreline offering a view of historic mansions in the distance.

Reviewed By Rtktennis - Southampton, United States

As nice as it gets. Great food at reasonable prices for the Hampton's Worth the parking fee if you can’t bike there. ..

6. Ditch Plains

Montauk Peninsula, Montauk, NY
Excellent
59%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 142 reviews

Ditch Plains

Located on the Montauk Peninsula, this popular beach is noted for excellent surfing and body boarding.

Reviewed By fuwa1818 - Cincinnati, United States

Beautiful in the mornings! Not very crowded and mainly friendly locals out on the water. Catch a lesson with Coreyswave if you'd like to learn. Surf is consistently good for beginners in the summer. IMPORTANT: If you're visiting, none of the lots are open to cars without an East Hampton beach parking permit. I parked in the free lot at Shadmoor State Park and took the 20 min walk to Ditch. Phenomenal way to start the day with a clear mind!

7. Tiana Beach

Dune Road, Hampton Bays, Southampton, NY 11946
Excellent
60%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5 reviews

Tiana Beach

8. Ponquogue Beach

Dune Rd. over Ponquogue Bridge, Hampton Bays, Southampton, NY 11946 +1 631-283-6011 https://www.southamptontownny.gov/977/Ponquogue-Beach-Pavilion-Redevelopment
Excellent
77%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 157 reviews

Ponquogue Beach

Reviewed By 376arthurh

This is one of my favorite beaches on Long Island. Has life guards, a concert series and a small concession stand as well as bathrooms during the summer season. Requires a permit or a day pass. Check out the Town Of Southampton website for details.

9. Hither Hills State Park

Old Montauk Hwy., Montauk, NY 11754 +1 631-668-2554 http://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/hither-hills-state-park/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NY&parkId=297
Excellent
59%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 204 reviews

Hither Hills State Park

Reviewed By CherryTravels17 - New Jersey, United States

My husband and I visited Hither Hills State Park on a Saturday. It is quite large and with minimal cell service in the area, we got lost looking for the Coastal Trail. We came across the Walking Dunes Trail by accident. (There was free parking on the street bordering the trail.) We only did the first loop but it was very unique and featured views of the water, dunes and forest. We later found the Coastal Trail and parked in the lot at the end of Navy Road. (Parking was free.) The trail was easy and had a nice mix of forest and water views.

10. Montauk Downs State Park

50 S Fairview Ave, Montauk, NY 11954-5240 +1 631-668-3781 http://nysparks.com/golf-courses/8/details.aspx/
Excellent
61%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Montauk Downs State Park

Reviewed By AmagansettGal

The new reservation service makes life a lot easier. There are still some cons, but overall the pros outweigh.

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