One person's chic is another person's "pretentious and there is another side to the Hamptons as well. For visitors of regular means, there is a variety of affordable activities including many seafood shacks and low-key cafes. In addition, the area is popular with surfers and beachgoers for a reason; namely, it has some of the most naturally beautiful beaches in the northeast. When it comes to finding a place to stay, visitors will find that there are not many hotel options; however, there are numerous bed and breakfasts along with local inns. One tip for keeping the cost of a Hamptons vacation down is to visit during the week and to visit in the fall.
Getting Around the Hamptons
The ease of getting around depends largely on the time of year. As a beach-focused destination, this part of Long Island is (understandably) packed in the summer. Traffic can pose a problem. It is often suggested that visitors should pick a Hampton and stay there to avoid the congested roads. Visitors who choose to drive will have to deal with traffic as even the “secret” shortcuts tend to be packed with cars. The fall is considerably less hectic and is the prime season for activities such as beachcombing and visiting farmer's markets.
Many of the Hamptons' beaches require permits and parking can be expensive, this is one of the reasons visitors are advised to get around via taxi. Walking or bicycling is another good way to experience the area and both are popular activities with residents and vacationers alike. Trains can get visitors to the Hamptons and help them to get around as well; the Montauk Branch of the Long Island Railroad brings visitors in and takes them around for a reasonable fare. There are five trips daily from Manhattan's Penn Station. For those who prefer to go by bus, the Jitney Line makes over 20 trips per day. The Hampton Luxury Liner is the other bus option; trips on these buses come with complimentary snacks and movies. For those who prefer to drive, the LIE or I-495 are the fastest routes and have the added benefit of taking travelers through all the communities in the Hamptons.
Things to Do
There are still things to do in the area even for those visitors who are not interested in looking at celebrities or spending their days on the beach. One of the main options is art; there is a thriving art scene with many galleries that have nightly art shows during the season. There are even a couple of museums for visitors who are interested in the area's history.
By the rest of the country's standards, The Hamptons is relatively small; however, there is a lot packed into its roughly 30 miles. It may take a little searching for newcomers to find the Hampton community that feels right for them; until they find it, they should explore and enjoy all that this part of Long Island has to offer.
