Discover Hampton Bays: The perfect blend of laid-back charm and quiet luxury

Nestled between the vibrant waters of Peconic, Shinnecock, and Tiana Bays, Hampton Bays offers an idyllic escape with a laid-back charm distinct from its glitzy Hamptons neighbors like East Hampton and Montauk. From its rich history to its abundant natural beauty, this hamlet has everything you need for a perfect getaway.

A Step Back in Time

Established in 1740 as "Good Ground" and renamed Hampton Bays in 1922, this hamlet boasts a deep connection to its maritime roots. It's home to some of the most stunning waterfront properties in the Hamptons. While the historic Ponquogue Lighthouse no longer stands, the region's history is alive through landmarks like the Tiana Life Saving Station and Ellis Squires Sr. House.

Where to Stay

The Hampton Bays area offers a selection of charming accommodations that blend comfort, privacy, and the signature Hamptons style.

Explore StayMarquis' full list of available Hampton Bays area vacation rentals here.

Coastal Adventures

For water enthusiasts, Hampton Bays is paradise. Its three bays and the Shinnecock Canal create a haven for boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. If you prefer the open ocean, Ponquogue Beach offers a pristine shoreline perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply taking in the breathtaking views. Families will love Meschutt Beach County Park, where calmer waters, picnic areas, and playgrounds await.

At the beach pavilion, you'll find convenient amenities like outdoor showers, restrooms, and changing areas. Pack a gourmet lunch and enjoy it on the picnic tables on the outdoor deck or grab a quick bite at the concession center. Just north of the beach is the new Ponquogue Bridge, with the remains of the old bridge nearby, forming two jetties extending into Shinnecock Bay. Scuba divers can explore this area with caution, where starfish and crabs are often spotted. Park for free at the north end of the old bridge and take advantage of the fishing opportunities at Edward J. Warner Sr. Old Ponquogue Bridge Marine Park, which also offers a boat launch, picnic area, and scenic overlook.

Ponquogue Beach has a large parking lot with over 500 spaces, though it can get crowded on summer weekends, with up to 100,000 visitors. Parking fees are relatively high during the season, but it's worth the visit. The beach is just a short 10-minute drive from Hampton Bays.

Hampton Bays also offers guided tours such as Tiana Beach Tours and Sandbar Beach Tours, where you can enjoy unique aquatic experiences while exploring the area's scenic coastlines.

Shopping Delights

Hampton Bays boasts more waterfront dining options than any other Hamptons destination. Indulge in freshly caught seafood paired with stunning views of the bays. Along Montauk Highway, you'll find charming antique shops, family-owned boutiques, and cozy cafés perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

For an upscale shopping experience, be sure to visit Hamptons Luxury Boutique, Hampton House, and the Hampton Market Place. These high-end stores offer designer clothing, accessories, and home decor. Additionally, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's are perfect for those looking for luxury fashion and beauty products.

Excellent Dining

The Hamlet Market & Kitchen: On your way to the beach, stop in for breakfast at this local gem. The menu features everything from a classic egg sandwich to a kale, pineapple, and apple smoothie. Heartier sit-down breakfasts like pancakes and waffles are also available. For lunch, enjoy a variety of salads, sandwiches, burgers, and a kids' menu.
Cowfish: Enjoy panoramic views of Shinnecock Canal while dining at Cowfish. This New American restaurant, opened in 2012, has been a hit since day one, offering specialties like seafood, steaks, burgers, sushi, and salads. Try the seared ahi tuna with pineapple, coconut fried rice, and wasabi microgreens or the North Fork salad with brussel sprout leaves, manchego cheese, and macadamia nuts in a lemon mustard vinaigrette.
Edgewater: Savor the view of Shinnecock Bay while digging into lobster pasta with shiitake mushrooms or a calamari pizza at Edgewater. Known for large portions of Italian fare and fresh seafood, this eatery is a local favorite.
Canal Cafe: Serving everything from jerk chicken sandwiches to little neck clams and seafood salad, Canal Cafe offers casual dining with a great view of the canal and marina. It's a favorite among locals for its low-key atmosphere and friendly staff.
Rumba: Step into island time at Rumba, a Shinnecock Canal hideaway offering Caribbean-inspired cuisine and island-style drinks. Enjoy a passion fruit pina colada or prickly pear margarita while soaking in the view. Special tip: Accessible by water, take the water taxi that ferries visitors between Rumba and its sister eatery, Cowfish.
Guava: If you're in the mood for Latin flavors, stop by Guava Tropical Restaurant and Bar in downtown Hampton Bays. This South American-inspired menu pairs perfectly with margaritas and mojitos, and you can enjoy live Latin music while sipping on homemade sangria.
Oakland's: For the best sunset views, head to Oakland's Restaurant & Marina, located at the end of Dune Road. Sip a blood orange margarita while watching fishermen bring in their catch, or enjoy light bites like shrimp quesadillas and crab meat cocktails from their bar menu.

Things to Do

Water sports dominate in Hampton Bays, but even if you don't have a boat, you can still enjoy the water.

Paddle Boarding: Adventure Paddleboards offers hourly, daily, and overnight rentals. They also provide group and private lessons for adults, families, and kids (ages 12-17). After paddleboarding, join the Inn's Wednesday Food Truck night.
Fishing: You don't have to go all the way to Montauk to go charter boat fishing. The Shinnecock Star will take you and your group fishing on Shinnecock Bay, with rod, reel, bait, and tackle provided.
Beach Day: Head to Ponquogue Beach for a perfect beach day. Parking is available for a fee, and there are lifeguards, restrooms, and a snack bar. The bay side offers calmer waters for a swim, while the ocean side provides miles of sandy beach. Special tip: Oakland's is just down the road from Ponquogue Beach.

In Town

Shop at the Hampton Bays Farmers Market on Saturdays, open until September 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then take a leisurely stroll through Good Ground Park, located off of Squiretown Road, where you can enjoy 36 acres of parkland, an amphitheater, and free concerts and movies in the summer.

Hampton Bays is proud of its rich history, with more waterfront property and restaurants than any other Hamptons destination. It is the second largest fishing port in New York State (after Montauk) and was originally called "Good Ground" due to its rich soil, which Native Americans used to grow crops.

The Shinnecock Canal, one of the very few canals with locks, is a point of pride for the town. Dug by hand by Native Americans in the 17th century and later redone with a lock system in 1919, it provides easy access from Peconic Bay to Shinnecock Bay and out to the ocean.

Local Customs and Hidden Gems

The area's number one pastime is fishing, including sport fishing, deep-sea fishing, and spear fishing. Locals also enjoy boating and surfing.

For a hidden gem, visit The Inn Spot on the Bay, tucked away just before the Ponquogue Bridge. Offering amazing food, a real country experience, and rooms for rent, it's one of the area's best-kept secrets.

While Hampton Bays is easy to navigate by car, bicycles make it quite accessible as well. For families, it's an ideal location with activities such as swimming, sailing, surfing, paddleboarding, and more. Kids can also enjoy ice cream shops, Skidmore's Sports Shop, and plenty of parks.

Hampton Bays is a beautiful, small fishing village with some of the best beaches in the Hamptons and an inviting, family-friendly atmosphere. While it's known for its history and outdoor activities, the warm, small-town charm makes it a place to return to year after year. Hampton Bays is truly "The Heart of the Hamptons."