The Essence of Hamptons Bays
Sandwiched between Great Peconic Bay and Shinnecock Bay, hence its name, Hampton Bays further boasts a portion of barrier island along the Atlantic Ocean, the iconic Shinnecock Canal and Shinnecock Inlet, and numerous creeks and ponds. Originally called Good Ground for its abundant waterways and wildlife for hunting and fishing, the Indigenous land and English colony evolved into today’s well-rounded hamlet in the Town of Southampton catering to year-round residents. Convenient to surrounding areas through New York State Route 27 and Montauk Highway, it’s also an ideal home base for visitors of America’s oldest inn and more recent boutique properties.
Nearby Neighborhoods:
East Quogue, Shinnecock Hills, Southampton
Culture & Attractions
Peek into the past with the Hampton Bays Historical & Preservation Society’s lectures and sites such as Prosper King House, Lyzon Hat Museum and Canoe Place Chapel-turned-event space that’s well over 200 years old. (Even older is the Ellis Squires House dating to the late 1700s.) Most hotels and restaurants (Canoe Place Inn, Cowfish, Oakland’s) offer live music during summer, on top of the Town’s complimentary concerts and movie nights at Good Ground Park and Ponquogue Beach. The former draws crowds for the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Fall Festival, while Hampton Bays Fire Department hosts the Hampton Bays Carnival Week, Thanksgiving Turkey Trot, Good Ground Holiday Gift Fair, and Holiday Tree Lighting with Santa. Main Street Holiday Stroll brings more cheer. Celebrate local heritage at San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons with fireworks and Hampton Bays St. Patrick’s Day Parade by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, America’s oldest and largest Irish-Catholic fraternal organization.
Dining & Shoppping
More than a vacation getaway, the historic Canoe Place Inn & Cottages dating to the late 1600s attracts non-guests for Good Ground Tavern’s classic and veg-forward dishes. The Hampton Maid’s R.AIRE favors tastes of Spain, including paella. For water views, dock at sister restaurants Cowfish (American) and Rumba (Caribbean). Though known for chops and specialty burgers, 1 North Steakhouse’s menu is much broader. Venture east on Montauk Highway for Matsulin’s pan-Asian cuisine, Mexican-themed El Mariachi and Buckley’s Inn-Between that touches on Irish pub fare. Find Italian favorites at Villa Paul, Edgewater, Scottos and Francesca’s, which makes ice cream too. On Dune Road, marina restaurants include neighbors Oakland’s and Sundays on the Bay. When cooking seafood, start at Out of the Blue and Lighthouse Seafood markets, both of which have onsite cafés, and order delivery from Catch of the Hamptons. Balance Gemelli Gelato’s nearly 30 flavors with the Honest Plate’s health-focused meal plans and grab-and-go items. Shop the East End’s sole Macy’s, and go antiquing at James Maguire and Good Ground. Skidmore’s Sports & Styles has been counted on for timeless goods and trends since 1970. Bon Amour Flower Boutique arranges grand bouquets, and freshen up your garden at Hampton Nursery & Landscape.
Leisure, Nature & Wellness
Cross Ponquogue Bridge to sun and swim at Ponquogue Beach, and picnic and bird watch at Old Ponquogue Bridge Marine Park. Farther west on Dune Road lies Tiana Beach and its restored, 19th-century Tiana Life Saving Station. Families with little ones prefer Great Peconic Bay’s lapping waters at Meschutt Beach County Park. West Landing and East Landing beaches, Southampton Peconic Beach Club and Squiretown Park, formerly Camp Tekakwitha, also run along the bay. Escape in nature at Sears Bellows County Park with camping, horseback riding and more pastimes, as well as Henrys Hollow Pine Barrens State Forest’s loop trail. In town, Good Ground Park features playgrounds, walking paths and an amphitheater fashioned from a natural bowl. Find peace and quiet at Foster Avenue Park or tons of activity on Red Creek Park’s hockey tile rink, skate park, cross-country trails, softball and turf fields, and tennis, pickleball and basketball courts. Brush up on your game at Hamptons Community Tennis Academy, and cast a line with fishing charters Shinnecock Star and Hampton Lady. EHP Hospitality Group operates full-service Shagwong Marina-Southampton with direct ocean access. Take classes at the Yoga House, Hampton Bays Pilates and Sculpt by Emily Tyson, and wind down at E Day Spa & Salon and massage heaven Be Thy You. In addition to Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care, the hamlet’s Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center and Southampton Animal Shelter care for the community’s animals.
