The Hamptons is a destination so mythologized—in film, in music, and in literature—that it’s tempting to think of it as a real-life Neverland. And it’s true, like clockwork, the jet-set crowd flocks to Long Island’s East End every summer in search of sun and a good time, often in the form of rejuvenating wellness experiences or booze-soaked parties along the coast. But despite the luxuriousness that blankets (almost) every surface from Westhampton Beach to Montauk, locals know the community charm extends far beyond what money can buy—or myth can capture.
Whether you’re stopping by Talya at Ruschmeyers for Mediterranean fare, strolling along Southampton’s Main Street in pursuit of a chic find at the Morphew or Brochu Walker shops, or closing out the night with romantic dinner at Fauna, there’s something for everyone here, from the chic scenester to the low-key diner. Despite decades of history in its stately architecture and beachside abodes, this particular group of towns knows a thing or two about never growing up. Ahead, everything we discovered along the way—including the best hotels, restaurants, and experiences on tap this summer.
What to See
Palm Tree Music Festival
No Hamptons summer is complete without an outdoor concert. Festival extravagance meets shoreside relaxation for one day only during Palm Tree Music Festival’s fourth-ever immersive show at Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach this Saturday, June 24. This year, headliner Kygo and Calvin Harris and additional performers Loud Luxury, Sam Feldt, and Chantel Jeffries will usher in summer for thousands of festivalgoers. Learn more about ticket packages here, including the highest-end $45,000 Blade experience that consists of a chartered direct flight straight to the action, with views of the stage and free food—of course.
Parrish Art Museum
With nearly 125 years of history to its name, the Parrish Art Museum boasts a thought-provoking array of primarily American art in all styles—and a chance to see up-and-coming creators exhibited alongside the greats. One of the few American museums that bathes its galleries in natural light, the Parrish’s building is its own masterpiece, inspired by the nearby barns in which local artists dream up their work. The Parrish also doubles as an ever-changing backdrop to some of the Hamptons’ best events, like its splashy fundraising gala held every summer. See what’s on display here before your trip.
Chanel
Let’s be honest, your summer could use a touch of glamour, and there’s nowhere better to find it than at Chanel. The French house once again unveiled its seasonal boutique in East Hampton—a 2,500-square-foot space adorned with classic Hamptons gray shingles—featuring two floors of handbags, accessories, fine jewelry, fragrances, and new releases from the Coco Beach and Métiers d’art collections.
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Where to Eat
Enchanté
The latest opening from EHP Hospital Group, the people behind EHP Resort & Marina and The Inn Spot, is Enchanté, a new French-inspired bistro in Southampton (formerly known as Red Bar) that serves up always-satisfying menu items like mussels and filet mignon. If you can’t make it overseas, this is the next best thing.
Sí Sí
Sí Sí in East Hampton offers Mediterranean food as picturesque and sumptuous as its marina views, especially when the sun dips beneath the trees. Seafood is Sí Sí’s forte, with the spaghetti vongole and olive oil poached halibut as standout dishes. But don’t skimp on the appetizers: The charred octopus and the mezze dip—tzatziki, chickpea hummus, and baba ghanoush served with grilled seasonal vegetables and pita bread—are among the best in the area. (Both are best enjoyed with a cocktail, such as the jalapeño syrup-infused Spicy Affair.) Dessert is not to be missed either: The orange cheesecake with caramel sauce and passion fruit sorbet is a decadent finish to an evening spent eating, drinking, and snapping a few pics by the water.
Calissa
An inconspicuous but delicious restaurant off Montauk Highway in Water Mill, Calissa considers itself “Mykonos in the Hamptons,” and the title is no misnomer. Whether on the patio or within Calissa’s cozy interior, executive chef Bob Abrams’s traditional Greek cuisine is only a forkful away. We suggest opting for the classics: For appetizers, order the heirloom tomato Greek salad, lamb keftedes, crispy calamari, and saganaki cheese; for dinner, grab a friend and share a whole fish. Whether it’s turbot, branzino, or red snapper, each one is simply prepared—grilled and drizzled in citrus, herbs and oil—but exploding with flavor. And don’t forget: no Greek extravaganza is complete without a finale of baklava.
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Where to Drink
Wölffer Estate Vineyard
A beloved Sagaponack staple since its founding in 1988, the Wölffer Estate Vineyard is a portrait of languid grandeur, with its rustic-modern tasting room overlooking verdant rows of glistening grapes. Order a charcuterie board and a glass of Wölffer’s signature Summer in a Bottle rosé for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or swing by the charming Wine Stand on Thursday through Sunday evenings to grab a bottle to-go. If you have time to spare, reserve a few hours to watch the sun sink down over the stables and grapes. Maybe even stick around for dessert, too—smooth-as-silk brandy and bon-bons are a testament to the old adage, “Life is short; eat dessert first.”
Sunset Harbor
One of the newest dining establishments out east, the waterfront Sunset Harbor is an exercise in creative synergy, from family-style sharing plates (don’t miss the shrimp scampi) to mouth-watering sushi rolls. But the cocktail menu alone is worth exploring as a group, preferably from a table overlooking the boats sailing in from the bay. (A pitcher of rum punch provided our table with more than its fair share of entertainment.)
The Surf Lodge
The now-legendary Surf Lodge in Montauk started out as a humble Irish dive bar, but has since emerged as the go-to spot, day or night. That’s largely due to its ongoing outdoor concert series; buzzy celebrity- and brand-hosted parties; sought-after suites; fashion pop-ups; and, yes, very good chicken tenders. This summer, the hotel is unveiling a new outdoor space, The Sandbar, a collab with CB2 showcasing furniture from the retailer, a new coastal menu by consulting chef David Boyle (think: clam ceviche and striped bass), and specialty cocktails like a toasted sesame highball made with sesame-infused vodka. Plan your visit in advance—space is almost always limited—but, if you can snag one, get a table by the water. Just make sure your sandals double as dancing shoes.
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Where to Stay
Canoe Place Inn & Cottages
What was originally the oldest inn in the country has been beautifully restored as the Canoe Place Inn & Cottages. Located in Hampton Bays just 90 miles from New York City, the canal-front property has 13 guest rooms, seven suites, and five guest cottages (complete with outdoor showers and fire pits); a restaurant and bar; a pool; and a spa, which uses products by sustainable beauty line Costa Brazil. The design is something to note here: interiors by the Brooklyn-based firm Workstead include clawfoot bathtubs, botanical-patterned wallpaper, striped awnings on balconies, and wood-burning fireplaces. There’s also a jam-packed events calendar—a recent party co-hosted by Blade and Monkey 47 celebrated the helicopter and jet service’s official gin partner.
Topping Rose House
Arguably one of the most sophisticated stays in an already posh locale, the Topping Rose House in the center of Bridgehampton takes a renovated 19th-century mansion and spins it into a tableau of modern magnificence. Guests can select from colorful studios, in-house suites, or entire cottages overlooking Topping Rose Farm and the heated outdoor pool, next to which visitors can enjoy seasonal cocktail service. Bikes and beach equipment are also available, and, thanks to an ongoing partnership with BMW, a complimentary car from the latest iX and XM ranges is always waiting to shuttle you anywhere within a 5-mile radius if you’ve had a little too much to drink. That’s luxury, friends.
Marram
A recent addition to the Montauk resort roster, the 96-room Marram is one of the more natural, earthy stays along the water, but don’t mistake its grounded aesthetic for a thoughtless approach. The hotel is bursting with mindful choices, from its mid-century modern-meets-Southwestern décor to its new South American café, Mostrador Marram, which hosts a master class in the art of paella-making. “Barefoot luxury” is the property’s motto, proving indulgence doesn’t necessarily need to mingle with excess to have the desired impact. Bonus: rooms are screen-free to avoid any television-prompted stress, so book an oceanfront King suite and graciously watch the tide roll in as you sip your morning coffee.
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Beauty Picks
Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum
Regular visitors to the Hamptons know the importance of an investment. And if you’re going to splurge on any one serum, invest in this one. This all-natural hydrating face oil is formulated with 22 of the most antioxidant and nutrient-packed essentials, which will restore your skin barrier and leave you looking and feeling hydrated. Sip too many espresso martinis at dinner? Slather this oil on, and you’ll be good to go.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
A powerful sunscreen is a must under the dazzle of the Long Island sun, and while there are numerous options to choose from, EltaMD’s lightweight tinted sunscreen is one of the best on the market. Luxurious but affordable, dewy but strong, the formula sits well even on skin prone to breakouts and hyperpigmentation.
Goop GOOPGENES Clean Nourishing Lip Balm
If a Gwyneth Kate Paltrow product wasn’t on this Hamptons-inspired beauty list, could you really trust our authority? Alas, here it is: This nourishing and hydrating lip balm took three years for the Goop team to formulate, and as GP herself puts it: “Worth it!” Ingredients like coconut, argan, castor seed, jojoba, and sunflower leave your dry or cracked lips feeling transformed.
Culture Writer
Lauren Puckett-Pope is a staff culture writer at ELLE, where she primarily covers film, television and books. She was previously an associate editor at ELLE.
Senior News and Strategy Editor
Alyssa Bailey is the senior news and strategy editor at ELLE.com, where she oversees coverage of celebrities and royals (particularly Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton). She previously held positions at InStyle and Cosmopolitan. When she’s not working, she loves running around Central Park, making people take #ootd pics of her, and exploring New York City.