Arts and history. Wineries and farms. Incredible natural wonders. The East End is rich with gems from the North Fork to the South—and we’re delighted to share with you a few of our favorites. The following guide presents an invitation to experience the Hamptons in a new way, no matter the time of year. In the summer, hikes around state parks are a natural draw; in the cooler months, expansive apple orchards and wineries beckon.... And, as always, our talented Concierge and Front Desk teams are your go-to resources for more information.
- On This Page:
- Arts & History
- Wineries & Farms
- NATURAL WONDERS
ARTS & HISTORY
Custer Institute and Observatory
Long Island’s oldest astronomical observatory, established in 1927. Featuring views of some of the darkest skies on Long Island as a result of the comparatively lower levels of light pollution in the area.
Open year-round
1115 Main Bayview Road, Southold
CusterObservatory.org
631-765-2626
East End Seaport Museum and Marine Foundation
Exhibits, lectures and events abound at this beautiful museum set by the Bug Lighthouse. Interactive exhibitions include the Village Blacksmith shop, a replica of a building that dated from the 1870s. (Visit on weekends and watch the blacksmith at work and learn about this historic trade.) In addition, Bug Light Cruises & Tours host a two-hour boat cruise and tour of this East End treasure.
Open seasonally
100 3rd Street, Greenport
EastEndSeaport.org
631-477-2100
Madoo Conservancy
An ever-changing and horticulturally diverse garden with historic structures established in 1967 by the intensely-passionate Robert Dash. With the eye of a great colorist, Dash painted garden gates bright green and a Chinese pavilion violet. In a garden with an abundance of greens, these bold surprises make you smile and acknowledge that gardening, while backbreaking work, should be a joyous endeavor.
Open seasonally
618 Sagg Main Street, Sagaponack
Madoo.org
631-537-8200
Parrish Art Museum
An art museum focusing extensively on work from the artist colony of Long Island’s South Shore and North Shore.
Open year-round
279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill
ParrishArt.org
631-283-2118
Peter Marino Art Foundation
A museum exhibiting more than 200 artworks from The Peter Marino Collection, including paintings, sculpture, drawings, photography and ceramics from 3500 BC to the present day.
Open year-round
11 Jobs Lane, Southampton
PeterMarinoArtFoundation.org
Sag Harbor Whaling Museum
A museum set in an 1845 Greek Revival mansion housing the largest collection of whaling equipment in the state of New York.
Open seasonally
200 Main Street, Sag Harbor
SagHarborWhalingMuseum.org
631-725-0770
The John Steinbeck House
The former home of writer John Steinbeck, who purchased the house in 1953. Steinbeck wrote The Winter of Our Discontent here, and he began his cross-country journey chronicled in Travels with Charley: In Search of America from his Sag Harbor home.
Open seasonally
Reservations are required for visits
SteinbeckHouse.org
WINERIES & FARMS
Bridge Gardens
A five-acre gem in the heart of Bridgehampton, featuring a unique public and demonstration garden with undulating hedgerows, a wide variety of native and non-native perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees.
Open year-round
36 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton
PeconicLandTrust.org
631-283-3195
Harbes Family Farm
A family favorite! Seasonal activities, U-picks, and festive events at this charming farm in Mattituck, featuring barnyard adventures, fresh produce, delicious foods, and Harbes’ selection of carefully crafted wines.
Open seasonally
715 Sound Avenue, Mattituck NY
HarbesFamilyFarm.com
631-482-7641
North Fork Wine Tours
Personalized guided wine tours, specializing in small and large group tours.
Open year-round
714 Main Street., Greenport, NY
NorthForkWineTours.com
631-723-0505
Sylvester Manor Educational Farm
A 1737 Manor House, a restored 19th-century windmill, an Afro-Indigenous burial ground, and a working farm along with educational, history, heritage and cultural arts programs open to all.
Open seasonally
80 North Ferry Road, Shelter Island
SylvesterManor.org
631-749-0626
The Milk Pail
A farm family tradition that began in the 1640s, The Milk Pail Fresh Market is known for its in-seaon fresh produce and for having local apples well into the following summer.
Open seasonally
1346 Montauk Highway, Water Mill
757 Mecox Road, Water Mill, NY
Milk-Pail.com
631-537-2565
Macari Vineyards
A nearly 500-acre vineyard and farm offering a variety of guided tasting experiences for small and large groups, each led by a Macari Wine Educator. Tasting experiences are available by appointment on a covered deck or in a barrel cellar.
Open year-round
Reservations required for tastings
150 Bergen Avenue, Mattituck
MacariWines.com
631-734-7070
Wölffer Estate Vineyard
With a rich history dating back to 1988, this esteemed estate specializes in producing premium wines, from crisp Chardonnays to elegant Merlots. Visitors are invited to savor the essence of the region through guided tours and tastings.
Open year-round
139 Sagg Road, Sagaponack
Wolffer.com
631-537-5106
NATURAL WONDERS
Camp Hero State Park
A 754-acre state park occupying a portion of the former Montauk Air Force Station, with wooded areas, ocean vistas, beaches and wetlands, plus trails for hiking & biking.
Open year-round
1898 Montauk Highway, Montauk
Parks.NY.gov
631-668-3781
Ditch Plains Beach
Located on the Montauk Peninsula, this popular beach is noted for excellent surfing and body boarding. Canine friends are also welcome at sunup and sundown.
Open year-round
18 Ditch Plains Road, Montauk
EHamptonNY.gov
631-324-2417
Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge
A 187-acre peninsula consisting of upland forest, fields, ponds, salt marsh, beach and a lagoon. These habitats are used by an incredible variety of wildlife.
Open year-round
2595 Noyac Road, Sag Harbor
FYS.gov
631-286-0485
Mashomack Preserve
Edged in white by 11 miles of coastline, Mashomack on Shelter Island is considered one of the richest habitats in the Northeast. The preserve covers over 2,350 acres of interlacing tidal creeks, mature oak woodlands, fields, freshwater marshes and underwater lands. Featuring eight beautiful walking trails of varying lengths.
Open year-round
79 South Ferry Road, Shelter Island
Nature.org
631-749-1001
Montauk Point State Park
Montauk Point State Park offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean where it meets the Block Island Sound. The view is unique because, when the water is calm, visitors can clearly see the “race” of converging tides from the Atlantic and Block Island Sound. Visitors can also use the nature trails to hike.
Open year-round
2000 Montauk Highway Montauk
Parks.NY.gov
631-668-3781
Shell Beach
For a serene and tranquil beach visit, this narrow stretch of land extending into Shelter Island Sound features warm waters, vibrant flowers, and stunning vistas.
Open year-round
West Point Neck, Shelter Island Heights
Shinnecock East County Park
This rugged, undeveloped barrier beach includes both ocean and bay beach recreation areas.
Open seasonally
Meadow Lane, Southampton
SuffolkCountyNY.gov
631-852-8839
Related Stories
Jump a Little Higher
In her 20s, Molly Barthel enjoyed cruising the waters of Long Island Sound with a group of friends on a small wooden boat. “We had the time of our lives...”
Healing Waters
We know from experience that being near the liquid energy of the ocean makes us feel better. But what’s actually going on to create this H20-triggered high?
Makers of Merry
It began as a conversation over cups of hot chocolate in the lobby of Congress Hall during the 2010 Christmas tree-lighting ceremony...