Westhampton Beach, NY
$25 Parking Fee
Optimum Seasons: Summer
Tiana Beach is all the way east on Dune Street. I choose this beach over Rogers because Rogers is private for residents only. But Rogers is far more convenient! Anyway, the drive to Tiana is spectacular. Here is where you can spot 50 million dollar homes and dream big! Tehre is a myth that you have to get here before noon to find a spot in the lot, but the people by the entrance assure that the 800 spot lot never fills up on weekends. And I always see people strolling in hours after I arrive. So if this is the truth, go a little later as your children might get naggy at a beach for that long.
There is a concession stand but you may want to bring some extra food regardless! I love this beach because the coast line is nearly on the parking lot, so you don't have to schlep a long distance. The water is also extremely clean and the beach is far more private than those you'll find closer to NYC!
Kill a few birds with one stone: The closest of all the Hamptons, I find Westhampton extremely charming and much more kid friendly than neighboring Southhampton. Westhampton Bakery is my personal favorite. It has a wide variety of foods on its menu, you can dine inside or outdoors on its adorable patio, and you will never have a custard croissant quite like theirs. Tip: beat the after-beach traffic so you can get your hands on one of these before they run out! I love their Napoleon, pizzas, seared tuna dish, and most everything I try here.
Also, 4th of July (or another date depending on when they do the fireworks) is a wonderful time of year to come here. The fireworks on the Great Lawn on Main Street are magical and start around 9:15pm. Worth it to drag out your kids bed time! Tip: beat the after-beach traffic so you can get your hands on one of these before they run out! I love their Napoleon, pizzas, seared tuna dish, and most everything I try here.
For a list of other beaches, click here.
Click on the gallery above (best viewed on a desktop for captions), the videos below to get a better sense of the area, and add your feedback by clicking on the comments section below! Follow me on instagram and facebook for live adventures. And share with your friends if you appreciate this page.