If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, a weekend at the Hamptons may be just what you need to refresh and recharge your spirit. Although it’s known as a summer destination, the amount of activities available and its thriving art community has made it perfect for a getaway all year round. Some parts of the Hamptons have a reputation for being expensive holiday destinations since it could cost you well over $400 a night to book a room in these areas. However, even New Yorkers who are on a budget can enjoy a weekend here since there are some inexpensive accommodations, as well as budget-friendly places that lets you know about the history of life in this seaside community. Here’s how to plan an inexpensive yet fun getaway at the Hamptons.
Know the Right Time to Visit
If you want to have an inexpensive holiday, you’ll need to plan well in order to stay within your budget. Apart from getting advice from someone who’s privy to recommended places in the Hamptons, you also need to know when to visit to get the lowest hotel rates. Keep in mind that hotel prices typically go up between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Data from Aug. 1-31 in 2021 recorded that it cost around $432 a night to stay at an East Hampton hotel, while staying at Southampton will set you back by $421 a night.
Your best bet is to go on the second weekend of September since that’s when most of the tourist crowds have returned home, so hotel rooms are likely to be cheaper. If you’d rather go during the summer months though, then find an Airbnb instead of a hotel since you’re likely to get lower rates that way. You can rent a room in East Hampton that’s close to the beach for about $105, while renting a three-bedroom home in Southampton will cost around $130 a night.
Get the Most Out of Your Beach Day
The Hamptons features several stunning beaches where you can spend the day swimming, playing water sports, or sunbathing. Although most of the beaches are open to the public, you’ll be required to have a seasonal parking pass, which can cost well over $400 in some areas. If you’re staying at an AirBnb, ask the owner if the rent comes with a seasonal pass since some rental home owners lend them out to their guests. If not, it may be better to leave your car and just walk to the beach. Note that you may have to pay $150 if you park without a pass, so it’s better to just walk to avoid paying the fee.
The beaches are typically open from 8AM to 6PM, and you can start by visiting the Main Beach in East Hampton. It’s close to a lot shops, and it also connects to other beaches like Georgica Beach. It also has a snack bar and bathrooms, so you can spend the whole day here with your family and friends. For those who want to visit an accessible beach, check out the Atlantic Avenue Beach in Amagansett, which has wheelchair accessible bathrooms, and they also rent out beach wheelchairs to guests.
Look for Cheap Eats
Food can be expensive in some parts of the Hamptons, but you can also find a lot of places to get cheap but delicious food. For organic roast chicken and amazing clambakes, there’s the Silver Lining Diner in Southampton. If you’re craving for barbeque, head to TownLine BBQ in Sagaponack for beef brisket, St. Louis ribs, or pulled pork. Meanwhile, fans of sea food should definitely go to Bostwick’s Chowder House at East Hampton for clam chowder, lobster, oysters, clams, and seared tuna, among others.
The Hamptons has a reputation for being a playground for NYC’s rich and famous, but it’s also a place where regular folks can recharge and unwind. Consider these tips for an amazing yet inexpensive weekend getaway, and have fun in the Hamptons without going overbudget.