Elegantly weathered cedar-shingle villas and architectural masterpieces with ocean-front views. World-class shopping and top-tier performing arts. Expect buckets (and spades) of downtown charm, entertainment and pristine sandy escapes in Westhampton Beach. Considered the laid-back, quieter sister to Southampton and East Hampton – it’s a subtle mix of small-town living with an upmarket cosmopolitan vibe.
BEACHES
For powdery-soft white sands, rolling Atlantic surfing waves, and peaceful, uncrowded shores there’s Rogers Beach or Pike's Beach along Dune Road. Protected and vast Cupsogue Beach on the East side is just as pretty, and you’ll feel comfortably catered for thanks to showers, gourmet food shacks, and plenty of space (and parking) for everyone. It’s the perfect beach to simply flop, swim and sunbathe, or dance under the stars to live music. To explore the shoreline, rent kayaks and paddleboards at the nearby Marina.
FOOD & WINE
From just-caught fish and free-range meats to spice rubs and homemade honey cakes; the plumpest fruit and vegetables, cheese and wines. Saturday mornings are a foodie’s paradise at the Farmers’ Market on the Village Green. Whether you visit a beachside restaurant for a snack and locally brewed beer, or sit down to fine dining and cocktails on the waterfront, seafood is always on the menu. Try the New England or Manhattan clam chowder, fried local oysters, blue claw crab cakes, tuna burgers and, naturally, the famous lobster roll – served with chilled mayonnaise or hot, melted butter in a toasted bun.
ACTIVITIES
Follow the red or green hiking trails across Quogue Wildlife Refuge, weaving through woodlands filled with oak and rare dwarf pine trees and spotting bird colonies and resident deer milling around the ponds. There’s also a nature centre here that looks after rescued owls, tortoise and foxes. Back in town, Glover’s Fountain Park is picnic-perfect with its beautiful fountain, bocce courts and shaded seating areas. Monday night is movie night on the expansive Great Lawn. And if you fancy a show, you’ll find dance, comedy and theatre at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center.
Between January and April join a guided Winter Seal Walk to see wild harbor seals basking and fishing along the shore