If you are visiting New York City, a trip to East Hampton must be on your to-do list. It’s the ultimate vacation destination and millions of tourists troop here every year. There’s everything for everyone whether you travel alone, with family or friends. It boasts incredible sites and attractions for visitors from parks, museums, historical sites, magnificent East Hampton hotels, local cuisine at fantastic restaurants, rose wine tours and tastings, beach parties and much more.
One of the main reasons would-be visitors stay away from East Hampton is because the destination has built a reputation as a playground for the rich and famous. Well, you will be surprised by the things you can enjoy on a budget here. If you have always wished to visit East Hampton, this article offers tips on how to do this on a budget. Keep reading.
One of the main reasons would-be visitors stay away from East Hampton is because the destination has built a reputation as a playground for the rich and famous. Well, you will be surprised by the things you can enjoy on a budget here. If you have always wished to visit East Hampton, this article offers tips on how to do this on a budget. Keep reading.
Photo credit: Antonella Bertello
1. Get to the East End on the Cheap
You don’t need a helicopter to get to the village unless you have around $3,000 to spend on short helicopter hop to Southampton. The Hampton Jitney from midtown NY to Montauk is a cheap and exciting way to get to your destination. At only $53, you have yourself a round trip and you will get to enjoy the sights during the tip. Another option is the $44 round Long Island train ride from Penn Station to Amagansett.
2. Find Cheap Accommodation
When visiting any destination on a budget, one thing you should never compromise on is the accommodation. You should always go for affordable but high-quality accommodation. Your safety comes first when choosing the best hotels and luckily, there are fantastic lodgings in the villages.
If you want to save money on accommodation, choose a vacation rental or an off-the-beaten-path hotel. The location determines how much you pay per night and the best thing about this destination is that the beach and other attractions are easily accessible from any location. To save money, choose a hotel a little further from the beach and use a bike to explore the village.
3. Explore the Free and Affordable Attractions
There’s a lot to see and do in East Hampton but you have to pay for some of these attractions. Luckily, there are still some amazing affordable attractions including Ponquogue Beach Hampton Bays, Montauk historic lighthouse and free admission at Parrish Art Museum on Wednesdays.
Other budget-friendly activities include free evening summer concert series, a visit to the serene LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton’s Northwest Woods, Cupsogue Beach County Park on holidays, Gosman's Dock Montauk, bike rides around the village and the beaches, wineries, and vineyards on the North Fork of Long Island, among other cheap activities.
4. Affordable Dining
Good food is one of the major reasons to visit the Hamptons, and you don’t have to worry about paying through the nose. This destination welcomes tourists from all walks of life and you will find eating spots with an affordable menu without compromising on the quality of food you eat.
Photo credit: Antonella Bertello
Even the cheapest eating joints still give that characteristic Hamptons dining feel from the Candy kitchen, Silver’ restaurant, Fresno and Nick & Toni's, ohn's Diner and John's Pancake House in Montauk among other budget dining options. If you choose to stay in a vacation rental, you can pick fresh produce at the local roadside farm stands or farmers markets and prepare healthy and affordable meals for your family.
5. Shopping on a Budget in the Hamptons
The main streets of Hamptons feature high-end brand shops ranging from the Brooks Brothers, Coach to Tiffany & Co and if you are on a budget, this is not where you want to shop. There are thrift shops and other outlets where you can get discounted designer items.
Tanger Outlets in Riverhead boasts hundreds of discount designer stores and all these are close to the beautiful Sag Harbour. You can also find souvenirs at the market or street stands and these unique items will give you nice memories without running your travel budget.
6. Explore the Hamptons on Foot/Bike
Forget about cabs when visiting the Hamptons and instead, use a bike to explore the villages. You will see more and interact with the attractions at a closer range.
Walking is also a great option as you will find many interesting sights and a chance to interact with locals and other tourists. This is one of the safest destinations in NYC and you can always walk around without any fear.
7. Head To The Beach When Lost For Options
East Hampton boasts fascinating beaches and you can always visit these and unwind if you have nowhere else to go. There are always people having fun and the restaurants around the beaches offer delicious tastes. You can relax and enjoy the sun or have fun on the water.
Photo credit: Antonella Bertello
Affordable beaches include Atlantic Avenue Beach, Coopers Beach, Sagg Main Beach, Ditch Plains Beach, Ponquogue Beach in Hampton Bays and Pikes Beach in the Village of West Hampton among others. You should always consider the availability of parking if you have a car and the cost of parking.
There you have it; visiting East Hampton doesn’t have to cost arm and leg. You can explore the villages on a budget and have fun alone or with family and friends. There are affordable East Hampton hotels, dining options, sights and attractions and so much more you can do and see on a budget.
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About the Author:
Antonella Bertello Owner of Baker House 1650 in East Hampton, New York, Ms. Bertello likes to share travel-related articles about East Hampton and the surrounding area. She also occasionally writes articles on the topic of travel, hotel, and lifestyle. |
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