What Summer in the Hamptons Really Feels Like in 2025
There’s something timeless about summer 2025 in the Hamptons. The blend of Atlantic air, wild roses on cedar fences, and chic New Yorkers in linen—it’s all still there. But this season, there’s a subtle shift in the energy. Travelers are seeking less fuss and more feeling. Less scene, more substance. And yes, they still want their oat milk lattes and lobster rolls too.
Whether you’re renting for the weekend, staying with friends, or making a quick trip from the city, this insider guide will help you navigate the Hamptons like a pro: where to eat, grab snacks, and actually relax without needing a reservation at Surf Lodge.
Where to Eat: Casual Luxury, Elevated Local
Duryea’s Montauk is still the ultimate iconic meal. White-washed picnic tables, crisp rosé, and the freshest seafood on the dock. It’s not new, but it’s never wrong. Go for the lobster cobb salad or grilled branzino, and stay for the sunset.
If you’re on the Sag Harbor side, The Beacon is your golden hour dinner winner. With bay views and an effortlessly upscale vibe, the menu highlights include local scallops, tuna tartare, and a grapefruit martini that’s somehow both citrusy and smooth.
Looking for something low-key and excellent? Head to La Fondita in Amagansett for tacos under string lights. It’s family-friendly, quick, and surprisingly satisfying. And for true locals-in-the-know vibes, brunch at Estia’s Little Kitchen in Sag is a must. Their huevos rancheros and zucchini bread are legendary.
Where to Snack: Farm Stands, Iced Coffee, and Beach Picnics
If you’re driving from the city, make Round Swamp Farm in East Hampton your first stop. It’s part gourmet market, part country charm, and completely addictive. Grab shrimp salad, their famous blueberry muffins, and lemon bars for the beach.
For iced coffee and pastry with real style, Jack’s Stir Brew Coffee in Amagansett hits the spot. Or swing by Carissa’s Bakery for artisan sourdough, sea salt chocolate chip cookies, and cardamom buns that belong in a coffee table book.
Want a low-key picnic setup? Head to Amber Waves Farm Market where you can build a beach-friendly box of sandwiches, sparkling water, and peaches picked that morning. Bring a blanket, bike to Atlantic Avenue Beach in Amagansett, and make an afternoon of it.
Where to Actually Relax (Without the Scene)
Skip the influencer-heavy hot spots and head to Cedar Point County Park near Sag Harbor. It’s peaceful, walkable, and ideal for catching your breath. Hike the pine trails or just chill by the water without seeing a single spritz.
Main Beach in East Hampton is still one of the most beautiful stretches of sand on the East Coast. Go early to claim your spot, and pack light. Just sunscreen, a good book, and maybe those muffins from Round Swamp.
If you’re in Montauk and need to get away from the noise, try Shadmoor State Park. It has dramatic bluffs, fewer crowds, and trails that make you forget you’re just two hours from Manhattan.
And if your idea of unwinding involves movement, Yoga Shanti in Sag Harbor offers morning and sunset beach classes that are grounding and gorgeous. The vibe is real—not performative wellness, just mats in the sand and fresh air.
Final Thoughts
Summer 2025 in the Hamptons doesn’t have to be about reservations, outfit changes, or celebrity sightings. It can be about quiet beaches, fresh peaches, and simple rituals that recharge you from the inside out.
Come for the food and the view, stay for the feeling of breathing deeper and finally slowing down. The magic is still here — just off the main road.
More from Healthy Living Magazine
Additional Resources
Duryea’s Montauk
Carissa’s Bakery
Round Swamp Farm
Amber Waves Farm
Yoga Shanti
Roz Mattei
Roz Mattei is Healthy Living Magazine’s Travel Correspondent, reporting from the crossroads of culture, wellness, and global living. With a deep love for slow travel, natural beauty, and the rituals that connect people to place, Roz explores how different cultures around the world nourish mind and body.
When she’s not discovering herbal hammams in Istanbul or learning olive oil tasting techniques in Crete, you’ll find her sipping espresso in a tucked-away piazza or journaling by the sea. Roz brings the soul of travel to every article she writes.
