We've had a place in East Hampton for 50 years and I love the beaches, but not Main Beach. Once a calm and lovely spot, it is now an overpriced, overcrowded venue for daytrippers and pushy parvenus. If you don't want to pay for parking and are looking for a better spot, hop on a bicycle and visit Georgica Beach about a mile south of Main or peddle to any one of the accesses to beaches north of Main all the way to Montauk. Any of these are nicer and offer a quiet,beautiful experience. The drawbacks, I would call it an advantage, no bath house or snack stands. Even more tranquility and better views are on the bay side. I laugh at the reviewers who said they didn't see waves. Yes, it's calm sometimes, but not that often. Don't tell me about Long Beach, the area lacks greenery and it's crowded. New Jersey? Even more crowded and dried out and they make you buy and wear a metal tag to go on the sand. Nowhere else in the U.S. does this. I've been to beaches in Hawaii, the Costa Brava, Maine and Florida and the East Hampton beachfront (minus Main Beach) is a pretty good match. Just avoid the people- there are plenty of sparsely occupied places. ...read more

Overall, East Hampton offers not only beautiful beaches, but a beautiful town as well. The village has managed to keep its historical charm, from the colonial buildings to the peaceful beaches. Some may argue that the Hamptons aren't worth the drive, money, or don't live up to their hype. These people are mistaken. Yes, there may be other beaches all along Long Island, but none compare to those of the Hamptons, especially Main Beach. Main may be expensive to get into, but it is for a reason. Not only is it gorgeous and clean, but is significantly less crowded than other Long Island beaches. Main also provides extremely clean bathroom facilities, lockers, and plentiful parking. The rich and famous spend time in the Hamptons, and for a reason. The beaches are not only beautiful, but manage to keep the charm of a time now passed. ...read more

The Hamptons has to be one of the most overrated beaches (not to mention the most expensive) on Long Island. The famous & not so famous pack their bags on Friday afternoon & spend hours traveling to get there & many more to get home. Once there you have to wait for everything.People are snotty stuck up & annoying. A quieter & friendlier alternative abt. 25 miles outside NYC easily accessible by LIRR or car it's LONG BEACH. Long Beach offers exclusive private homes, apartment rentals, and oceanfront condos. The beach is public and charges a nominal fee. There is a $5 million dollar fishing pier and recreational center. Dozens of restaurants offering all different types of cuisine. Also consider the private oceanfront communities of Lido Beach, Atlantic Beach or Point Lookout. HAPPY SUMMERING (probably not if you travel to the Hamptons). ...read more