The Hamptons | |
|---|---|
Region | |
| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Suffolk |
| Towns | Southampton East Hampton |
| Time zone | UTC−05:00 (Eastern Time Zone) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−04:00 (EDT) |
| Area codes | 631,934 |
The Hamptons are a group of seaside communities on theEast End ofLong Island inSuffolk County, New York. The region consists of the towns ofSouthampton andEast Hampton which form theSouth Fork of Long Island. The area developed from early agricultural and fishing settlements and became a well-knownseaside resort and summer colony by the late nineteenth century.[1]
The Hamptons extend eastward fromWesthampton toMontauk. TheAtlantic Ocean forms the southern coastline, while bays such asShinnecock Bay andGardiners Bay lie to the north. Communities in theTown of Southampton includeWesthampton Beach,Quogue,Southampton Village,Bridgehampton,Sagaponack, and part ofSag Harbor. TheTown of East Hampton includesEast Hampton Village,Amagansett,Springs,Wainscott, andMontauk. TheShinnecock Reservation of theShinnecock Indian Nation is located within the Town of Southampton.
Early settlement and trade linked the Hamptons closely to coastalNew England, particularlyConnecticut, and these connections influenced town layouts, which in some villages resemble those of New England coastal towns. The extension of direct rail service fromNew York City in the late nineteenth century led to rapid growth as a seasonal destination, especially in Southampton Village, while other communities developed more gradually.[2]
Artists have been associated with the Hamptons since the nineteenth century. Studios, schools, and seasonal artist communities formed in Southampton and Springs, and they remain part of the region’s cultural identity.[3] The region also hosts recurring cultural events, including theHamptons International Film Festival, held annually at venues across the South Fork.[4]
The Hamptons are home to several prominent sporting venues.Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton has hosted theU.S. Open Championship on multiple occasions, including in 1896, 1986, 1995, 2004, and 2018.[5] Polo and equestrian events are held seasonally, including matches organized byBridgehampton Polo Club.
Although widely known as a resort area, the Hamptons retain active farms and vineyards. The population increases sharply during the summer months and declines in winter, giving the region a strongly seasonal character.
The Hamptons are connected to New York City and the rest of Long Island by road, rail, and bus service. Major roadways includeMontauk Highway andSunrise Highway. Passenger rail service is provided by theLong Island Rail Road via theMontauk Branch, with limited year-round service and expanded seasonal schedules.[6]
Private coach bus operators, includingHampton Jitney andHampton Luxury Liner, provide frequent service between New York City and communities throughout the Hamptons. Local bus routes operated by Suffolk County serve connections within the region.
The Hamptons have frequently been depicted in film as a setting associated with wealth, leisure, and social exclusivity.
Television series have frequently portrayed the Hamptons as a seasonal retreat for elite or socially prominent characters.
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40°53′5.752″N72°30′3.82″W / 40.88493111°N 72.5010611°W /40.88493111; -72.5010611
