"The Hamptons" isn't one place — it's a string of distinct villages along Long Island's South Fork, each with its own character. If you're deciding where to base your trip, here's how Westhampton Beach compares.
Closest to the city
Westhampton Beach is the first of the Hamptons villages you reach from New York City — about 90 minutes versus the two-plus hours it can take to reach East Hampton or Montauk. For a weekend, that extra time saved on each end is real.
A relaxed, walkable village
Westhampton Beach keeps a low-key, community feel — a genuinely walkable Main Street with excellent restaurants, boutiques, galleries, and a performing arts center, without the scene-y intensity some associate with the towns farther east.
The same spectacular beach
Crucially, the Atlantic doesn't change from village to village. The barrier-island beach off Dune Road is as beautiful as any in the Hamptons — arguably quieter than the better-known stretches. You get the iconic Hamptons beach with less of the crowd and less of the drive.
When to venture east
Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, and Montauk all make great day trips for shopping, dining, or a change of scenery. Many guests base in Westhampton for the convenience and quiet, then explore east for a day.
Common questions
Is Westhampton Beach a good base for exploring the Hamptons?
Yes. It's the closest village to NYC, has a lively walkable center and a beautiful beach, and puts the rest of the South Fork within an easy drive for day trips.
Last updated April 30, 2026.
Stay oceanfront on Dune Road
Our 6 and 8 bedroom homes sit directly on the beach in Westhampton Beach, with heated pools, hot tubs, and private beach access.
