Westhampton Beach

Westhampton Beach is a village in the Southeast Coastal Region of Suffolk County on Long Island, New York. Westhampton Beach is commonly known as a summer town on the east end of Long Island that is of the community of towns known as The Hamptons.

Get in
To get to Westhampton Beach one could use a car, train, ferry, or airplane.

By car
If you are driving to Long Island, depending on where you are coming from, you have the option of driving through New York City, New Jersey, or New York State, over a bridge and onto the Island.

Once on the Island, drivers will typically take the Long Island Expressway, or I-495 to exit 70. Continue traveling east until you merge onto NY-27, also known as Sunrise Highway. The Westhampton Beach exit is 63. This exit turns into Old Riverhead Road South and you can take Old Riverhead Road south until the end to reach Montauk Highway.

By train
Long Island travel by train is typically occupied by the Long Island Railroad. There are many stations that include the LIRR but a train to the actual Westhampton Beach train station is typically hard to find. A more popular option is to take a LIRR train to the Ronkonkoma train station and then hail a taxi for the rest of the 35 minute trip to WHB. Trains to Ronkonkoma can be picked up starting in Penn Station and other trains stations going east that are on the Ronkonkoma line.

By ferry
Travelers also have the option of taking a ferry to LI. The majority of those who take advantage of this usually come from the New England area. The most popular course is from New London, Connecticut with the Cross Sound Ferry that will take you to Orient Point on the tip of Long Island's north shore. The trip is an average of one hour and 20 minutes. Cars are allowed on board for about $55 and walk-on tickets are generally $15.75. Be sure to make a reservation for your car ahead of time if you do drive on. Once on the island travelers would drive west through the north shore, south to the south shore and then east to Westhampton Beach. There are public bus systems that run from the ferry if transportation is an issue. Visit the ferry's website for more information.

By plane
The closest airport to Westhampton Beach is Gabreski Airport, typically used as an airforce base and to fly the President of the United States and other government officials onto Long Island. However, there are several other airports on the island as well. Traveling east the first airport is JFK in Queens, a huge airport and supplies many international flights. If you are coming from another country and would like to visit WHB, then JFK is most likely where you would fly into. Once in New York there is the option of renting a car or taking a bus through LI. Another option is LaGuardia, also in Queens, NY. LaGuardia is used almost as much as JFK. There is also the option of renting a car or taking a taxi or a bus once off the plane. Finally there is McCarther airport in Islip, much closer to Westhamtpton Beach. At the arrival of your flight you will be about 45 minutes west of WHB in comparison to an hour and a half.

Get around
If you are visiting WHB in the summertime, taxis are much more popular yet very expensive. Depending on your length of stay it may be smart to rent a car from an airport if you do not bring your own. The town itself is relatively small and if you stay close enough to it and don't plan on leaving during your visit then a bicycle may be all you need. However, many visitors of the Hamptons travel to more than one hampton during their stay and transportation is crucial. It is recommended to have a car for flexible travel options.

See
The number one recommended thing to see while in Westhampton Beach are the beaches themselves. The Hamptons are known for their gorgeous beaches and relaxing summer spots. Westhampton Beach has some of the most beautiful beaches in all the Hamptons. The beaches are found on Dune Road, a road sandwiched between the bay and the ocean. The road stretches on for miles and go through many different towns on the south shore. Different beaches in different towns can be found and visited if you prefer to visit a beach somewhere in The Hamptons besides WHB.



Do
Besides going to the beach, which is the most popular summertime activity in WHB, there are other options in the town as well.



Buy
Westhampton Beach is notorious for its shopping. The town is constantly buzzing with shoppers. Main St. in town features over 30 shops for clothing, antiques, bathing suits, shoes, souvenirs, ice cream/candy, surf needs, tennis needs. There are stores for men, women, and children of all ages, especially for clothing.

Clothing

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Eat
Going out to eat is one of the most popular pastimes for a vacation in Westhampton Beach. There are countless restaurants and small dives in town and just outside. The summer season is when these businesses thrive. Here are a few:


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Non-alcoholic
Besides having the option of buying drinks such as sodas, juices, vitamin water, etc. in a deli or restaurant there are also a few stores in WHB that specialize in drinks.



Bars
Besides its beaches, The Hamptons is known for its night life as well. There are several night clubs and bars in the area that are popular places to get together with friends, have a few drinks, and enjoy the summer.

In WHB town Margarita Grille serves margaritas and more. You can choose between in-door or out-door dining or come later at night for a drink with friends.

If you are in the mood some something a little more beachy, John Scott's restaurant and bar is right on the bay on Dune Road. A small bungalow surf spot, John Scott's is hopping on Monday nights for 20 cent chicken wings and cheap beer. It is a much more relaxed environment yet you must be 21 years old to be let in.

Also, check out The Mill Roadhouse for dinner and drinks.

Bars and nightclubs in other towns are also popular for those staying in Westhampton Beach. Such places are The Drift(night) or Neptunes(day) (off of Dune Road in Hampton Bays), White House(off of Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays), Beach Bar(Hampton Bays), Top of the Wharf (off of Dune Road in Hampton Bays) The Boardy Barn (off of Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays).



Sleep
Westhampton Beach is a summer town and the majority of people who visit rent houses. Houses can be rented weekly if the visit is short but many visitors people have their own summer home in the area that they use annually. There are a few bed and breakfasts in the area as well.

The closest hotels are in Riverhead. Some options are:



Go next
If during your stay in Westhampton Beach you would like to get out of town and make a few day trips to other areas, here are a few options.


 * New York City is about a 2 and a half hour car ride and makes for a perfect day trip of sight seeing and shopping.
 * Fire Island is only a short ferry ride away. Spend the day on small privates beaches and walking along with wooden boardwalks that weave throughout the island.
 * Shelter Island is another popular place to make a day trip. It's sandwiched between the forks of Long Island.
 * East Hampton
 * Southampton
 * Bridgehampton
 * The Town of Riverhead is the closest town to WHB with a lot to do. If you are looking to shop on perhaps a rainy day, Riverhead is perfect to take a day trip to.