Anyone else feeling the “holy cow, where did summer go?!” vibes this week? Us too. But while summer may be coming to a close, autumn holds the key for a laid-back Hamptons getaway. Everything slows down in the Hamptons after Labor Day. The East End takes on the vibe of a movie-like small town. You’ll find empty beaches where you can finally take that surf lesson (or bring your pooch bestie), restaurants with little to no waits serving up autumnal dishes and countless seasonal activities (hello, corn mazes!). Here, the 23 best things to do in the Hamptons this fall.
25 Things to Do in the Hamptons This Fall
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Published Aug 25, 2022
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1. Practically Private Beaches
Little-known fact: September is the best time to go to a beach in the Hamptons. The weather is still mild, and you have the sand virtually to yourself. Take advantage of the empty beaches and finally take that surf lesson.
2. Kickstart Your Fall Workout Routine
Back to school, back to the office and, yes, back to the gym. Upgrade your workout routine with a high-energy Spin class at the Southampton Spin Studio at Southampton Gym.
3. Cozy Up with a New Read
Pretty soon the nights will cool down and you’ll want to sit by the fire, with a glass of wine and a good book. Pick up some new fall reading at BookHampton. Need a book recommendation? Check out our book reviews.
Château Minuty and Destination Haus
4. Toast to an Endless Summer
Château Minuty believes in an endless summer. Chase the sunset a little bit longer with Château Minutyand Destination Haus’ “Boat to Table” experience. Sip on French rosé while exploring the beautiful waters of Montauk lake. Email hello@destinationhaus.com for bookable packages accommodating up to six guests.
5. Host a Private Omakase Dinner Party
After a long hot summer, slow down with an intimate, unique omakase dinner party for your squad. Ten Homakase operates in the Hamptons year-round, bringing a customizable omakase experience to any private space.
6. Pick Your Own Apples
Admit it, you’ve been dreaming about pie. Us too. Pick your own apples for pie making at Water Mill’s Milk Pail, open starting Labor Day Weekend for U-pick.
7. Take a North Fork Getaway
From the lush farmlands to the quiet beaches to the quaint towns, Long Island’s North Fork is full of charm and tranquility. Check in to the charming Menhaden hotel for a North Fork fall weekend getaway.
8. Go Pumpkin Picking
Your Instagram feed has been waiting for pumpkin season. Snap some pics and pick out a pumpkin when Hank’s Pumpkintown returns on September 10.
9. Take a Hike
Now that the weather is finally cooling down it’s the perfect time to immerse yourself in nature. Lace up your sneakers for a hike in gorgeous Shadmoor State Park.
10. Hop the Ferry and Dine at Léon 1909
Léon 1909 debuted on Shelter Island in August and if you haven’t had a chance yet to dine at the relaxed restaurant it’s more than worth the ferry trip. Léon’s Provençal-style menu is the type of unfussy seasonal dishes we crave. We can’t get enough of the scallop crudo and you can’t go wrong with the handmade pastas.
The Clam Bar
11. Eat a Hamptons Lobster Roll
Who says you can only eat lobster rolls from May through September? The Clam Bar continues to be open seven days a week.
12. Get Yourself Some Apple Cider Doughnuts
Three words: apple cider doughnuts. Get them at Fairview Farm at Mecox before heading into the corn maze.
13. Don’t Miss Sag Harbor’s American Music Festival
Dance the night (and day) away at the Sag Harbor’s American Music Festival, September 22 to 25. The annual festival has something for everyone from musical puppet shows for the kids to Americana, Southern Rock, Latin Fusion and others.
Elaia Estiatorio
14. Get a Taste of Greece in Bridgehampton
As the bustle of the Hamptons summer season ends and the last Labor Day weekend crowd departs, there is no better time to try Elaia Estiatorio. The Bridgehampton restaurant brings a true taste of Greece with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, carefully-curated cocktails and Greek wines.
15. Get Cultured
Immerse yourself in art at the Parrish Art Museum. Joaquín Sorolla and Esteban Vicente: In the Light of the Garden is at the museum through mid-October, followed by
Denise Silva-Dennis’ Wunne Ohke–The Return to Good Ground.
16. Take Your Dog to the Beach
Gather up your canine BFF squad. There’s nothing better than watching a dog run joyfully on the beach and most Hamptons beaches allow dogs off-leash anytime during the off-season.
Rita Cantina
17. Catch Up with Friends Over a Margarita
What better way to enjoy post-LDW Hamptons bliss in September than with a margarita? Settle into Rita Cantina and enjoy a hibiscus margarita. Hungry? Order some Queso Fundido to share or the Fluke Ceviche with guava & passion fruit leche de tigne.
18. Make It a Movie Night
See the year’s most buzzworthy movies before anyone else. The Hamptons International Film Festival takes place from October 7 to 16.
19. Make Time to Watch the Sunset
Autumn sunsets are the best. Savor one without the crowds at The Beacon.
20. Take in a Show
Catch one of the performances at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. The year-round center features comedy shows, musical acts and films.
21. Go Ice-Skating
Take your favorite person ice-skating at the Southampton Ice Rink when it reopens in October. Afterwards indulge in some hot chocolate at Sant Ambroeus.
22. Have a Shake
There’s no such thing as too cold for ice cream. Treat yourself to a shake at LT Burger.
23. Get Spooky in East Hampton
Tell your own ghost story this Halloween with a hike through the historic ghost town in East Hampton. Afterwards stop into BookHampton and pick up a few ghost stories to tell around the autumn fire pit.
24. Host a Clambake
Don’t put away that Solo Stove firepit just yet—use it to host a clambake in your backyard. Or just roast some marshmallows for s’mores.
25. Stock Up On Cider
Step away from the rosé and open a bottle of cider. Find the perfect hard cider complement to your Thanksgiving meal at Wölffer Estate.