Long Island’s South Fork is known for its beautiful beaches, quaint main street shops and fabulous restaurants; there’s no better time to visit than late summer right before the fall season begins. In between Labor Day and that first day of Autumn, you can see both the very best weather on Long Island with the added bonus of smaller crowds as prime tourist season comes to a close. 

Whether you’re a local or a welcomed visitor, traveling to the South Fork is a must when it comes to a summertime visit. Here is our list of favorite spots when traveling out to the Southern East End of Long Island.

Beaches and Parks

Long Island is famous for its sandy beaches so of course we would start this list off with the best beaches and parks to visit out East! 

Cooper’s Beach

One of the most popular beaches on the South Fork, Cooper’s Beach of Southampton has rightfully been listed as a nationally-ranked top beach destination in the country. With its white sands and ocean views, beach-goers can enjoy its amenities, including a concession stand, bathhouse and chair and umbrella rentals. Daily parking is a bit pricey so riding your bike or taking an Uber might be a cheap way to enjoy this paradise location. 

Cupsogue Beach County Park

Cupsogue Beach is a great all-around option for everyone. They offer not only season passes for all Suffolk-county residents but anyone can purchase an affordable daily pass. There is a pavilion offering ocean-side food, cocktails and restrooms with live music every weekend night throughout the summer. Parking can fill up so you’ll want to arrive early. Plus, if you’re a RV-camping kind of family, Cupsogue has weekly campsite spots you can book throughout the summer for the perfect, on-site beachy getaway.

photo credits: left (Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cupsogue_Beach_County_Park); right (Montauk Lighthouse National Historic Landmark: https://montauklighthouse.com/) 

Montauk State Park

Located at the very end of the South Fork, Montauk State Park is well worth the traveling distance and traffic. It has beautiful end-of-the-world-feeling ocean views, various nature trails for hiking and the oldest New York State Lighthouse. 

Shopping

Some days you just need to take a leisurely stroll paroozing window shops eating a scoop of ice cream. The South Fork has just what the doctor ordered.

Southampton, East Hampton, Water Mill—What’s the Difference?

Cute main streets are across all of Long Island and there are many East End options when it comes to charming boutique shopping. Southampton, East Hampton and Water Mill are some of the most popular southeast spots for both locals and tourists alike. 

All three are classic Hamptons shopping; if you have seen a Long Island main-street shopping in a tv show or movie, it was likely filmed at one of these locations. So the real difference between the three are the actual individual shops you might find at each. No matter which option you choose, you can’t go wrong!

Surfer’s Delight: Montauk Hwy Shops

Nicknamed The End, Montauk town boasts of locally-owned townie shops with a low-key surfer vibe. Steps away from the ocean, this strip of stores and restaurants has the most unique coastal feel well-worth the time it took to get there. We know, we know, traffic’s a…bleep. The best approach is to just roll down those car windows and enjoy that travel time through cute beachy towns.  

Low-Key Westhampton Beach Main Street

If you’re looking for South Fork main street charm but less distance and smaller crowds, Westhampton Beach might be more your speed. There are local boutiques, many ice cream shops and its famous beach bakery to enjoy without the bigger flocks of people you might see further East. It has the added bonus of being on the west end of the South Fork requiring less time—and less traffic—to get there.

Restaurants

There are countless restaurants to choose from on the South Fork so we’re going to rapid fire a list of highlighted options, in no particular order, by location with brief descriptions.

photo credits: left (Duryeas Montauk: https://duryeas.com/); right (Cowfish Restaurant: https://cowfishrestaurant.com/)  

Westhampton & Hampton Bays

• John Scott’s Surf Shack, Westhampton Beach: Casual dining and drinks housed in a cool-mood surfer shack located on the bayside’s edge
• Dockers Waterside Marina & Restaurant, East Quogue: Upscale surf 'n' turf, bayside restaurant with chic outdoor bar & lounge
• Cowfish, Hampton Bays: New American cuisine with beautiful canal views and super stylish decor
• Rumba, Hampton Bays: Caribbean-inspired food and rum bar with low-key reggae vibe

Southampton, Water Mill & Sag Harbor

• Tutto Il Giorno, Southampton: Modern furnishings and an intimate garden set the scene for classically inventive Italian food
• Le Chef, Southampton: French-continental bistro serving lunch & a nightly fixed-price menu in a cozy setting
• Calissa, Water Mill: Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with beautifully stylish space and outdoor patio
• Page at 63 Main, Sag Harbor: Locally inspired New American food presented in bright, coastal-chic quarters in the heart of main street

East Hampton & Montauk

• East Hampton Grill, East Hampton: American standards such as steak & ribs in an airy bistro with an open kitchen & bustling bar
• Coche Comedor, Amagansett: Year-round restaurant serving Mexican cuisine inspired by local products and featuring a lively bar
• Duryea's Montauk, Montauk: A self-serve seafood eatery with breathtaking waterfront views 

Venture Out in Style

Atlantic & Sound’s beach collection is great for your adventures out on the South Fork this summer. Our Long Island designs are fun, colorful and great for the whole family. With beach towels, hats, shirts and bags, you’re sure to find something that fits your style. 

View the entire collection by clicking here.

What’s Your Favorite?

There are so many great locations and attractions to visit on Southeast Long Island. Our list only scratches the surface when it comes to unbeatable views, remarkable food and cherished locations hosted by the South Fork.

Did your favorite South Fork spot get mentioned? Comment below with your beloved picks, insider local tips that everyone should know, or can’t-be-missed places that are must-shares.