A beach day in East Hampton

East Hampton is two governments in one day. The Village runs the ocean beaches from Main Beach to Two Mile Hollow, with lifeguards 10am to 5pm and a flag system. The Town runs Maidstone Park Beach in Springs, on the bay, with its own guards and a pavilion. The plan uses both.

Parking and permits are on Hamptons Beach Pass, and food on Eat Hamptons' East Hampton page.

1. 9:00amWalk Wiborg Beach or Egypt Beach, the unguarded Village beaches, before the guards come on.
   
2. 10:00amSwim at Main Beach once the lifeguards are on duty. Read the flag first.
   
3. 1:00pmLunch in the Village, then a break from the sun.
4. 2:30pmDrive to Maidstone Park Beach in Springs for bay swimming, the playground and the covered pavilion.
   
5. 5:00pmGuards go off duty. Stay for the picnic area, open to sunset.

Rules to remember

Dogs are not allowed on Village beaches 9am to 6pm from May 15 to September 15, so this plan leaves them at home. The Village bars vehicles from its beaches during the same hours. A catered event of any size at Main Beach needs a Village special event permit. The swim flag guide has the colors.

Swaps

For fewer people, use Two Mile Hollow instead of Main Beach. For surf, swap the morning for Georgica’s break. The surf guide explains it.