Hamptons Beach Day
Menu

Beaches in Hampton Bays

An ocean beach, a stillwater bay beach and a wild barrier beach, all within minutes.

Hampton Bays is the one South Fork town where an ocean beach and a calm bay beach are both a short drive: Ponquogue Beach on the Atlantic and Meschutt Beach County Park on Great Peconic Bay. Two quieter options sit on the ocean side: Shinnecock East County Park, an undeveloped barrier beach by the inlet, and the Town’s unguarded Sand Bar Beach on Dune Road.

That mix lets you match the beach to the day. On a flat, hot afternoon Meschutt is the better swim; on a day with surf and a lifeguard flag, Ponquogue is the ocean choice.

The pick, by need

  1. Ponquogue Beach

    The ocean beach with a pavilion, food concession and volleyball

    Atlantic Ocean · Lifeguards in season

  2. Meschutt Beach County Park

    Stillwater swimming, a playground, kayak rentals and a food concession

    Bay · Lifeguards in season

  3. Shinnecock East County Park

    Striped bass fishing, outer-beach camping and long, quiet walks

    Atlantic Ocean · No lifeguards

Every beach in Hampton Bays

Three beaches, three jobs

Beach Water Run by Best for
Ponquogue Beach Atlantic Ocean Town of Southampton Swimming with guards, a snack bar and volleyball
Meschutt Beach County Park Great Peconic Bay Suffolk County Parks Small children, kayaks and calm water
Shinnecock East County Park Ocean and bay Suffolk County Parks Fishing, walking and camping
Sand Bar Beach Atlantic Ocean Town of Southampton A quiet, unguarded stretch of Dune Road

Ponquogue frequently reaches full capacity on summer weekends, according to the Town, so arrive early or plan on the bay. Meschutt sits on the east side of the Shinnecock Canal. Shinnecock East has no lifeguards or restrooms listed; it is for people comfortable on their own.

The Town of Southampton bans dogs at its beach facilities from April 1 to October 1. The county pages list no dog rule. For permits and parking see Hamptons Beach Pass.

Stay in Hampton Bays

Renting in Hampton Bays for the summer or the year? Hamptons Key lists monthly, seasonal and year-round homes there from the brokers who hold them.

See current Hampton Bays rentals →

The rest of the trip

Sources

Checked October 2026. Rules, hours and fees change; the operator’s posted signs win. How we check.