Top Things to do in Hamptons
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What to do and see in Hamptons, Long Island: The Best Museums
The legendary Hamptons, a cluster of wealthy enclaves on Long Islands South Fork, remains a celebrity summer playground, with splashy restaurants and nightclubs galore. But lovely beaches, fishing and kayaking attract off-the-A-list visitors, as well. Old money oozes throughout Southampton, while new wealth reigns in East Hampton. Montauk is a hit with fishermen and surfers. The Long Island Railroad travels the Hamptons in an hour. The Sag Harbor Whaling Museum and Montauk lighthouse are popular stops.
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1. The Thomas Halsey Homestead
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Thomas Halsey was one of founders of Southampton in 1640. He purchased this homestead in 1648 to start a farm and raise a family. The Halsey House was built by his son Thomas Halsey, Jr. in 1683. It was a simple two story, two room cabin which can be identified on the exterior by the diamond pattern windows. A two room extension was add in 1730. This historic house museum is open to the public on Saturdays from July to mid-October between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. It features historic furnishings reflecting a colonial farm family in 1750 and an exhibit on the Shinnecock Tribe with a recreated Woodland Period Village c. 1,000 CE with hands-on activities for children.
2. Art Southampton 2015
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. South Fork Natural History Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By T2592XBhollyc
If you're vacationing in the Hamptons, make sure to include a visit to the South Fork Natural History Museum in your itinerary. The museum features interesting exhibits that both adults and kids can enjoy. My husband and I really liked learning about the different ecological features of the area and the animals that inhabit them. The museum features a touch tank and other live animals (fish, amphibians, lizards, etc). The museum staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Behind the museum building is a beautiful butterfly garden and a system of trails. My husband and I hiked along the trails and saw several deer. Our visit to the museum was a highlight of our vacation.
4. Mulford Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The Mulford Farm, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1680 and appears, mostly intact, as it was in 1750. The house features a collection of colonial furniture and objects, and the grounds include a 1721 barn, smokehouse, outhouse, and historic cutting garden.
5. Hallockville Museum Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Find out what life was like on a typical farm on the North Fork of Long Island from 1880 to 1920 by visiting the wonderfully preserved original buildings and observing the artifacts displayed throughout this history museum.
Reviewed By airinhayknee - East Quogue, United States
Visited the farm this weekend for a food truck derby and got to see a bunch of cows and sheep and old farming/boat building exhibits. Its a lovely property and a really beautiful place if you were looking for a spring/summer/fall wedding as they have an absolutely gorgeous barn you can rent.
6. Parrish Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Inspired by the natural setting and artistic life of Long Island's East End, the Parrish Art Museum illuminates the creative process and how art and artists transform our experiences and understanding of the world and how we live in it. The Museum fosters connections among individuals, art, and artists through care and interpretation of the collection, the presentation of exhibitions, publications, educational initiatives, programs, and artists-in-residence. The Parrish is a center for cultural engagement, an inspiration and destination for the region, the nation, and the world.
Reviewed By CityMouseBklyn - Brooklyn, United States
An absolute gem. The collection, showcasing contemporary works as well as older pieces from the region, is the perfect size and thoughtfully balanced. The galleries are spacious, airy and well-lit, and the sculpture grounds on the outside are full of stunning pieces, beautifully landscaped. There's a little cafe (nothing special, but decent prepared sandwiches, coffee etc.) and a nice gift shop. We visited during COVID summer and they were very thoughtful about timed reservations, with just enough people moving in and out for good distancing, and sanitizers everywhere. The staff were very kind and knowledgeable. This is a lovely day trip from NYC (about 2 hours drive with regular traffic, more on Hamptons-heavy weekends) and right next to a winery, a farm and some nice sightseeing drives. Highly recommend!
7. Second House Museum
8. Southampton History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
The Southampton History Museum was organized in 1898 and incorporated in 1910. In its early days, the Museum collected and exhibited historical objects and documents relating to the history and development of Southampton, organized pageants and gave lectures on antiques. By 1960 the Rogers Mansion property had expanded to include 12 historic structures including an 1830 one-room schoolhouse, an 1825 barn and a 19th century paint store, among others. The Mansion is the main administrative center for the organization and is open year-round. Today the Museum's mission is to preserve and promote the history and culture of the Town of Southampton by engaging and inspiring diverse audiences. It does this through the management of 4 separate properties with 14 historic buildings that contain changing exhibits on historic topics, a research center and educational programs for schoolchildren and adults.
Reviewed By SD441 - Water Mill, United States
For us this exhibit was a peek at the rich history of the East End of Long Island through the use of photographs from the historic archives of the The Morris Studio. I used to go to the Morris Studio for passport photos and film product since I was in college. It's unfortunate closure now reveals lost photographs of historic landmarks and portraits of local families all documenting more than 100 years of local history. We were told that this exhibition will be the first time many of these images will have ever been seen in this kind of setting.
9. The Leiber Collection
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By JanetG232 - New York City, United States
The Lieber Museum is located in a beautiful building on Old Stone Highway. If you're in East Hampton, New York for any reason, take time out to see the most intricate, unique and beautifully designed evening handbags you're ever likely to see. They are wearable art. First Ladies, royalty and many celebrities have bought these handbags or have had one made for them. The story of the designer and how she came to develop this business is so interesting and is emblematic of one of the many privileges of living in America.
10. Children's Museum of The East End
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By Lahl1114 - Long Island, United States
I visited CMEE this past week with my 2.5 year old son and we loved it! It is set up so cute and has a bunch of different stations for the kids to play at. Dress up, grocery store, library, big fire truck, big Lite Brite, art room where kids can paint/draw and take their art home with them, plus so much more. We went one morning during the week and it was pretty empty but I heard it gets a lot busier on weekends and in the winter. Awesome spot to bring your child to play for a couple hours. My son can’t wait to go back!
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