Essentials
Getting Here
By car: The easiest way to get from NYC is to take the Long Island Expressway to Exit 70 (Rt. 111). Take Rt. 111 to the end and merge left on Rt. 27 (Montauk Highway). Rt. 27 is the main street that runs through all Hamptons towns. Without traffic, it takes 2 to 2.5 hours from Manhattan. Insider tip: Noyak Road or Scuttle Hole Road are good alternatives to avoid heavy traffic on Rt 27 in season, but you don't know your way through the back roads, don't attempt it without GPS.
By coach: We don't call them buses in the Hamptons. HamptonJitney provides frequent services (reservations are suggested off season and practically required during the peak summer months).
By train: LIRR is usually the best option, but it can be absolutely crazy in full season. The Montauk line has stops throughout the Hamptons (service is slightly better on weekends during season). Insider tip: If your train originates at Hunterspoint in Queens, get on there to make sure you get a seat.
By air: Long Island Macarthur airport is closest, but it's a bit tricky to get here by public transportation. JFK and LGA are further but have better connections with coaches and by rail. If you are flying directly into East Hampton airport, you don't need our help bitch!
Gay Beaches
Two Mile Hollow Beach (East Hampton): it's been inundated by families over the past few years, but it's "gay central" in season. Seasonal beach passes sell out early, but you can also pay $50 per day during the week (click here for more details). The gay section is to the left - and remember, it's a big beautiful beach so spread out a bit (8 inches is usually a good thing, but not between towels). Insider tip: If you don't have a car, you can try to park (at your own risk) behind the abandoned building to the east of Cross Highway on Rt. 27 (it's about a half a mile to the beach).
Fowler Beach (Southampton): the smaller gay beach, which is located in Southampton, is a great local alternative to Two Mile Hollow Beach. Southampton beach parking permits are required to park at Fowler Beach.
Nightlife
Bars: The last gay bar in the Hamptons closed many years ago, but some restaurants and bars have gay followings on certain nights. For example, Almond in a new Bridgehampton locations is very gay on Friday nights. Other than that, dinner parties are more the norm than bars and clubs.
Benefits/Parties: Most of the gay scene in the Hamptons revolves around benefits and parties. See the events page for more information.
After: Of course, Two Mile Hollow beach is quite active when the sun goes down, but you didn't hear that from us.