Day trip to Hamptons? (Southampton, Riverhead: hotel, taxis, bus)

[arrieros09]

Hi, my parents came up for the weekend and we're trying to think of places to go for a day trip.

My mom wants to go out to see the Hamptons, Dad doesn't want to drive though. That leaves us with LIRR - we would be starting out from Penn Station.

Is it possible to visit the beaches/towns/scenic areas of the Hamptons without a car? We don't want to be stuck in traffic on a nice weekend, that's why we would be taking the train. But if there's nothing that is accessible by foot, we'll forget it.

Thanks so much,

[Jennifer06]

Which Hampton? If you want to go to East Hampton, you can walk around town, see the beach, and go out to eat without a problem. There are also taxis to take you places (taxi = expensive but might be necessary).

If you prefer the bus to the train, there is the Hampton Jitney from the city. It will leave you right on Main St in East Hampton.

I'm less familiar with Southampton. It's got a nice walkable village, though you're farther from the beach. It's much closer to the city, though.

I think those are the only two you'd really take the day just to see (as opposed to, say, Bridgehampton). Unless you were thinking of Montauk?

You will absolutely not hit the entire south fork ("the Hamptons"), or more than one town, in a day. You'll see one village.

I personally think it's a very long trip for one day, but oh so lovely once you're there. But where would you shower and clean up? Maybe find a motel and make a weekend of it?

[Johninwestbury]

The parts of the Hamptons I like aren't pretentious, like the area around Swamp road (NW Woods), and out in Napeague. However these are hard to get to without a car. Yes, the traffic is bad, but unless you want to stay in one small area, or like to walk alot, I'd suggest driving because you'll see more. The LIRR is unreliable, crowded. Hampton Jitney is expensive.
Usually I am not pro-driving, but it seems good public transportaion and the United States dont mix. At least thats the idea I get from some of our elected officials.

[arrieros09]

Sounds like the Hamptons aren't very accessible, at least for our preferred method of travel. Also we're trying to avoid pretention... who needs that. My mom loves the Barefoot Contessa show ( and so do I), was thinking about checking out East Hampton but when a cooking show makes a point of her showing off her BMW or whatever it is, it's just not our scene.

Maybe we'll try it next time - by car - or we'll find somewhere else that's nice and low-key.

[Lilybeans]

From my experience, you need a car.

[LocalX]

You could stay at a hotel in Riverhead right on 58 and use it as a jump off point for the day. You really need a few days to take in the experience. Go to Dans Paper's website. They usually have the events for the upcoming week that you might enjoy.

[XL600R]

Why bother. It's a Overrated beach full of pompous jackasses.

[Jennifer06]

Originally Posted by XL600R

Why bother. It's a Overrated beach full of pompous jackasses.

How would you feel if someone said that about your hometown? Are you even familiar with the area?

[XL600R]

Yes I am familiar with the area. As far as my hometown is concerned, you can have it. I am moving to greener pastures next year and LI can kiss my ass.

[LocalX]

I love it when a local can offer nothing more then insults to people that are responcible for 73% of the local economy.
Its nobodys fault that you have to ride a Honda.