An Insider’s Guide to Southampton
In partnership with Stay Marquis
The first introduction to “The Hamptons” along famed Route 27, Southampton is a gorgeous enclave with some of the most beautiful homes and oceanfront estates that the area has to offer. Classic shingle-style architecture abounds here, with beautiful gable roofed beauties tucked behind hedges as far as the eye can see. White colonial revivals dating back to the 1800’s, a distinctly American silhouette, can be found all across the village, and newer farmhouse and contemporary styles are eye-catching too; particularly the glass, hyper-modern oceanfront estates on Dune Road and Meadow Lane.
Whether strolling on Main Street, grabbing ice cream at Sip N’ Soda or gelato at Sant Ambroeus, or roasting s'mores at a bonfire on Cooper’s Beach, there’s no lack of activities in Southampton. Below, a roundup of our favorite places to eat, drink, and visit in the area.
stay at:
For the full Southampton experience, StayMarquis will set you up with a full-service rental property—like this West Hills Marvel home with 5 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, a pool, game room, and outdoor dining space.
Where to Eat
Tutto il Giorno: Owned by restaurant proprietor Gabby Karan de Felice (daughter of Donna Karan) and her restaurateur husband, the rustic Italian fare attracts a buzzy crowd right off Main Street. Sit outside in the pea gravel-lined garden area to dine under the stars (and glowing bistro lights.)
Sant Ambroeus: A New York City staple for those in the know, the formal yet classic Italian fare at Sant Ambroeus is always a crowd-pleaser. (Don’t miss the gelato!)
The Lobster Roll: An offshoot of the beloved Amagansett location, this summertime staple serves up – you guessed it – lobster rolls (alongside a host of seafood offerings) all summer long.
Le Charlot: Steak frites and a glass of wine en plein air – c’est parfait.
Shippy’s: An iconic restaurant in Southampton for over 50 years, Shippy’s is a Southampton staple. The food is always made with local ingredients, and the staff is always friendly.
La Parmigiana: Too tired to eat out? Take out from La Parmigiana for an easy, kid-friendly meal, pizza included.
Village Cheese Shoppe: The best place for a takeaway sandwich to bring to the beach for a picnic.
Where to SHOP
Tenet: A great edit guides the tenets of Tenet, a Main Street mainstay for over a decade. APC and Isabel Marant mingle with local brands and gifts for a mix worth getting into.
Fivestory Southampton: Fivestory owner Claire Distenfeld’s eye is unparalleled, and it shows in her Southampton outpost boutique with offerings from Markarian, Nili Lotan, Proenza Schouler, and more.
AERIN Southampton: Aerin Lauder’s chic mix of entertaining and homeware, gorgeous perfumes and beauty products, and caftans and straw totes from unique designers make this a shop worth stopping into. (Also a perfect place to grab a hostess gift!)
Hildreth’s Home Goods: For any possible home need you might have, from wicker outdoor furniture to kid’s toys, Hildreth’s is a one-stop shop.
Homenature: Beautiful furniture comingles with antiques in this Hamptons fever dream of a shop, where neutral, textured cashmere throws and creamy upholstery abound.
The Dunmore Beach Club: A new addition to the Village, from photographer and influencer (and now Creative Director!) Lucy Cuneo, the assortment of dresses, bathing suits, straw hats, and accessories make up the perfect wardrobe for a chic Hamptonite.
Mecox Gardens: Antiques, gardenware, and all kinds of furniture combine here in a perfect sort of alchemy.
What To Do
Beaches: From Cooper’s Beach to Flying Point Beach, the stretches of sand and ocean in Southampton are unparalleled; a bonfire at night or lunch picnic is the cherry on top.
Cultural: The Southampton Cultural Center, Peter Marino Art Foundation, and Southampton Arts Center all have wonderful exhibitions year-round worth visiting.
Antiquing and Art Galleries: Stroll along Jobs Lane in the village and mosey on into a myriad of antique shops and art galleries.
RELAX
27 Hampton: For the best blowouts in Southampton, head on over to 27 Hampton. They also offer cut, color, spray tanning, and manicure/pedicures.
White’s Apothecary: More than just a pharmacy, White’s assortment of blue chip beauty products is top shelf.
Lily and Horn: The acupuncture and massage on offer at Lily and Horn on White Street complement a beach weekend (or week!) beautifully.