A cluster of towns and hamlets on Long Island’s South Fork, The Hamptons combines long stretches of coastline, pretty villages, and verdant farmland with sought-after restaurants and boutiques. Around a 2.5-hour’ drive from New York City, the popular towns of South Hampton, East Hampton, Sag Harbor, Water Mill, Amagansett, and Bridgehampton are popular trips out of the city for their laid-back vibe, arts scene, and historic charm. The western towns of Montauk, Hamptons Bay, and Westhampton are home to farmers’ markets and delis bursting with local produce.

Montauk boasts the area’s best surfing beaches, hip bars and restaurants, and family-friendly activities like the Montauk Lighthouse. Explore the local area’s art heritage at the Pollock-Krasner House and get a glimpse into the artists’ studios. For something a little more active, rent kayaks, hop on a bike, grab a paddleboard, or set sail for an idyllic afternoon on the waves. Keen windsurfers will want to head to Napeague Bay for the best conditions.

The nearest airports are in East Hampton (HTO) and Montauk (MTP). Alternatively, flights also touch down at MacArthur Airport (ISP) in Islip, about an hour west. International visitors are most likely to land at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City. If you arrive at the latter, make the drive — expect it to take around 2.5 hours without traffic — take the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station, or hop on the Hampton Jitney bus service. If you plan to explore the region’s pretty hamlets and towns, you’ll want to have your own wheels. Once in town, making your way around by bike or walking to the beach is easy. Rideshares and taxis are readily available, and Viking Fleet runs cross-sound ferries during the summer months.

The Hamptons experience warm, humid summers and cold, wet winters. Beachgoers will want to visit houses and cottages in The Hamptons for rent during the summer months — June to September — to make the most of the coastal lifestyle. Those braving the winter, especially January and February, will be rewarded with more space and a free run at the region’s top restaurants and bars, although some businesses close once the summer visitors return home. The Hamptons Restaurant Week takes place each March, and moderate spring temperatures make this an ideal time to explore the outdoors, hike Hither Hills, and visit the many wineries around the sound. Fall brings autumn colors and annual festivals, including the Hamptons International Film Festival and the Oyster Bay Oyster Fest in October.

Long Island Wine Trail

With over 50 wineries to choose from between the South Fork and the North Fork, you’ll need a few days to get a full taste of what the region has to offer, with a range of grapes, winemaking styles, and tasting rooms. Sample wine while sitting on a cozy patio or meandering through a lush sculpture garden. Most tasting rooms stay open during the off-season, making the Long Island Wine Trail a year-round destination.

Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill

Get inspired by more than 3,000 paintings, works on paper, and mixed media by local artists at the Parrish Art Museum. The In Artists Stories series offers a dynamic history of artists from the 1820s to the present through photographs, biographical information, timeline, and interactive map. Discover and connect with the artists of the East End through over 100 public programs and year-round classes and workshops.

Coopers Beach

Coopers Beach stretches along the shores of the upmarket town of Southampton. Sunbathe on fine, white sand or stroll past the grand mansions that line the dunes. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. In winter, the wide shoreline showcases stunning ocean views and rolling grass-flanked dunes.