Long Island’s East End

The Big Duck, a famous roadside attraction in Riverhead, Long Island, New York, photographed on July 27. Built in 1931, this duck-shaped building once served as a shop for selling ducks and duck eggs and is now a historic landmark surrounded by seasonal flowers.
The Big Duck, a famous roadside attraction in Riverhead, Long Island, New York, photographed on July 27. Built in 1931, this duck-shaped building once served as a shop for selling ducks and duck eggs and is now a historic landmark surrounded by seasonal flowers. File photo: James Kirkikis, licensed.

The East End of Long Island is a renowned region famed for its breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, historic communities, and vibrant cultural life. Stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean beyond Riverhead, this area includes the famed Hamptons, the vineyards and farm stands of the North Fork, the unique appeal of Shelter Island, and a storied maritime legacy. The East End offers residents and visitors a blend of rural beauty, coastal enjoyment, and top-tier arts, food, and recreation unlike anywhere else in New York.

Sag Harbor
A view of the iconic Sag Harbor Cinema and charming storefronts along Main Street in Sag Harbor, New York. This vibrant corner of the village reflects its rich artistic spirit and small-town character – where history, culture, and community converge in the heart of the Hamptons. File photo: Cavan-Images, licensed.

Geography & Towns

The East End is traditionally made up of five primary towns:

  • Riverhead: The gateway town that divides the North and South Forks.
  • Southold: Covers much of the North Fork, lined with vineyards, quaint villages, and bayside parks.
  • Shelter Island: Accessible only by ferry, this peaceful island is nestled between the forks.
  • Southampton: Includes historic Southampton Village, ocean beaches, rural hamlets, and the Hamptons’ legendary allure.
  • East Hampton: Famous for its oceanfront estates, fishing villages, cultural scene, and picturesque Montauk at “The End.”
A classic shingle-style beach house sits behind the dunes in the Hamptons, Long Island, New York. With weathered cedar siding, wraparound porches, and views of the Atlantic Ocean, this architectural style reflects the timeless coastal charm of the Hamptons
A classic shingle-style beach house sits behind the dunes in the Hamptons, Long Island, New York. With weathered cedar siding, wraparound porches, and views of the Atlantic Ocean, this architectural style reflects the timeless coastal charm of the Hamptons. File photo: Joao Paulo V Tinoco, licensed.

History & Heritage

The East End’s roots go back centuries:

  • Indigenous Peoples: The Shinnecock, Montaukett, and other Native communities first called this land home, and their heritage remains an enduring part of the East End’s story.
  • Colonial Settlers: English colonists established towns in the 1600s, many of whose historic buildings and Main Streets can still be explored today.
  • Maritime Tradition: The area’s history of whaling, fishing, and boatbuilding lives on in local museums, marinas, and annual festivals.
The historic windmill at Water Mill, Long Island, New York, surrounded by summer blooms and lush greenery. Built in the early 19th century, this landmark represents the Hamptons’ agricultural past and is one of the many preserved windmills that dot the East End.
The historic windmill at Water Mill, Long Island, New York, surrounded by summer blooms and lush greenery. Built in the early 19th century, this landmark represents the Hamptons’ agricultural past and is one of the many preserved windmills that dot the East End. File photo: Little Vignettes Photo, licensed.

Arts, Culture & Attractions

The East End is celebrated for its vibrant arts and cultural offerings:

  • Art Galleries & Events: From the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill to contemporary gallery spaces across the Hamptons and North Fork, the region is a magnet for creators and collectors.
  • Historic Sites: Landmarks like the Old Whaler’s Church, Pollock-Krasner House, and Montauk Point Lighthouse invite exploration.
  • Theaters & Music: Venues like Guild Hall in East Hampton and the Suffolk Theater in Riverhead host marquee performances year-round.
A surfer carries her board from the beach on a summer day in the Hamptons, Long Island, New York. The region is known for its pristine Atlantic beaches, with Ditch Plains in Montauk recognized as one of the premier surfing destinations on the East Coast.
A surfer carries her board from the beach on a summer day in the Hamptons, Long Island, New York. The region is known for its pristine Atlantic beaches, with Ditch Plains in Montauk recognized as one of the premier surfing destinations on the East Coast. File photo: James Kirkikis, licensed.

Wine Country & Culinary Scene

The North Fork is Long Island’s acclaimed wine country:

  • Over 60 vineyards, tasting rooms, and craft breweries offer tours and tastings in a laid-back, bucolic setting.
  • Roadside farm stands, artisan markets, and acclaimed restaurants ensure local food and wine are always within reach.
A lush vineyard in Bridgehampton, Long Island, New York, photographed on May 29, 2015. Rows of grapevines stretch across the landscape, highlighting the South Fork’s role in Long Island’s renowned wine country.
A lush vineyard in Bridgehampton, Long Island, New York, photographed on May 29, 2015. Rows of grapevines stretch across the landscape, highlighting the South Fork’s role in Long Island’s renowned wine country. File photo: Framemaster A, licensed.

Beaches & Nature

The East End is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts:

  • Beaches: Pristine ocean and bay beaches like Cooper’s Beach, Main Beach, and Ditch Plains are known for their natural beauty and vibrant surf culture.
  • Nature Preserves: Thousands of acres of protected lands, from Mashomack Preserve on Shelter Island to Hither Hills in Montauk, provide trails for hiking, biking, birdwatching, and more.
  • Water Activities: Boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing are part of daily life, with harbors and inlets around every turn.
East Hampton blends colonial heritage, artistic culture, pristine beaches, and refined sophistication—earning its place as one of the most storied and high-profile destinations along Long Island’s South Fork.
The iconic Main Beach pavilion in East Hampton, a defining feature of the town’s South Fork coastal charm. Set against a backdrop of classic Hamptons-style homes and framed by golden sand dunes and seagrass, the scene showcases the relaxed elegance that draws visitors from across the globe. As one of the most popular public beaches in the region, Main Beach represents East Hampton’s seamless blend of seaside recreation, small-town tradition, and refined summer living. File photo: James Kirkikis, licensed.

Community & Living

The East End balances small-town warmth with a cosmopolitan spirit:

  • Villages & Hamlets: Stroll through Greenport, Sag Harbor, Amagansett, and Shelter Island Heights for shops, galleries, and harborside charm.
  • Festivals: Seasonal fairs, maritime festivals, and farm-to-table events make every season special.
  • Summer & Year-round Life: Though the area comes alive in summer with vacationers and celebrities, many communities boast a strong year-round population, with excellent schools and local pride.
A local farmers market in Amagansett, Long Island, New York, photographed on July 26. A rustic wagon decorated with an American flag planter and an Open banner welcomes visitors to shop for fresh, organic produce and locally grown goods, reflecting the Hamptons’ farm-to-table culture.
A local farmers market in Amagansett, Long Island, New York, photographed on July 26. A rustic wagon decorated with an American flag planter and an “Open” banner welcomes visitors to shop for fresh, organic produce and locally grown goods, reflecting the Hamptons’ farm-to-table culture. File photo: James Kirkikis, licensed.

The East End Quick Info

FeatureDetails
Main TownsRiverhead, Southold, Shelter Island, Southampton, East Hampton
Known ForBeaches, farms, vineyards, maritime heritage, Hamptons
Major AttractionsMontauk Lighthouse, Parrish Art Museum, North Fork Wine Trail
PopulationSeasonal fluctuation; tens of thousands year-round
ActivitiesBeachgoing, boating, fishing, wine tasting, biking, art & music
Fun FactMontauk Point is called “The End”—the easternmost tip of New York
A stunning aerial view of Shinnecock Bay on Long Island’s East End, showcasing its sweeping sandy shores, crystal blue waters, and the inlet connecting the bay to the Atlantic Ocean. The bay is a haven for boaters, fishermen, and water sports enthusiasts, and is surrounded by scenic barrier beaches, wildlife habitats, and vibrant local communities. Shinnecock Bay is a central feature of the area’s natural beauty and a gateway to both Southampton and the broader Hamptons region.
A stunning aerial view of Shinnecock Bay on Long Island’s East End, showcasing its sweeping sandy shores, crystal blue waters, and the inlet connecting the bay to the Atlantic Ocean. The bay is a haven for boaters, fishermen, and water sports enthusiasts, and is surrounded by scenic barrier beaches, wildlife habitats, and vibrant local communities. Shinnecock Bay is a central feature of the area’s natural beauty and a gateway to both Southampton and the broader Hamptons region. File photo: iofoto, licensed.

Experience the East End

Whether exploring historic fishing villages, hopping between local wineries, relaxing on Atlantic beaches, or catching a gallery opening or outdoor concert, the East End offers a uniquely rich, ever-changing experience. It’s a place where farm fields meet rolling surf, tradition blends with sophistication, and every day brings a new adventure at the edge of Long Island.