The Village of East Hampton is a wealthy community on the southern coast of Long Island, New York, known for its green farmland next to scenic beaches, and its many famous residents. The village is a small, more exclusive area of the Town of East Hampton.
Founded in 1648 by English farmers, East Hampton remained a quiet farming community until the late 1800s, when it began to develop as a resort for the wealthy upper class from New York City. The hamlet of Springs, historically known for its contribution to the Abstract Expressionist art movement, is predominantly responsible for the attraction of wealthy second home owners.
It has become a major weekend destination for New York City residents during the summer. The area around East Hampton is also referred to commonly as ” The Hamptons.”
East Hampton’s Main Beach consistently ranks as one of America’s Top Ten beaches as ranked by “Dr. Beach” Stephen B. Leatherman. Parking access to the Atlantic Ocean beaches within the incorporated village of East Hampton is severely restricted from May 1 to September 30. In 2006 there were only 2,600 permits available for non-residents with a charge of $250. Residents of East Hampton can always get parking permits.
East Hampton’s beaches are considered very desirable because of their clean white sands, the fact they are relatively accessible, and connected to the main land. None of the village beaches have an abundance of parking limiting the crowd size. There is no restriction preventing people from arriving at the beaches via bike, foot or being dropped off. Severe restrictions on neighborhood streets surrounding the beaches prohibit parking.
The beaches of East Hampton village (from west to east) include: Georgica – This beach adjoining Georgica Pond is popular with surfers because of currents arounds its controversial groynes. The beach has bathroom facilities. Main Beach – The beach is the only one with a pavillion where you can get food and also has a limited number of lockers available to residents.
Wiborg Beach – Wibord Beach has a parking lot, and is right next to Maidstone Club. It does not have a lifeguard.
Egypt Lane Beach – This beach is sometimes called Maidstone Beach because of its close proximity to the headquarters of the Maidstone Golf Club. However this is inaccurate since there is a Maidstone Beach on the bay in an unincorporated area of East Hampton. Main, Wiborg and Egypt Lane are immediately next to the Maidstone Golf Club course.
Two Mile Hollow – This beach has the second largest parking lot of the village beaches. The beach, which has no infrastructure other than the parking lot, had been nicknamed ‘queer beach’ because of the large gay population that frequents. The beach has become more mixed and in 2006 under state mandate a large bathroom was built and lifeguards were assigned to it.
