This Spacious, White Sand New York Beach Is Often Rated As One Of The Best In The US

The Hamptons is the place to escape the big city and relax on some of the best beaches in the Northeast. There are multiple distinct neighborhoods to explore in the Hamptons, but if you're looking for the perfect spot to soak up some sun and go for a swim, head to Southampton. That's where you'll find a 500-foot stretch of sandy shore known as Cooper's Beach.

Cooper's Beach is a stunning swathe of white sand oceanfront conveniently located just 2 miles from the heart of Southampton. Visitors love the spot for its relaxed atmosphere, cleanliness, and spectacular whale and dolphin sightings. Cooper's Beach is easily one of the best coastal destinations in the Hamptons — and even the country. The summery location has been given high marks by critics and beachgoers, including Dr. Beach, who named it the second-best beach in America in 2024.

Dr. Beach noted in its review that the Hamptons destination offers some of the best beach access in the area and doesn't get hit with cold currents the way some East Coast beaches do. The review also praised the beach's spaciousness and its backdrop of dunes and striking mansion homes. This may just be the place to go to feel like a million bucks without actually having to pay a fortune to visit.

Perhaps the best way to spend a day at Cooper's Beach is by simply relaxing on the pristine white sand, taking in the gorgeous view. However, that's not all there is to do at the world-class Hamptons spot. For starters, the water at Cooper's Beach is clear and sparkling clean, perfect for cooling down on hot days. With that said, be aware that conditions can be moderately rough at times, so it's important to keep an eye on little ones during family beach outings. Thankfully, a lifeguard is on duty during opening hours.

If you're feeling adventurous, you may want to take advantage of the wavy waters and enjoy some surfing. Cooper's Beach is considered one of the must-visit beaches for surfers in the Hamptons, though serious wave chasers may want to stick to off-peak hours when there's more space to ride. There are also areas designated for boating, in case you want to explore the waters further from the shore.

Cooper's Beach is also an ideal place to grab a meal or have a picnic. Order food right on the beach from Cooper's Beach Cafe, a concession stand serving hot dogs, fish tacos, and other casual grub. For more food options, head away from the beach into downtown Southampton for Italian, Mexican, French, and other cuisines.

Cooper's Beach is stunning all year round, though most people visit between May and September when the weather is most comfortable. During this time, expect to pay a fee for parking at the beach as a non-resident. The cost of a parking permit is steep — around $50 per car per day — though the rate is relatively cheap for the area (considering it gives you access to parking for the entire day). To avoid the fee, arrive outside opening hours or find a free spot on one of the residential streets nearby.

When packing for your beach vacation, you can leave some items at home and rent on the beach if you don't mind paying for the convenience. Specifically, beach chairs are available to use for the day for $15 and umbrella rentals will set you back $20 per umbrella per day. You also don't have to pack water or showering gear, as showers and bathrooms are provided for beachgoers.

Overnight camping is prohibited at Cooper's Beach, but there's no shortage of accommodations in the Southampton area. One of the closest hotels to the shoreline (and also one of the most affordable stays in the Hamptons) is Southampton Inn, a charming Tudor-style property located a mile from Cooper's Beach. Short-term rentals are also available near Cooper's Beach and provide more space for larger groups.