By Susan Breitenbach
One of the things I love most about living on the East End is that staying active here rarely feels like exercise. The Hamptons offers an outdoor and fitness scene that matches its reputation for luxury — whether you are riding along Dune Road at sunrise, surfing Ditch Plains in Montauk, or walking into a SoulCycle class in Bridgehampton. After more than 30 years living and working here, these are the activities and venues I come back to and recommend most.
Key Takeaways
- The Hamptons offers world-class options for staying active both outdoors and in studio settings
- Golf, tennis, equestrian, and water sports are deeply woven into the local culture
- Boutique fitness studios bring top-tier instruction to the East End each summer
- Year-round residents have strong options for staying active well beyond the summer season
On the Water
The water is where the Hamptons comes alive, and there is no better way to stay active than making the most of it. Surfing at Ditch Plains in Montauk is an East End tradition — the beach draws a loyal local surf community and has some of the most consistent breaks on the East Coast. If surfing is not your thing, standup paddleboarding and kayaking offer calmer alternatives. Three Mile Harbor, Sag Harbor, and Montauk's protected inlets are ideal for paddling, with rentals available throughout the season.
For those who prefer something more social, fishing charters run out of Montauk Harbor for half-day and full-day trips throughout the season. Sailing charters are another option for those who want time on the water without paddling for it.
Top Ways to Stay Active on the Water
- Surfing at Ditch Plains, Montauk — one of the best breaks on the East Coast
- Standup paddleboarding and kayaking from Three Mile Harbor, Sag Harbor, or Montauk inlets
- Fishing charters out of Montauk Harbor — half-day and full-day options available year-round
- Sailing and boat charters for a more relaxed but still active day on the water
Golf and Tennis
The Hamptons has one of the finest collections of golf and tennis facilities anywhere in the country. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton is one of the oldest and most storied courses in the United States, having hosted the U.S. Open multiple times. The Maidstone Club in East Hampton and The Bridge in Bridgehampton round out a remarkable collection of private courses. For those without private memberships, Montauk Downs is a public course with a genuine links feel and exceptional views.
Tennis is equally strong. The Maidstone Club, Southampton Bath and Tennis, and Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club are among the most established private facilities, while Buckskill Tennis Club and East Hampton Indoor Tennis offer access for non-members at a high level. Pickleball has also found a strong following on the East End in recent years, with several clubs adding dedicated courts.
Where to Play Golf and Tennis in the Hamptons
- Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, Southampton — one of the five founding clubs of the USGA
- The Bridge, Bridgehampton — a modern course built on the site of the former Bridgehampton Race Circuit
- Montauk Downs — the top public course option on the East End
- Maidstone Club, East Hampton — golf, tennis, and a private beach
- East Hampton Indoor Tennis — year-round tennis and pickleball for non-members
Equestrian Life
The Hamptons has a deep equestrian tradition, and the activity is very much alive today. The Hampton Classic Horse Show, held annually in late August in Bridgehampton, draws world-class show jumping competitors and one of the most vibrant social scenes of the summer season. Polo at Bridgehampton Polo Club runs on Saturday afternoons in July, with matches that are as much a social event as a sport.
For those who ride, Grey Horse Farm in Bridgehampton and Stony Hill Stables in Amagansett both offer instruction and leasing options for riders at all levels.
Equestrian Options in the Hamptons
- Hampton Classic Horse Show — late August in Bridgehampton, one of the most prestigious equestrian events in the U.S.
- Polo at Bridgehampton Polo Club — Saturday matches in July
- Grey Horse Farm, Bridgehampton — instruction and leases for all ability levels
- Stony Hill Stables, Amagansett — a beautiful setting for lessons and trail riding
Cycling and Studio Fitness
Cycling is one of the best ways to move through the Hamptons at a pace that lets you actually take it in. Dune Road offers a 13-mile stretch along the water with ocean views and minimal traffic. Meadow Lane in Southampton is another favorite — quieter roads, estate scenery, and a genuinely beautiful ride.
For studio fitness, the East End has strong options. SoulCycle has locations in Bridgehampton, East Hampton, and Montauk. New York Pilates operates a Bridgehampton studio with reformer classes. Tracy Anderson runs studios in Water Mill and Sag Harbor. Equinox runs a seasonal location in Bridgehampton with both indoor and outdoor programming. Barry's brings its HIIT format to the Hamptons as well, with two locations available during the season.
Studio Fitness and Cycling Options
- Dune Road — 13 miles of waterside cycling with minimal traffic
- SoulCycle — Bridgehampton, East Hampton, and Montauk locations
- New York Pilates, Bridgehampton — reformer classes with limited class sizes
- Tracy Anderson, Water Mill and Sag Harbor — muscular structure and dance cardio
- Equinox, Bridgehampton — indoor and outdoor programming with signature classes
FAQs
Is it possible to stay active in the Hamptons year-round, or only in summer?
Year-round residents have solid options well beyond Labor Day. East Hampton Indoor Tennis operates year-round, New York Pilates Bridgehampton is open off-season, and Montauk Downs is playable for much of the year. The ocean and bay are accessible for cold-water surfing and paddling to those who are prepared for it. The quieter months are actually some of my favorite times to be active out here.
What is the best outdoor activity for someone new to the Hamptons?
Cycling is the answer I give most often. It is the best way to understand the geography and character of the East End — the villages, the farms, the water — at a pace that lets you absorb all of it. Dune Road is the classic route for a reason.
Are there fitness options that are open to non-members and non-hotel guests?
Yes. SoulCycle, New York Pilates, Tracy Anderson, Barry's, and Equinox all offer open class booking during the season without a membership requirement. East Hampton Indoor Tennis and Buckskill Tennis Club both offer court time for non-members. Montauk Downs is a public course open to all.
Contact Me Today
The lifestyle the Hamptons makes possible is a large part of why people choose to own here — and staying active is at the center of that lifestyle. If you are exploring what it means to live on the East End full-time or part-time, I would love to talk about it.
Reach out to me, Susan Breitenbach, and let's find the right home for the life you want to build here.
