84 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • JULY 2019
SUMMER SURVIVAL GUIDE
AFFORDABLE GETAWAYS
EAST END ON A SHOESTRING
By BRENDAN MANLEY
Long Island’s East End can be a fantastic place to
spend time during the summer, even for those who
can’t afford to buy that dream vacation home in the
Hamptons. So how do non-millionaires enjoy all the
East End has to offer? It takes a bit of creativity, and
homework, but it’s not impossible.
With resourcefulness and research, there are affordable
options for East End lodging and fun, suited for a
range of ages and tastes. Here are some wallet-friendly
suggestions.
“Long Island’s prime location and ease of accessibility
from New York City along with our endless array of
attractions and rich natural assets ensure that our
shores are a go-to destination during the summer
months," says Discover Long Island’s President and
CEO Kristen Jarnagin. "For those looking to experience
our iconic East End at a more affordable price,
explore midweek travel during peak season and
off-season travel for a year-round advantage.”
BOWEN’S BY THE BAYS
In the heart of the Hamptons, Bowen’s features traditional
guest rooms and one-, two- and three-bedroom private
pet-friendly guest cottages, at prices that won’t break the
bank. There’s also lighted tennis, plus a swimming pool,
playground, shuffleboard court, and putting green. 177
W. Montauk Hwy., Hampton Bays, Southampton, 631-
728-1158 gobowens.com
OCEAN SURF RESORT
Few would characterize the summer rates at this
resort as “cheap,” but visitors would be hard-pressed
to do better in Montauk, considering the quality and
stellar reviews of this oceanfront resort. All rooms include
a kitchen and the resort is just two blocks from
town. 84 S. Emerson Ave., Montauk, 631-668-3332,
oceansurfresort.com
WHITE SANDS RESORT
This no-frills resort is a well-kept secret among
visitors who cherish its perfect stretch of beach and
relative seclusion. The beach is the prime draw here,
and the resort provides useful amenities like efficiency
kitchens, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and beach
chairs and umbrellas. 28 Shore Rd., Amagansett,
631-267-3350, whitesandsresort.com
HOTEL INDIGO: LONG ISLAND – EAST END
For those looking for a trendy, boutique-style lodging
experience on a budget, the recently converted
100-room Hotel Indigo (formerly a Best Western)
is a great choice. It’s conveniently located near Riverhead
attractions, North Fork wineries and the
Hamptons, and features stylish rooms and amenities,
plus a spa, pool and outdoor lounge area. 1830
West Main Street, Rt. 25, Riverhead; 631-369-2200,
indigoeastend.com
THE CHEQUIT INN
Guests have to book swiftly and judiciously to secure
one of the Chequit’s 36 rooms, but the fortunate will
enjoy superb accommodations on relaxing Shelter
Island, at a truly competitive rate. The historic inn
was recently renovated, and now offers a range of
guest rooms and suites to fit all needs. 23 Grand Ave.,
Shelter Island Heights, 631-749-0018, thechequit.com
WHERE TO PLAY
For visitors, it can be challenging trying to
hit East End beaches, where town resident
passes or hefty fees may be required in
order to enjoy the sand and surf. Here are
some suggestions and insider “hacks” that
can help:
One of the most coveted East End beachfronts
is Coopers Beach in Southampton
(268 Meadow Ln., Southampton; 631-287-
3450), where it costs $50 per day to park.
Instead, park on nearby Halsey Neck Lane,
then walk to the beach. Scout a similar
solution for Main Beach in East Hampton
(101 Ocean Ave., East Hampton; 631-324-
8158), but its $30 fee seems like a bargain,
by comparison.
In Montauk, save on fees at Ditch Plains
Beach (18 Ditch Plains Rd., Montauk), by
parking at the nearby Montauk Lighthouse
(2000 Montauk Hwy., Montauk; 631-668-
2544; montauklighthouse.com). Another
option for hitting Montauk beaches is to hop
on the Hamptons Free Ride (646-504-FREE;
thefreeride.com), which travels to Montauk
for free from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, stopping
at area beaches along the way.
Another great option for affordably enjoying
beaches is to take advantage of the
oceanfront state parks in the area, which offer
excellent amenities for a fraction of the
price of many town beaches. In Montauk,
the go-to spot is Hither Hills State Park (164
Old Montauk Hwy., Montauk; 631-668-2554;
parks.ny.gov/parks/122) which costs just
$10 per car, or free with the Empire Pass.
There’s a lovely beach and playground, a
huge oceanfront campground, biking and
hiking trails, and the popular “walking
dunes” of Napeague Harbor. It’s also a
beloved surf-fishing spot that’s open yearround
to anglers.
Meanwhile, on the eastern tip of the North
Fork, there’s Orient Beach State Park
(40000 Main Rd., Orient; 631-323-2440;
parks.ny.gov/parks/106), a National Natural
Landmark boasting 45,000 feet of frontage
on Gardiners Bay, as well as a rare maritime
forest with red cedar, black-jack oak trees
and prickly-pear cactus. Hike, swim, fish,
kayak, lounge and beachcomb to your
heart’s content, while also taking advantage
of the picnic area, playground, restrooms
and other public facilities. Like Hither Hills,
it only costs $10 per car per day, or it’s free
with the Empire Pass.
Hitting the Hamptons this summer doesn't have to break the bank. (Getty Images)
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