A seashore community known as the "boat way of the Hamptons", Hampton Bays has access to many waterways. Shinnecock Bay and Tiana Bay flow to the Atlantic Ocean by way of the Shinnecock inlet, cut by the 1938 Hurricane. To the north, the bays connect to the Peconic Bay by the way of the Shinnecock Canal and its famous locks.
Hampton Bays, with its pristine public beaches, superior waterways and excellent fishing facilities, is a haven for swimmers, boaters, and fisherman. It is the home of the second largest commercial fishing fleet in the State of New York. as a result, fresh fish and seafood abound in the area and may be enjoyed in many of the fine Hampton Bays restaurants.
As the largest hamlet in the town of Southampton, Hampton Bays was originally known as "Good Ground" until 1922. The first settlers' homes were built in the 1700's including the famous landmark, Canoe Place Inn.
Hampton Bays is a year round community with numerous accommodations and interesting and affordable shops, ready to serve. The Hampton Bays Chamber of Commerce is always there to offer information about this charming seaside hamlet.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Shinnecock Inlet.
The Shinnecock Inlet is an ideal spot to find striped bass or bluefish. This area is also a favorite of skin divers and sailors. There are a number of well-staffed and fully equipped yacht clubs and marinas in the vicinity.
Shinnecock Canal & Canoe Place.
Canoe Place, the original palace of portage for the Shinnecock Indians and their canoes, was the narrowest piece of land between Peconic and Shinnecock Bays prior to the completion of the Shinnecock Canal, where public dockage is now available. Canoe Place Inn, built in 1750, and once famous as a vacation spot for well known politicians, is one of the New York State's Oldest Inn's. It is now a restaurant and nightclub.
RECREATION
Meschutt Beach County Park
Seven Acres of protected beach along Peconic Bay. Picnic areas, volleyball, off-season fishing. (854-4949)
Ponquogue Beaches: Dune Road
600 feet of ocean beach. Lifeguards, showers, restrooms, picnic area, food and volleyball courts. (283-6011)
Sears Bellows County Park.
693 acres of hiking, bicycling, camping, freshwater fishing, rowboats, hunting, horseback riding stable and ponds. Resting site of Big Duck symbol of roadside art during the 1940's.
Red Creek Park. Old Riverhead Road
Playground, picnic area and ball fields. (283-6000 X233)