Which Hampton Beaches Scored Best?

EAST HAMPTON, NY – It’s that time of the year when people dream about spending time at the beach. Which also means it’s the time when best beach lists are compiled.

WhenConde Nast Traveler announced their rankings of the 11 best beaches within three hours driving distance from New York City — three out of the 11 are in the Hamptons — which doesn't surprise any of us who live here.

Here’s where the Hampton beaches landed on the list:

Making the hit at #9 is Main Beach in East Hampton -- just as it usually scores in every best beaches in the country compilation. And why shouldn't it? It’s got it all — a long stretch of pristine sand, white-capped blue waves, a great snack bar that sells lobster rolls along with hoodies and beach chairs and there’s even locker rooms. Also getting a shoutout under Main Beach’s umbrella: Mecox Beach in Bridgehampton, Indian Wells Beach in Amagansett, and Gibson Beach in Sagaponack.

Next up at #10 is Shelter island. It’s recommend along with a stay at the recently renovated Chequit Inn -- which allows access to the beaches that require resident parking permits. Also for those who aren’t lucky enough to live on the Island, you need to take a quick car ferry ride, either from Greenport on the North Fork or North Haven on the South Fork.

And then rounding out CN Traveler's list at #11: The 12-mile stretch of land at the very tip of Long Island which is also known as Montauk. It's the longest drive from NYC, but for those of us living here, we love being surrounded by the water “where undeveloped surfer beaches and nature trails trump high-society hubbub.”