While the Hamptons is renowned for its sunny beaches and outdoor activities, occasional rainy days shouldn’t dampen your spirits. Rainy days in the Hamptons are an opportunity to discover a different side of this beautiful region. From art and culture to shopping and relaxation, there’s no shortage of engaging activities for families, older individuals, and people of all ages.
Embrace the charm of the Hamptons and make the most of your time—rain or shine—with our guide to 12 fantastic activities to enjoy when the weather doesn’t cooperate. As always, make sure you check out the Hamptons.com Local Event Calendar, updated every day.
Explore Local Galleries
Spend the day immersed in art and culture at the numerous museums and galleries throughout the Hamptons. Funky and always fresh, The Keyes Art Gallery in Sag Harbor will bring color back to a cloudy day. Curated by an East Hampton local, Tripoli Gallery in Wainscott has some truly powerful work. The Parrish Art Museum is always a great idea, and you’ll want to see the new renovations at Guild Hall.
Enjoy a Spa Day
Pamper yourself with a relaxing spa day at one of the Hamptons’ luxurious wellness retreats. This Summer at Gurney’s, don’t miss out on NutriDrip IV by Clean Market, or even schedule your own IV Drip from Heavenly Hydration, who will come right to your home! Hamptons.com absolutely recommends Onda in Sag Harbor for a rejuvenating and luxurious spa experience.
Indulge in Retail Therapy
Just about every designer is out here, including Louis Vuitton, new for this Summer. Surprise your special someone with jewelry from Carelle in East Hampton. Find design inspiration for your home at Thayers Hardware in Bridgehampton, curated with the hottest new styles and trends. Commemorate the Summer with iconic Hamptons-branded shirts at ccTaylor Southampton showroom.
Gametime at The Clubhouse
You name it, they’ve got it at the East Hampton Indoor Tennis Clubhouse. Full arcade, bowling, bocce, indoor tennis, and lots more. They’ve even got live music at peak times.
Let’s do Lunch
Don’t overthink a rainy day; just go get some great food. I love Estia’s Little Kitchen inside; it’s so charming and the food is the best in the Hamptons for lunch. Hamptons Vinyards are as iconic as they are Wolffer Estate Vinyard is stunning in any weather, and their inside dining room could be the most elegant in the Hamptons.
Museums to Keep the Kids Off the iPad!
The Southampton Arts Center offers lots of great activities, especially dance classes with Gail. The Children’s Museum of the East End in Bridgehampton and The Church (not a church) in Sag Harbor are kid-friendly, with plenty of indoor activities to keep kids engaged. Also, Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center take reservations for tours and have some really awesome programs suitable for all ages.
Prioritize Your Self-Care
My favorite thing on a rainy day is The Mandala Center in Amagansett, they have great yoga classes for all levels – the sound of rain falling only adds to the tranquility. Find your relaxation and revitalization at Dragon Hemp Apothecary in Sag Harbor or drop by for a Tarot reading with Diane Ferraro at The Magnolia Collective in Montauk.
Discover the Hamptons’ History
Delve into the rich history of the Hamptons by visiting the many non-profit, local museums throughout the East End. Check out the newly renovated home of the Southampton African American Museum and the Sag Harbor Whaling Museum is a great way to spend a few cloudy hours.
Ferry to Shelter Island
When did you last take a day trip to Shelter Island? If it’s been a few seasons, you are in for a treat – Shelter Island has lots to offer. Check out the ultra-chic boutiques, Heiberg Cummings. Did you hear about the exclusive clothing line, SPRMRKT, sold exclusively at IGA? Rams Head Inn is so charming inside that you’ll forget about the rain.
Get to the Gym
Stay active indoors at one of the Hamptons’ great recreation and sports centers. There are lots of great gyms throughout the East End, some of our favorites are Gotham Gym in Bridgehampton and the Hamptons Gym Corpin Sag Harbor and Southampton.
Cozy Cafes & Bookstores
Seek refuge in a cozy bookstore or library and find your next favorite beach read. We recommend East Hampton Library, Golden Pear, Jack’s Stir Brew Coffee in Sag Harbor. Java Nation is the coziest place in the Hamptons, with the smell of coffee and a big comfy chair to read (or scroll on your phone).
Make a Matinee
Be sure to check out the Bay Street Theater and the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, both have fully packed events all Summer. Hamptons theaters, both stage and cinema, are elegant and luxurious with lots of exclusive screenings, new blockbusters, and independent films playing at Sag Harbor Cinema, Regal United Artists Cinema in East Hampton and Hampton Bays.
Check out our Events guide for more great ideas and ways to enjoy the Hamptons, rain or shine.
