In the Hamptons, the glistening Atlantic and dreamy beaches capture the imagination. Here, people arrive from the city to relax and enjoy themselves in a charming, seaside setting. From the polished art scene to the upscale boutiques and restaurants, there is a palpable sense of elegance and tranquility that lives in the area.

Located on the town’s Main Street, Sant Ambroeus Southampton has become a must for locals and visitors alike. Inside, you’ll find Elzbieta Zaleska, who has been providing unrivaled hospitality to our guests in the Hamptons for over 20 years. As our Assistant General Manager, Elzbieta works to ensure exceptional experiences for every person who walks through our doors, which sometimes includes giving insider tips. Whether you’re out east for a day trip, a weekend, or the entire summer, here are Elzbieta’s top five things to do when visiting Southampton, New York. 

1. Enjoy a Day at Cooper’s Beach

While Southampton is known for its unspoiled coastline, there’s a reason Cooper’s Beach is the star of the show – and one of the United States’ most highly-acclaimed beaches. The soft sand and idyllic views make for lazy summer days under the sun. It’s the perfect place to kick back and catch up on summer reading or let the kids build sandcastles. Here, surfers and bodyboarders are also able to catch some waves.

2. Admire American Greats at the Parrish Art Museum

When visiting the Hamptons, it’s common knowledge that Southampton is a must when it comes to the arts – and the Parrish Art Museum shines exceptionally bright. Designed by world-famous architects Herzog & de Meuron, the building honors the area’s unique sense of place, both man-made and natural. Here, art enthusiasts can appreciate over 3,000 works of art in the museum’s permanent collection, from 19^th and 20^th century works by masters such as Jackson Pollock and Ray Lichtenstein to contemporary painters and sculptors. 

3. Take a Moment to Relax at the Montauk Salt Cave

If you’re looking to unwind, the 40-minute drive to Montauk from Southampton is well worth the unique wellness experience at the Montauk Salt Cave. Salt therapy, or halotherapy, is the process of breathing in negatively charged, ionized salt particles to replenish and restore the body and mind. Inside the dimly lit salt cave, you’ll find zero-gravity chairs where you can sit back, relax, and listen to serene music while the salt works to heal in silence.

4. Dive into Local History at the Southampton Historical Museum

Found right around the corner from Sant Ambroeus, the Southampton Historical Museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting Southampton’s rich local history. During the summertime, on Saturdays and Sundays between 10am and 4pm, the museum opens its Carriage House Shop. There you can find one-of-a-kind treasures like vintage furniture, jewelry, designer clothes, original artwork, and more. The proceeds go back to the museum’s free education programs for people of all ages. 

5. Indulge in Your Favorite Dishes at Sant Ambroeus

Southampton has become one of New York’s exciting foodie destinations, from beachside diners with fresh seafood to trendy gourmet eateries. Located at the heart of the charming town, Sant Ambroeus Southampton is the ideal venue to escape from the buzz of Main Street or enjoy a romantic dinner for two.

Some of our classic go-to recommendations include Insalata di Mare, Linguine alle Vongole, and Roasted Langoustines. Elzbieta personally recommends the Salmon Tartare alongside a glass of Franciacorta Cuvee Prestige to combat the summer heat. And, of course, you can’t miss out on a scoop of our homemade gelato!