This Panoramic New York Beach Is One Of The Best Coastal Destinations In America

If you spend every summer trying to find the best place to lounge on the beach don't worry, we've found it. This gorgeous, sweeping stretch of sand is one of the United States' premier spots along the coast: Cooper's Beach. You can find it towards the east end of Long Island, New York — one of many captivating U.S. islands you can drive to — just a 20-minute walk from the village of Southampton. Besides its alluring soft white sand and dunes covered with American beach grass, Cooper's Beach is lined with some of the signature luxury mansions that make the Hamptons one of the most exclusive destinations in the whole country.

It's no wonder Dr. Stephen Leatherman, better known as Dr. Beach, named Cooper's Beach the best beach in America in 2025. Dr. Beach is a coastal scientist at Florida International University who has been evaluating and rating beaches around the world for more than three decades. Historically, beaches in Hawaii and Florida have featured in the number one spot on his list year over year, so if Cooper's Beach is not only on his list, but at the very top, you can be sure it is worth traveling for.

There are lots of ways to reach Cooper's Beach, and it is well-connected since it is only 90 miles outside of New York City. If you're taking public transport, trains on the Long Island Rail Road take about two-and-a-half hours to travel from Penn Station to Southampton. You can also find a route that transfers in Jamaica, Queens, if you're coming from another part of the city. 

The Hampton Jitney is another option. The bus service, which travels to both the North and South Forks of Long Island, has pick-up spots all over Manhattan. The travel time from the city to Southampton is similar to the train, though it is more dependent on traffic. The roads can be horrendously busy on summer weekends, so driving yourself is not recommended.

Luckily, even when you arrive in Southampton, a car is not really necessary. The Circuit shuttle offers eco-friendly rides in all-electric bubble carts. The service is free, shared, and can be booked on the Ride Circuit app. It makes stops all over the area, including Main Street, Agawam Park, and, most importantly, Cooper's Beach. Taking the shuttle means you will also save yourself the hassle of finding a parking spot and paying for the steep daily parking permit. At $50 per day, per vehicle, in addition to possibly renting chairs and umbrellas, your beach days could get expensive pretty quickly.

Now that you have made your way to the beach, it is time to enjoy the sun, the sand, and the waves. Pause for a moment to take in the panoramic view as you walk down the sandy path through the protective dunes. Cooper's Beach is absolutely beautiful with its soft white sand and whitecaps breaking along the shore.

As you walk along the beach, you will see people sunbathing, kids building sandcastles, seagulls trying to find their next meal, and lifeguards attentively watching the water. You can rent umbrellas and lounge chairs if you want to create a comfortable coastal set up. Cooper's Beach Shack serves egg sandwiches, lobster rolls, and Montauk Brewing Company beer. If you want to turn your day trip into a weekend getaway, there are lots of hotels and cute B&Bs in the area. If you extend your stay, be sure to catch the live music on Cooper's Beach Shack — it's on three nights a week during the summer. Just pay attention to the time; the Circuit shuttle stops running at 6 p.m. every night so be prepared to walk back to your accommodation if you hang out by the beach into the evening.

Since Southampton is such an easy trip from New York City, you might start to wonder where else you can plan a day trip this summer in the area. Sag Harbor, a Long Island village that boasts scenic stretches of sand and small-town seaside charm, is even farther east on the South Fork. Also, in Jamesport on the North Fork, Iron Pier Beach is considered one of the best beaches in the Northeast.