NYC to the Hamptons: How to Fake a Rich Summer Weekend on a Student Budget

Jainika Bardia
Apr 28
3 min read

Updated: May 5

The Hamptons have a reputation — mansions, fancy brunches, private beaches, and a lot of people wearing $700 linen pants.But here’s the truth: you don’t need to be a Wall Street intern or a celebrity’s second cousin to enjoy a summer weekend out East.

If you’re in NYC for the summer and craving a fast, beachy reset, the Hamptons are an easy (and surprisingly doable) getaway.

Getting There

From Manhattan, it’s simple:You can catch the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Southampton, East Hampton, or Montauk.Off-peak tickets are around $20-$30 one-way with a student discount.Trains leave from Penn Station, and if you time it right, you’ll be at the beach in about 2.5–3 hours.

Another option is the famous Hampton Jitney bus, which leaves from various Manhattan locations. It's clean, comfortable, has Wi-Fi, and costs about $35–$40 one way.

Where to Stay

Forget the ultra-lux hotels you see in Selling the Hamptons.If you’re a student on a budget, Airbnb is your best friend.

Look for places slightly outside the main villages — in areas like Sag Harbor, Amagansett, or even further west toward Westhampton.Booking early (or traveling midweek) makes a huge difference in price.Splitting an Airbnb with friends can bring your cost to $70–$100 a night, which, for the Hamptons, is basically winning the lottery.

If you're feeling adventurous, some budget motels and B&Bs still exist — but they book fast once summer hits.

What to Do

The Hamptons are about beaches, good food, and chill energy — but there's more than just posting at sunset.

Beaches:

Sagg Main Beach (Sagaponack): Open to the public, super clean, and less crowded than Montauk.
Main Beach (East Hampton): A little busier but very classic.Note: Some beaches charge for parking, so it’s smart to bike or Uber if you’re close.

Explore Towns:

Wander around Sag Harbor's marina and grab ice cream at Big Olaf’s.
Check out Amagansett Square for cute cafés and live music.
Pop into local bookstores and art galleries — a lot of them are small, friendly, and way more relaxed than Manhattan spots.

Eat:

Round Swamp Farm for the best sandwiches and baked goods.
The Lobster Roll (a.k.a Lunch) if you’re driving toward Montauk — it’s iconic.
Farmers' markets are everywhere — perfect for cheap fruit, cheese, pastries, and just pretending you live there.

Day Trips:

Bike rides through the backroads (rentals available for ~$25/day).
Visit Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack for a wine tasting — it’s scenic even if you don't drink.
Chill kayak or paddleboard rentals on the bayside beaches.

Budget Tips

Travel midweek if you can — everything’s cheaper and emptier.
Pack snacks and water — food is expensive everywhere.
Bike rentals > Ubers — it saves so much money and lets you explore cute random spots.
Don’t chase Montauk if you don’t have the money — stick to Sag Harbor or Amagansett for a more affordable, still-beautiful experience.
Sunscreen is mandatory — Hamptons sun doesn't care that you're a broke student.

You don’t need a Hamptons address or a black AmEx to enjoy a perfect beach weekend.If you plan smart, travel light, and don’t get distracted by the $30 açai bowls, the Hamptons are a dreamy, easy escape from NYC chaos.Sun, sand, farm stands, cute little villages — and the chance to unplug for a few days?Sounds like exactly the kind of summer flex we all deserve.

Catch you at the beach :)