I love New York, but I'll always choose one of Connecticut's incredible beach towns over the Hamptons

I've lived in NYC and Connecticut, but the latter has the better beaches. From Mystic to Fairfield, I prefer these coastal towns over the Hamptons.

May 9, 2025 - 14:38

I love New York, but I'll always choose one of Connecticut's incredible beach towns over the Hamptons

Docked boats in front of pink and purple skies in Old Saybrook — Old Saybrook has some of my favorite beaches in Connecticut.
Nicole Rosa

As a local, there are a lot of Connecticut beach towns I'd choose over the Hamptons in New York.
Greenwich feels exclusive and filled with activities, and Fairfield is wonderfully laid-back.
Old Saybrook feels like it's out of a movie, and Mystic is a coastal gem filled with history.

There's nothing like a summer along the Long Island Sound — although it touches New York and Connecticut, I've found most of my favorite spots are actually in the latter.

I lived in New York City for years and loved it, but something has always drawn me back to my Connecticut roots.

And sure, I enjoy a good trip to the Hamptons, but I'd choose these coastal Connecticut towns over the former every time.

Here are some of my favorite picks — as a bonus, most of them are less than three hours from NYC.

Fairfield feels like a laid-back, Hamptons-esque escape.

Aerial view of houses, beach in Fairfield, CT — Fairfield is a cute coastal community.
PTAP Aerial/Shutterstock

Vacationers in Fairfield can feel like locals as they head out for a morning run, hit up the farmers market for a bouquet, grab coffee at one of the many cafés downtown, or simply relax in the sunshine.

I like the town's larger beaches, Jennings and Penfield, which have pavilions serving up classic beachside eats. If I want a more secluded feel, I head to the smaller Sasco Beach.

I love feeling pampered on a weekend getaway here. My favorite "treat myself" spot is Wine N Cheese Day Spa. I'll typically head there for a facial, fine wine, and an aesthetically pleasing charcuterie board.

If I'm looking for a fresh pasta diner to go, I stop by Centro. For a night out, Sinclair is the place to order dirty martinis (with generously stuffed blue-cheese olives) and a pot of mussels.

And, of course, a nightcap at J.B. Percival Co. Craft Cocktail Lounge and Speakeasy is a must.

Fairfield is about an hour away by train from NYC.

Greenwich captures the fun "see and be seen" Hamptons mindset.

Sandy shore with houses nearby in Greenwich, CT — Greenwich is a fairly short train ride away from New York City.
James Andrews1/Shutterstock

I absolutely love Greenwich — it's a wealthy city, which means many celebrities and pro athletes have houses here. It's fun to keep an eye out for stars while admiring impressively grand local architecture.

The town feels exclusive and cool and has tons of activities, whether you're heading to Tod's Point to explore 147 acres of scenic walking trails, chartering a yacht from the Delamar Hotel for an outing, bird watching at the Greenwich Audubon Center, or shopping the Avenue.

Either way, at sunset, there's nothing like kicking back in an Adirondack chair at the Point and looking at distant views of Manhattan.

And, of course, I complete my Hampton-esque getaways here with dirty martinis at Elm Street Oyster House and live music at OG Social.

Greenwich is about 45 minutes from NYC by train.

Old Saybrook resembles a dreamy seaside out of a Hallmark movie.

Pink house with flowers in front in Old Saybrook — Old Saybrook is filled with flowers and greenery in the summer.
Nicole Rosa

I think downtown Old Saybrook offers historic Sag Harbor charm. Think: idyllic book shops, antique stores, bed and breakfasts, and art galleries.

However, I think this small beach town feels like more of a hideaway from a Hallmark movie than the popular Long Island village.

Guests can stay at Saybrook Point Resort & Marina, where they can rent a bike and pedal into town for shopping before heading back to watch boats from the pool.

I also suggest a stop at Harvey's Beach — an excellent spot for boating, seashell collecting, or simply kicking back.

While there, I suggest enjoying Fresh Salt's waterfront dining and picturesque bar at sunset or stopping by Connecticut's beloved Little Pub for fish and chips and brews.

To end their night, visitors can catch one of many shows at the local Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center,

Old Saybrook is about two hours from NYC by train.

Mystic is a lovely coastal village in Connecticut.

Town with colorful buildings on Main street in Mystic, Connecticut — Mystic has lots of nautical charm.
Actium/Shutterstock

Mystic has charming seafood spots, ice-cream parlors, boutiques, and a nautical history museum.

In addition, the nearby vineyards — like Jonathan Edwards Winery and Saltwater Farm Vineyard — have a Hamptons-style ambiance.

When I'm not sunbathing or sipping wine here, you'll find me shopping for natural handmade soaps, essential oils, or braided rugs in Olde Mystic Village.

The town's many nearby beaches don't disappoint, either, from Esker Point to Williams Beach to Bluff Point State Park. If I want to get some steps in, I walk down a scenic trail to Bluff Point.

To cap off my nights, I'll usually head to the Treehouse at Oyster Club, an outdoor dining deck nestled among the foliage with sweeping views of downtown Mystic.

Mystic is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from NYC.

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