One of the most popular beaches in the Hamptons ranks as the third best oceanfront park in America, according to Dr. Beach’s annual list ranking the nation’s top 10 beaches released Friday.
Coopers Beach in the Village of Southampton moved up a spot on the list after coming in at No. 4 two years in a row. The beach, which came in No. 1 in 2010, has slowly been inching back toward the top spot on the list, ranking No. 8 in 2016 and No. 5 in 2017.
“As the first ‘Gold Coast’ in the country, Coopers Beach is hundreds of yards wide, made of grainy white quartz sand,” Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, a coastal expert and professor at Florida International University who has produced the list for the past 30 years, wrote in his review. “The beach is backed by large sand dunes covered by American beach grass interspersed with large and extravagant mansions.”
Coming in at No. 1 was Grayton Beach State Park in the Florida Panhandle, followed by Ocracoke Lifeguard Beach in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The full list can be found at drbeach.org
Dr. Beach also touted Coopers Beach as having “the best beach access in the Hamptons” and noted its “snack bar serving lunch and drinks.” Of course, due to the coronavirus pandemic, that’s not so true anymore.
Southampton village officials said while Coopers Beach is open to non-residents — unlike many town- and county-run beaches on Long Island restricting access to residents only — no daily passes are being sold for this highly ranked village beach.
Non-residents must mail village hall to get a non-resident beach pass, as the passes are not being sold on site, Southampton officials said. In addition, the concession stand is closed, picnic tables have been removed, certain bathrooms are closed, and the beach chair and umbrella rentals are closed.
And, of course, like every other beach in New York State, people must stay 6 feet apart and wear masks when in crowded areas.
Related Story: The South Fork: Not Just A Playground For The Rich
Related Story: Long Island Beaches Will Have Social Distancing Rules This Summer
Related Story: More Long Island Beaches Limited To Local Residents
For more guides to Long Island beaches, visit longislandpress.com/category/everything-long-island
Sign up for Long Island Press’ email newsletters here. Sign up for home delivery of Long Island Press here. Sign up for discounts by becoming a Long Island Press community partner here.
