After watching nearly a decade of themed parties, booze-fueled antics, and romantic betrayals on the reality show “Summer House,” it sure felt like I'd been to the Hamptons. Except, of course, I hadn't.
Once I actually started planning a trip to this ritzy stretch of Long Island, I quickly realized my budget wouldn't get me quite as far as the Bravo-sized spending seen on the show.
To be clear, “the Hamptons” and “affordable” don't quite go together.
But, you can visit for a relatively modest sum and still hit some of the crew's haunts. The key: book way ahead, visit hotspots at strategic times, and decide how far you're willing to drive from your hotel.
Here’s where to go to channel the fun on the show. After all, “summer should be fun!”
In this article
Get a Taste of the Surf Lodge
The Surf Lodge has become almost synonymous with Montauk's party scene. Its “Summer House” history is complicated, though. The 20-room waterfront hotel, restaurant, and music venue once sent Bravo a cease-and-desist in 2018 after the show aired footage despite the property refusing production access. Still, the cast has named it as a favorite.
Rooms and table packages can wreck a budget (and aren't worth the premium price tag imo), but the summer concert calendar is your ticket to a more reasonable route in. Buy the cheapest ticket tier, read its access rules, and eat beforehand. Though, you can also splurge on the infamous $150 Chicken Tender Tower; I won’t judge!
Entry varies by event, so book ahead rather than testing your walk-in luck on Saturday.
Take a Dip at Capri Southampton
What’s a Hamptons getaway without a daytime pool party?
In Season 6, Episode 4, the cast recovered from a drama-heavy night at Capri Southampton with a private cabana, an enormous bottle of rosé, and, for some reason, a violinist in board shorts.
The 29-room hotel’s Bathing Club has a heated outdoor pool and loungers, while the on-site restaurant, Maison Close Southampton, brings Parisian-inspired dining and vibes to the property.
The nightly rates are on the pricier side: weekday and non-peak nightly rates hover around $375 to $650 per night, but Fridays and Saturdays during peak summer months soar closer to $1,000 for a standard room.
But the good news is, you don’t need to book a stay to use the pool. Capri Southampton is on ResortPass, which lists passes from $50 with towels. Pricing varies, so reserve ahead, and remember, the pass gets you through the gate, not into the cast's private-cabana budget.
Wine Down at Duck Walk Vineyards
In Season 1, Episode 5, the cast's trip to Duck Walk Vineyards in Water Mill supplied more “whine” than wine as Lindsay and Cristina's feud escalated. Today, it's one of the more attainable stops on a “Summer House” tour.
Duck Walk's South Fork flagship serves wine by the glass or bottle on its patio. Tastings cost $18 for four samples; groups of six or more must reserve by phone.
And don’t forget to designate a driver, especially if you're continuing east.
Drop by Calissa for Happy Hour
Calissa brings Greek dining and weekend DJs to Water Mill, and former cast member Paige DeSorbo called it a crew favorite for cocktails and atmosphere.
For a quick stop, arrive early; Calissa currently advertises $10 Aperol and Hugo spritzes, Negronis, and glasses of Miraval rosé from 5 to 7 p.m. daily, with complimentary crispy olives.
Dinner is also a solid option: the bottomless wine dinner (yep, you heard that right) costs $115 per person (or $165 during peak season), pairing shared appetizers, entrees, sides, and baklava with a prosecco toast and unlimited wine.
You’ll want to make a reservation on summer weekends, when live music and DJs begin at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Who knows, maybe it will even be cast-member-turned-DJ Kyle one day.
Catch Sunset at Dockers Waterside
Stars Carl and Lindsay may not have made it to the altar, but their Season 7 engagement-party venue still makes a solid stop on the itinerary. Dockers Waterside in East Quogue is where the once happy couple celebrated with friends, and offers seafood, bars, live music, and killer views.
To keep costs lower, arrive at sunset and order from the lunch or happy-hour menu rather than a full dinner, unless this is your splurge meal.
Skip the Share House
A lower-cost Hamptons stay is relative, but it exists. Instead of a luxury manse, compare Airbnb and Vrbo rentals, including fees, minimum stays, and transportation, and always check local rules. Southampton Village and East Hampton Village require 2-week minimums, limiting inventory.
For hotels, The Atlantic and Southampton Long Island Hotel keep you near Southampton; Budget Host East End in Riverhead trades a longer drive for potentially lower rates.
Or, for the most cost-effective option, camp at oceanfront Hither Hills State Park or Cedar Point County Park, overlooking Gardiners Bay. If you go this route, you’ll save a ton, but will need to book as soon as dates become available.
The Shortcut
You might spot OGs Carl, Kyle, and Lindsay at The Surf Lodge. Skip the walk-in line (and high table price tag) with a ticket to the summer concert series.
You don't need a reality show paycheck to afford Capri Southampton. The pool is on ResortPass, so you can spend the day where the cast filmed without booking a room.
A vacation rental is more affordable than a share house, just be sure to check the fine print.
