Active Pursuits

Beaches

Hamptons beaches are world-class for a reason: Not only are the grains of gold perfectly maintained, but they stretch on forever. Unlike some beaches that are interrupted by cliffs or rocks, these sandy stretches allow you to walk for hours, just getting lost in the grandness of the ocean -- and if you look to the other side, the grandness of the homes. There's just one problem when it comes to enjoying these beaches: parking. Walk, ride a bike, take a taxi -- do anything but drive to the beach. Nonresident parking permit fees run up to $275 and daily parking fees can be $25 -- if a spot's even available.

Your best option? Stay at a hotel that has beach rights. Hotels like Gurney's Inn are right on the water, so you'll have no problems. Some off-beach places like the Southampton Inn will shuttle you to the water for free.

So where do you go? In Southampton, Cooper's Beach is the main public beach; it's beautifully maintained and you'll find a concession stand; but it can get crowded, and parking costs as much as $35. Old Town Beach is much less crowded and there's no parking permit required; but it has only 30 spaces, so get there early. Main Beach in East Hampton is gorgeous and in view of some giant mansions. A weekday parking pass is $20, and there are no nonresident parking permits on weekends. Westhampton Beach Village has some of the best beaches on Long Island, but forget about parking. Even walking onto the beach requires a permit (call tel. 631/288-1654).

If you want to tote your lunch along, pick up sandwiches to go at Hampton Bagels; there are outlets in East Hampton, 74 N. Main (tel. 631/324-5411), and Hampton Bays, 252 W. Montauk Hwy. (tel. 631/728-7893). For something fancier, check out the gourmet cheeses and huge salad bar at Schmidt's Market, 120 N. Sea Rd., Southampton (tel. 631/283-5777).

Boating

Go exploring on the water by kayak. Mill Creek Kayaks, 3253 Noyac Rd., Sag Harbor (tel. 631/725-4712), will take you out for lessons ($30 per hour) or rent you a kayak ($16-$20 per hour). It also offers a wetlands wildlife tour and a children's tour ($45). Open May to October.

Driving

Wheel around Southampton and check out some of the amazing estates along Gin Lane and Coopers Neck; unfortunately, many are blocked by sky-high hedges.

Fishing

Montauk is renowned as one of the nation's best places for surf-casting. Start getting your muscles ready now: 40- and 50-pound bass migrate through these waters in the fall, and gigantic bass and stripers can be caught in the summer as well. Climb aboard with Sea Otter Fishing Fleet (tel. 631/668-2669), where a half-day is $35 to $40. Or go with the larger Viking Lines, Montauk Harbor (tel. 631/668-5700); a half-day's fishing is $36.

Golf

Montauk Downs, on Fairview Avenue east of Montauk (tel. 631/668-5000), has a beautiful course. For New York State residents, it's $36 to $41 for 18 holes. A great value course is the 9-hole Sag Harbor State Golf Course, off Route 114 between East Hampton and Sag Harbor (tel. 631/725-2503). It's just $14 on weekdays, $21 on weekends. The famed Shinnecock Hills, 200 Tuckahoe Rd., Southampton, was home to the U.S. Open in 2004; but it's a private course, so you'll have to make friends with a member.

Surfing

Just below the Montauk Point Lighthouse, you'll find some of the biggest waves on Long Island -- along with boarders who come out for some impromptu wave catching. The currents are very tricky where the ocean meets the sound, but experienced riders will have a blast. Pick up your supplies at Plaza Surf & Sports, 716 Main St., Montauk (tel. 631/668-9300).

U-Pick Farms

Have fun picking your own fruit. Hank Kraszewski Farms has a couple of outlets: For strawberries, head out Route 39, Southampton Bypass, Southampton (tel. 631/726-4667), and for pumpkins, take Route 27, Water Mill (same number).

Wineries

While you won't find a winery every mile like on the North Fork, the South Fork does boast three fine wineries: W??lffer Estate, 139 Sagg Rd., Sagaponack (tel. 631/537-5106); Duck Walk Vineyards, 231 Montauk Hwy., Water Mill (tel. 631/726-7555); and Channing Daughters, 1927 Scuttlehole Rd., Bridgehampton (tel. 631/537-7224).