America’s new #1 beach: Coopers Beach in the Hamptons just made history

Coopers Beach in Southampton, New York

Coopers Beach is on the south shore of Long Island in Southampton, New York, about 90 miles east of Manhattan. This public beach operates within the exclusive Hamptons area, and spans several miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline, protected from harsh currents by Long Island’s natural geography.

It’s an absolutely gorgeous beach, and this year, it’s dethroned all of Hawaii’s beaches as the best in the USA.

This New York Beach Just Did the Impossible

Coopers Beach in Southampton broke a 35-year streak when it beat every Hawaii and Florida beach for the top spot. Dr. Beach has ranked beaches since 1991, and tropical destinations always won until now.

This same beach came in third place in 2023 and second place in 2024. The 2025 victory makes Coopers Beach the first northern beach to claim the number one ranking in the competition’s history.

Coopers Beach Beat Four Hawaiian Beaches to Win the Title

Dr. Beach’s 2025 top 10 list included Wailea Beach in Maui, Poipu Beach in Kauai, Kaunaoa Beach on the Big Island, and Lanikai Beach in Oahu. Coopers Beach scored higher than all four Hawaiian locations in water quality, sand composition, and safety categories.

The New York beach also defeated Florida’s Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park and St. Andrews State Park. This victory proves northern beaches can compete with year-round tropical destinations.

What You Can Do at America’s Top Beach

You can walk east or west along the shoreline for about three miles before hitting private property markers. The water stays calm most days, making it safe to swim even if you’re not a strong swimmer.

Bring a paddleboard or kayak to explore the calmer areas near the dunes. Look for shells and sea glass along the water line, especially after high tide. The beach has enough room for volleyball nets, and locals often set up games on weekends.Or, just decompress and watch the boats heading to and from Sag Harbor.

This Beach is Wide Enough to Land a Commercial Airplane

Everyone has plenty of space to spread out here. Coopers Beach stretches over 300 yards from the dune line to the water during low tide. A Boeing 747 airplane has a wingspan of 195 feet, which means the beach is wide enough to accommodate the plane with space left over.

During peak summer months, you can walk for 10 minutes from the parking area and still have sand between you and the ocean.

The Water Stays Ten Degrees Warmer Than Beaches Just Miles Away

Coopers Beach sits in a protected location that shields it from the cold Labrador Current. Water temperatures reach the mid-70s during summer while nearby Montauk Point stays in the 60s. This natural protection creates a microclimate that feels more like North Carolina than New York State.

Your Beach Towel Sits Next to Hundred Million Dollar Homes

The beach runs directly in front of mansions that sell for $50 million to $100 million. These properties belong to hedge fund managers, tech executives, and entertainment industry leaders.

The Meadow Club, one of America’s most exclusive beach clubs, operates right next door to the public beach. Beachgoers can look up from their towels and see some of the country’s most expensive real estate just steps away.

Beach Parking Actually Costs Fifty Dollars Here

Coopers Beach charges $50 per day for parking, which ranks among the highest beach fees in America. The cost reflects the exclusive Hamptons location and helps control crowd size. Local residents get discounted rates, but day-trippers from New York City face the full charge during peak summer months.

A Free Shuttle Saves You From the Hamptons Traffic Nightmare

That $50 parking fee is pretty steep, so try to catch the Hamptons Free Ride shuttle. It picks up passengers in Southampton village every 30 minutes and drops them at the beach entrance.

The electric vehicle holds six to eight people and operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The service runs continuously during peak beach hours, and you can “hail” it via the Circuit mobile app.

Hollywood Uses This Beach When They Need Perfect Scenery

By the way, this beach is so beautiful, it’s become a Hollywood darling. Coopers Beach appeared in Jaws 2 and continues to attract film crews for commercials and photo shoots. Fashion magazines regularly use the location for summer spreads. Movie studios choose Coopers Beach when they need a luxurious American beach setting that looks flawless on camera.

The Nearby Restaurants Charge Manhattan Prices for Local Seafood

No surprises there. For instance, Topping Rose House serves a $65 lobster roll in a restored 1842 mansion setting. The restaurant sources seafood from local Hamptons fishermen and charges premium prices that reflect the Southampton location. Other village restaurants offer farm-to-table dining with outdoor seating perfect for post-beach meals.

Here’s How to Actually Get There and Enjoy It

Arrive before 9 AM to secure parking or take the free shuttle from Southampton village to avoid the $50 fee. Bring a beach wagon because the walk from parking to prime spots covers a considerable distance.

Remember to fill that wagon with everything you need because there are no concession stands here. Try booking accommodations six months ahead for summer weekends or stay in nearby East Hampton for lower rates.