Southampton’s Cooper’s Beach to debut new amenities this summer

One of the Hamptons’ crown jewels is getting a subtle glow-up just in time for summer.

Cooper’s Beach — recently ranked America’s No. 1 beach in 2025 by Stephen Leatherman — has rolled out a series of upgrades aimed at improving both function and aesthetics ahead of the season.

Village officials recently rebuilt a portion of the beach’s main deck, adding new showers and foot rinse stations while expanding the space to better accommodate crowds, including visitors with wheelchairs.

“We noticed that the foot rinse area, while functional, would flood a little by the end of a busy day,” said Village Trustee Robert Coburn. “We chose to redo that area, as it’s one of the first things people see when they come and leave.”

The new mahogany deck also includes additional bench space, giving beachgoers more room to sit, regroup and drop their bags before or after a day on the sand.

Officials also cleared out much of the visual clutter, reducing 16 metal signposts down to just three — a move Coburn said helps keep the focus where it belongs.

“The ocean and sand can be the stars of the show,” he said.

The updates are modest, but they build on what has long made Cooper’s Beach a standout destination for both locals and visitors.

“It’s a melting pot of residents and visitors,” Coburn said.

Located just a short walk from Southampton Village, the beach is known not only for its wide stretch of white sand and clean water, but also for its easy access and attentive lifeguard staff.

“It’s great for joggers, an easy bike ride from the village and a quick drive,” Coburn added. “It has easy access to a really quaint village.”

Cooper’s Beach is scheduled to open for the season on May 15. Day parking passes cost $55 for non-village residents.

Photos below courtesy of Southampton Village Trustee Robert Coburn

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Top: A body surfer waits for a wave at Cooper’s Beach, Aug. 25, 2020, in Southhampton, N.Y. Stephen Leatherman, a coastal scientist and professor at Florida International University, has been drafting a list of the best beaches in the U.S., under the alias “Dr. Beach” since 1991. He named Coopers Beach the best beach in the country in his 2025 list. (AP Photo/Pamela Hassell)