Insider's Guide to Quogue, NY by Jessica Husband

Today, we’re sharing a very special Insider’s Guide from one of our own. Jessica Husband is a senior member of the Cailíní Coastal merchandising team and has also spent more than 20 years enjoying summers in Quogue, a place that has become incredibly special to her and her family.

Tucked away on the quieter side of the Hamptons, Quogue has so much of what we love about the East End: beautiful homes, incredible beaches and that timeless coastal charm, all at a decidedly slower pace. It’s a bit of a hidden gem, and one Jessica knows especially well.

With Labor Day just around the corner, one of her favorite times to be there, it felt like the perfect moment to have Jessica share the places she returns to summer after summer and what makes Quogue so special.

Enjoy!

Meg

Quogue: The Hamptons’ Best-Kept Secret

I’ve been spending summers in Quogue for more than 20 years, and while so much of the Hamptons has evolved, Quogue has remained wonderfully unchanged. I’ve always been hesitant to share this little corner of the East End because it feels like a place that’s been quietly preserved in time. Part of me wants to keep it a secret. But then again, I don’t think Quogue could ever lose what makes it so special.

While many people picture the Hamptons as bustling beach towns filled with trendy restaurants and crowded streets, Quogue offers something entirely different. It’s quieter, less known, and refreshingly understated. It’s the definition of quiet luxury: elegant without ever trying too hard, very family-friendly, relaxed, and effortlessly charming.

If you’re looking for a slower pace and a more authentic Hamptons experience, here are a few places I never miss.

Stay at The Quogue Club

If you’re planning a weekend getaway, The Quogue Club is the perfect place to stay. Originally built more than 200 years ago and beautifully renovated in 2014, this 14-room boutique hotel perfectly captures Quogue’s timeless charm. One of my favorite things about the Inn is its intimate feel. With only 14 rooms, it never feels crowded, even in the height of summer. Also, there is a Jitney stop right across the street for seamless travel!

Quogue Village: is right across the street from the Club. Go grab your Hamptons Coffee  and spend some time wandering through Quogue’s quiet, tree-lined streets. One of my favorite things to do is admire the incredible homes tucked behind perfectly manicured hedges, sprawling lawns, and classic Hamptons landscaping.

Next: Make your way through the heart of the village, passing Quogue’s charming town clock and lily pond adjacent to Quogue Historical Society, a sweet little landmark that perfectly captures the old-fashioned character of the town.  From there, pop into Schmidt’s Country Market for a fresh sandwich from their deli counter, a smoothie, or even something to bring home to cook!  It’s small, but they have all the essentials.

There’s no bustling downtown or scene to chase here and that’s exactly what makes Quogue so special. It’s a tiny peaceful, understated village old-school Hamptons charm that makes you want to slow down and stay awhile.

Take a Drive (or Bike Ride) Along Dune Road
Stretching between Shinnecock Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, this scenic road offers one of the most unique landscapes in the Hamptons. On one side, you’ll find miles of pristine ocean beaches. On the other, calm bay waters dotted with docks, boats, and waterfront homes.

What makes Dune Road so special is how peaceful and untouched it feels. Whether you’re driving with the windows down, biking in the early morning, or taking an evening walk as the sun begins to set, it’s the kind of place that reminds you to slow down. Also be sure to not miss the gate for the Nature Preserve Walk (this can be easy to miss!) The Quogue Wildlife Refuge’s Dune Road Nature Preserve (often referred to as the Dune Road preserve or East Quogue barrier beach trails) offers a peaceful boardwalk and sandy walking paths through protected dunes, salt marshes, and coastal habitats. Maybe I’m biased because I got engaged here :)

Don’t Miss Sunset at Dockers Waterside
If I could only recommend one place to end the day in Quogue, it would be Dockers Waterside.

Perched right on Shinnecock Bay, Dockers is one of those rare restaurants where the setting is just as memorable as the food. As the sun begins to set, the entire bay glows in shades of pink, orange, and gold while boats drift by and the water becomes perfectly still. It’s the kind of view that never gets old, no matter how many summers you’ve spent here.

The atmosphere is everything I love about Quogue: casual, welcoming, and effortlessly beautiful. Arrive a little before sunset, order a cocktail or a glass of wine and simply enjoy the view. Some of my favorite summer memories have been made sitting on their adirondack chairs deck, watching the boats come in as the sky changes colors.  While there is a fantastic restaurant there is also an option to dine at their food truck for a more casual option which is always nice if you can’t get a reservation. 

Reserve a Boat Ride with Westhampton Beach Boat Charters 
Westhampton Charters is such a fun way to get out on the water and experience the area from a different perspective. Shari and Jeanne are two wonderful captains who offer both daytime tours and sunset cruises around the bays of Westhampton. Charter a private boat for a few hours for a laid-back afternoon with friends and family, or head out for a sunset cruise before dinner. It’s an effortless way to slow down, take in the coastline, and enjoy one of the best parts of summer out East.

Why I Keep Coming Back
There are plenty of beautiful places in the Hamptons, but Quogue has my heart. It’s the kind of place people discover once and return to for years. If you’re looking for timeless coastal charm, understated elegance, and a true escape, start with Quogue—you may never want to leave. 

My last recommendation for a beautiful sunset is our “secret gazebo”.  Just head down Quogo Neck Lane right past the Quogue Club and go all the way to the end.  You can park here and watch the boats go by and watch the most fantastic sunsets! 

Favorite Spots in Westhampton:

Quogue is adjacent to Westhampton Beach so we typically pop over there as well.   One Trick Pony. Flora (their chocolate flower dessert pot cake is amazing!) Fauna Catch a performance at Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center for a date night. Beach Bakery Grand Cafe. If I were to pick one store to shop at it would be Mint. 

Kid Friendly Day Trips: Quogue Library,  Harbes Family Farm (North Fork), Quogue Wildlife Preserve,  Patty’s Berries & Bunches (North Fork).