9. Southampton, New York

The praise heaped on Long Island's tiny Hamptons seems ceaseless - their pervasive beauty, wealth and extravagance are constantly in the spotlight. Yet, there is one Hampton, the "original" Hampton, as locals will remind you, which shines just a bit brighter than the rest. Unspoiled beaches, a charming village center, exclusive shops and exquisite dining have made Southampton the Hampton du jour. The smell of old money is powerful in this pristine setting, but these days new blood is mixing with blue blood. And the result is a perfect blend of sprawling beaches, private estates and just enough places to "be seen" to satisfy the uppercrust.

Timelessness prevails in Southampton's village, evoking the days of its Puritan founders and the famed Shinnecock Indians - the area's original settlers. Homage is paid to this historic era via landmarks such as the Southampton Historical Museum and the 1648 Halsey Homestead (the town's oldest house). There is also the long-standing tradition of wealth that is so obvious throughout the area - think F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, the masterpiece that first put the Hamptons on the proverbial map. Should shopping take precedence over sightseeing, exercising your credit cards comes as easily as laying on the beach. Sak's Fifth Avenue lurks in the center of town, as does Hildreth's, claiming to be America's oldest department store.

More recently, Southampton has quietly made a name for itself as the Hamptons' epicenter of arts and culture. The serenity of salty ocean breezes and unspoiled sands has lured countless artists and writers to Southampton. Painting greats Jackson Pollock and Ray Lichtenstein both had studios here, and author Tom Wolfe has a residence in the village. More than 20 galleries can be found in the village center alone and art aficionados will adore the Parrish Art Museum, featuring famous 19th- and 20th-century American art.

When Southampton's shady streets have all been explored, and hedges hiding the very exclusive mansions of the Agawam Lake-Gin Lane estate area have been peeked over, there is but one thing left to do - hit the beach. Seven-plus miles of unspoiled shoreline make up Southampton's oceanfront expanse. Rolling, windswept dunes and waving grasses beckon visitors to escape to the Atlantic. The beaches here are kept perfect and secluded, irresistible to seekers of solace. If the sedentary lifestyle isn't your cup of tea, don't despair - Southampton offers plenty of water activities to keep an adventurous spirit active.
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