The Hamptons is a vacation spot so mythologized—in film, in music, and in literature—that it’s tempting to think of the destination as an A-lister’s Neverland. And it’s true, like clockwork, the jet-set crowd flocks to Long Island’s East End every summer in search of sun and a good time, often in the form of rejuvenating wellness experiences or booze-soaked parties along the coast. But despite the luxuriousness that blankets (almost) every surface from Westhampton to Montauk, locals know the community charm extends far beyond what money can buy—or myth can capture.

With that in mind, we dipped our proverbial toes into the LI Sound with a ride out east in a 2022 Audi RS e-tron GT, a fully electric vehicle that combines the thrill of a lightning-fast race car with the quiet purr of…well, one of those yachts that Hamptonites seem to love so much. Cruising between numerous hamlets on the hunt for good food and better company, we found you needn’t be J.Lo or SJP to enjoy what the Hamps has on tap.

Whether you’re stopping by Little Ruby’s at Ruschmeyers for the prettiest avocado toast we’ve ever laid eyes on, strolling along East Hampton’s Main Street in pursuit of a chic find at the (newly opened) Rag & Bone or Balenciaga shops, or closing out the night with romantic dinner at Fauna in Westhampton Beach, there’s something for everyone here, from the uber-fancy scenester to the low-key diner. Despite decades of history in its stately architecture and beachside abodes, this particular group of towns knows a thing or two about never growing up. Ahead, everything we discovered along the way—including the best hotels, restaurants, and experiences offered this summer.

Parrish…