A Travel Price Comparison for New York Adirondack Mountains vs. The Hamptons for Resorts, Hiking, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains is a scenic, serene, and pristine region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a opulent, lavish, and wealthy beach destination. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Adirondack Mountains and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Adirondack Mountains. Although Adirondack Mountains and The Hamptons are popular destinations, Adirondack Mountains has more sights and attractions for tourists. Adirondack Mountains is very popular for its skiing, museums, hiking, and impressive beauty, while The Hamptons attracts visitors for its beaches and shopping. Adirondack Mountains is more touristy than The Hamptons and is known for its miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and pristine forests. It is also well known for Whiteface Mountain. The Hamptons is famous for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is Adirondack Mountains different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between The Hamptons and Adirondack Mountains. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons Better for Skiing?

Adirondack Mountains
The Hamptons

Adirondack Mountains is a region with good options for winter skiing. However, The Hamptons is not a skiing destination.

Adirondack Mountains is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. There are a number of ski resorts in the area with some of the most popular being Whiteface, Titus Mountain, and Oak Mountain.

The Hamptons is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons?

Adirondack Mountains
The Hamptons

Adirondack Mountains is a region with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

Adirondack Mountains is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You can learn about local culture and heritage at any of the museums in the area. At the Adirondack Experience you can visit a vast campus that offers an open-air experience relating to the region's history. Other educational centers in the area include a wildlife center, several art museums, as well as battlefields, forts, and war museums.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Adirondack Mountains
The Hamptons

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Adirondack Mountains and The Hamptons can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adirondack Mountains. Steakhouses, pancake shops, and local diners all serve up fresh and local dishes. Many visitors like to pack a picnic that they can enjoy along a hiking trail, but if you're looking for a sit down option, there are also plenty of restaurants to choose from.

The Hamptons is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of fine dining restaurants in the area and seafood is a favorite. Some restaurants are known to be frequented by vacationing celebrities, so if you're hoping to spot someone famous, do some research and you may have some luck.

Is Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

Adirondack Mountains
The Hamptons

Evening events are nice in both Adirondack Mountains and The Hamptons.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Adirondack Mountains. There are laid back bars and pubs in the area, but for the best nightlife scene, head to Lake Placid.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in The Hamptons. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.


Is Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

Adirondack Mountains
The Hamptons

Adirondack Mountains and The Hamptons offer a relatively similar set of excellent luxury resort options.

Adirondack Mountains is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Lodges and inns fill with vacationers who enjoy the pools and scenic settings that many of the resorts offer. Many places have a summer camp atmosphere that feels both wholesome and adventurous.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in The Hamptons. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

Is Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

Adirondack Mountains
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a popular place for the beache. However, Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.

The Hamptons is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches in the area feature long stretches of soft sand and plenty of space to spread out. Many beaches do come with a hefty price tag though as they require you to pay for parking or a permit.

Adirondack Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

Adirondack Mountains
The Hamptons

Adirondack Mountains is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Adirondack Mountains. Trails range from easy to challenging and each passes through beautiful and diverse landscapes. You can climb to scenic viewpoints or explore pristine forests. It's the perfect way to escape into nature for a bit.

The Hamptons offers some nice hiking trails. There are a number of picturesque walks through the dunes and wetlands around the area. There is plenty of peaceful nature to explore if you're looking for a break from city life.


Is the Shopping Better in Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons?

Adirondack Mountains
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is an amazing beach destination to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Adirondack Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in The Hamptons make it a world-class shopping destination. Known as a playground for the rich and famous, you can be assured there are plenty of shopping opportunities where you can flash your cash around town.

Adirondack Mountains has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Many of the towns have a "general store" where you can pick up souvenirs or local items. There are also local artisan shops and even outlet malls in the area.

Is Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons Better for Families?

Adirondack Mountains
The Hamptons

Adirondack Mountains is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Adirondack Mountains is a very family-friendly place to visit. There area is filled with ropes courses, adventure parks, and hiking trails. There are nature centers with information programs for young ones. The kids will also be a enchanted by the waterfalls as the adults are.

The Hamptons offers lots of family activities. The area has a family-friendly setting with many outdoor activities and a children's museum. There are music events, children's parks, small zoos, and, of course, the beach. Also make sure you pick up some ice cream and enjoy that quintessential beach experience.

Is Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

Adirondack Mountains
The Hamptons

With fun activities for couples, both Adirondack Mountains and The Hamptons make for a excellent place to visit.

Adirondack Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many lodges and inns that are tucked away in the mountains and make for a romantic retreat. Couples will enjoy the hiking and beautiful views. Whether you spend your time cozied up by the fire or out on an adventure, this is a wonderful romantic destination.

The Hamptons makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy beaches, dining out, and escaping the chaos of city life will enjoy a retreat here. The area has many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, but there are also amazing restaurants that make for a great date night.


Is Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Adirondack Mountains
The Hamptons

Adirondack Mountains is a great destination for backpackers. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Adirondack Mountains. There are a number of campgrounds and even backcountry camping in the region. The hiking trails and beautiful setting make this a fun place to explore.

The Hamptons is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It's more popular with the rich and famous than it is with the budget crowd, so you may struggle to find an affordable place to stay, much less a hostel.

Is Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adirondack Mountains
The Hamptons

Neither Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Adirondack Mountains. There is no real public transportation in the park.

Public transit is quite limited in The Hamptons. While there are trains between towns, there aren't many options when it comes to public transit.

Is Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

Adirondack Mountains
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Adirondack Mountains is a mediocre region for its ease of walking around.

The Hamptons is a somewhat walkable place. While some of the towns offer a nice place for a stroll, most of the Hamptons is not very walkable and it's best to have a car.

Adirondack Mountains is not a very walkable region. While there are many hiking trails, to get around and access most destinations, you'll need a car.


For even more information, also check out Is Adirondack Mountains Worth Visiting? and Is The Hamptons Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or Adirondack Mountains?

How long in Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons?

Both Adirondack Mountains and The Hamptons have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Adirondack Mountains has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than The Hamptons. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than The Hamptons. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Adirondack Mountains, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Adirondack Mountains than The Hamptons if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Adirondack Mountains.


  • How many days in Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons? Ideal Length of Stay
    Adirondack Mountains 3-7 
    The Hamptons 3-7

One day in Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons?

In Adirondack Mountains, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this pristine region offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of The Hamptons. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons?

Adirondack Mountains is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

The Hamptons is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons?

In Adirondack Mountains, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this scenic destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Many people visit The Hamptons for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the beach destination of The Hamptons. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach destination has to offer.


A week in Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons?

Adirondack Mountains is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the wealthy destination of The Hamptons. Many people spend one week here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. While some people choose to spend more or less time in The Hamptons, one week is sufficent for most.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, The Hamptons or Adirondack Mountains?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Adirondack Mountains is $166, while the average daily cost in The Hamptons is $223. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Adirondack Mountains and The Hamptons in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Adirondack Mountains $97
    The Hamptons $126
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Adirondack Mountains $194
    The Hamptons $252
Compare Hotels in Adirondack Mountains and The Hamptons

Looking for a hotel in Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Adirondack Mountains


Hotels in The Hamptons


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Adirondack Mountains $33
    The Hamptons $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons?

Prices for flights to both The Hamptons and Adirondack Mountains change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Adirondack Mountains $49
    The Hamptons $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Adirondack Mountains $17
    The Hamptons $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Adirondack Mountains $19
    The Hamptons $31


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Adirondack Mountains and The Hamptons, we can see that The Hamptons is more expensive. And not only is Adirondack Mountains much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Adirondack Mountains would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Adirondack Mountains and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in The Hamptons would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hamptons than you might in Adirondack Mountains.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Adirondack Mountains Expensive? and Is The Hamptons Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Adirondack Mountains and The Hamptons. Many visitors come to Adirondack Mountains in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to The Hamptons for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Adirondack Mountains is generally cooler than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Adirondack Mountains average around 71°F (22°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

The Hamptons receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Adirondack Mountains usually receives less rain than The Hamptons. Adirondack Mountains gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Adirondack Mountains 71°F (22°C) 
    The Hamptons 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Adirondack Mountains as well as The Hamptons. Most visitors come to Adirondack Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Adirondack Mountains is much colder than The Hamptons in the autumn. The daily temperature in Adirondack Mountains averages around 49°F (9°C) in October, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Adirondack Mountains usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as The Hamptons. Adirondack Mountains gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Adirondack Mountains 49°F (9°C) 
    The Hamptons 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons in the Winter?

Both The Hamptons and Adirondack Mountains are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Adirondack Mountains because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year.

It's quite cold in The Hamptons in the winter. The weather in Adirondack Mountains can be very cold. In the winter, Adirondack Mountains is much colder than The Hamptons. Typically, the winter temperatures in Adirondack Mountains in January average around 18°F (-8°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

In January, Adirondack Mountains usually receives less rain than The Hamptons. Adirondack Mountains gets 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Adirondack Mountains 18°F (-8°C) 
    The Hamptons 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Adirondack Mountains or The Hamptons in the Spring?

Both The Hamptons and Adirondack Mountains during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Adirondack Mountains this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to The Hamptons for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Adirondack Mountains is generally cooler than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Adirondack Mountains average around 46°F (8°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Adirondack Mountains usually gets less rain in April than The Hamptons. Adirondack Mountains gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Adirondack Mountains 46°F (8°C) 
    The Hamptons 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and Adirondack Mountains

Adirondack Mountains The Hamptons
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 18°F (-8°C) 2.6 inches (65 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Feb 21°F (-6°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Mar 33°F (1°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 46°F (8°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
May 57°F (14°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jun 66°F (19°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 71°F (22°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 76°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Aug 69°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 60°F (16°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Oct 49°F (9°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 38°F (4°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 25°F (-4°C) 2.9 inches (75 mm) 37°F (3°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)