A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Destin vs. The Hamptons for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Destin or The Hamptons?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Destin and The Hamptons can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a beautiful, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a wealthy, opulent, and lavish beach destination. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Destin and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or The Hamptons?

Tourists will generally find more to do in The Hamptons. Although Destin and The Hamptons are both popular with visitors, The Hamptons has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. The Hamptons is more popular for its nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Destin is known for its beaches. Destin is more touristy than The Hamptons and is known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. The Hamptons is popular for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities. It is also home to The Montauk Lighthouse.

How is Destin different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Destin and The Hamptons.

Destin offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The area has great seafood including crab chowder, seafood gumbo, and fried fish. You can find wonderful local restaurants that have waterfront views and menus that feature freshly caught seafood. Many restaurants also have kid-friendly menus. During peak season, reservations are recommended.

The Hamptons has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Destin or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

The Hamptons is very good for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in The Hamptons. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Destin doesn't offer many options. The region is more popular as a family-friendly beach destination than it is for it's nightlife. Head to the Harbor area for the most lively nightlife.

Is Destin or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Destin and The Hamptons.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Destin. Popular options include the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, as well as Hilton Sandestin Beach, Golf Resort & Spa. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms. Most of these complexes also have pools, hot tubs, and even kids clubs.

The Hamptons is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

Is Destin or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

Destin is a great destination for its beaches. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

The beaches at Destin attract visitors from all over. This area is famous for its powdery white sand, beautiful blue waters, and calm waves. The beaches are large enough that they never get incredibly crowded, but you will find the largest crowds during the summer months. These beaches are particularly popular with families and seniors.

The Hamptons offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Is Destin or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

The Hamptons is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting The Hamptons. 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.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or The Hamptons?

The Hamptons is terrific for shopping. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

The Hamptons is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Destin. In the shopping centers around town you'll find a number of unique boutique shops that are fun to explore. They have boutique-style beach clothes, local art, and any beach supplies that you may have forgotten.

Is Destin or The Hamptons Better for Families?

Destin 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.

Destin is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has beautiful sandy beaches, calm waters, and plenty of activities for kids like Big Kahuna's Water Park. This is one of the more kid-friendly areas in Florida and many families return year after year with their kids. There are also many condos available for rent and kids can have their own room, kitchens are available for meal preparation, and there are washers and dryers to clean clothes. Many of these condo complexes also have kid-friendly pools

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 Destin or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

The Hamptons is notable for romance. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its romantic activities.

The Hamptons is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Destin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a relaxing beach vacation, this is a nice option for couples. A lot of the accommodation is in the form of condos, so it may not have the romantic resort vibe you're going for though. There are many great seafood restaurants and quiet beaches that have beautiful sunsets.

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

Neither Destin or The Hamptons offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Destin. There is almost no public transit so a car is essential. Some condo complexes do over golf carts to get around the grounds.

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 Destin or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

The Hamptons is very good for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

The Hamptons is somewhat walkable. 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.

Destin is not a very walkable beach town. The area is very spread out and not walkable so you'll need a car to access restaurants and most forms of entertainment.

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

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or Destin?

How long in Destin or The Hamptons?

Both Destin and The Hamptons have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, The Hamptons has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in The Hamptons than Destin. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 3-7 days is enough time in The Hamptons.

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

Couples should spend more time in The Hamptons than Destin. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in The Hamptons that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in The Hamptons than Destin 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 The Hamptons.

One day in Destin or The Hamptons?

In Destin, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this beautiful beach town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 food and shopping when visiting the destination of The Hamptons. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or The Hamptons?

Destin 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 great place to explore. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Destin or The Hamptons?

In Destin, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this peaceful destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in The Hamptons. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Destin or The Hamptons?

Destin is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 food and shopping when visiting the wealthy destination of The Hamptons. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Destin and The Hamptons, we can see that The Hamptons is more expensive. And not only is Destin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Destin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Destin 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 Destin.

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or The Hamptons?

Destin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of Destin and The Hamptons, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Destin 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 Destin or The Hamptons in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and The Hamptons. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to The Hamptons in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Destin is a little warmer than The Hamptons in the summer. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

The Hamptons receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than The Hamptons. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Destin as well as The Hamptons. Many visitors come to Destin in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to The Hamptons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Destin is a little warmer than The Hamptons. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Destin usually gets more rain in October than The Hamptons. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or The Hamptons in the Winter?

Both The Hamptons and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in The Hamptons can be very cold. In January, Destin is generally much warmer than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than The Hamptons. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or The Hamptons in the Spring?

Both The Hamptons and Destin during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year.

Destin is much warmer than The Hamptons in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Destin usually gets less rain in April than The Hamptons. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and Destin