A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Fort Lauderdale vs. The Hamptons for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Fort Lauderdale and The Hamptons. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a luxury, high energy, and scenic coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

The Hamptons

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

Fort Lauderdale and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fort Lauderdale. Although Fort Lauderdale and The Hamptons are both popular with visitors, Fort Lauderdale has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fort Lauderdale is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while The Hamptons is known for its hiking and shopping. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than The Hamptons and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also home to The Local Beaches. The Hamptons is popular for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is Fort Lauderdale different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Fort Lauderdale and The Hamptons offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Fort Lauderdale offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

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 Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for nightlife. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Fort Lauderdale know how to have a good time. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

If you're looking for night time activities The Hamptons has a few options to choose from. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Is Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Fort Lauderdale is a world class resort vacation destination. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

There are plenty of resorts in The Hamptons to choose from. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

Is Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, The Hamptons is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Fort Lauderdale. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

The Hamptons is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for its beaches. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

Fort Lauderdale is considered to be a world-class beach destination. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

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 Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

The Hamptons is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

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.

Fort Lauderdale is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons?

The Hamptons is a must-visit destination for shopping. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Is Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons Better for Families?

Fort Lauderdale 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.

Fort Lauderdale is a very family-friendly place to visit. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

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 Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is a world-class destination for romance. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Fort Lauderdale is a great coastal city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

The Hamptons is a great coastal city if you're traveling as 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 Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city with a few options for its public transit. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

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 Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for its walkability. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander 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.

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

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or Fort Lauderdale?

How long in Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in The Hamptons than Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this spirited coastal city 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.

The opulent destination of The Hamptons offers food and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons?

Fort Lauderdale 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. Lots of people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

The beach destination of The Hamptons offers shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons?

In Fort Lauderdale, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this luxury 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. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The Hamptons is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. This beach destination offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons?

Fort Lauderdale 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.

The opulent beach destination of The Hamptons offers food and shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons?

Fort Lauderdale has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons in the Summer?

Both The Hamptons and Fort Lauderdale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Fort Lauderdale is a little warmer than The Hamptons in the summer. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 83°F (28°C) in July, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in The Hamptons. It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. In July, Fort Lauderdale usually receives more rain than The Hamptons. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

Both The Hamptons and Fort Lauderdale during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year.

In the autumn, Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than The Hamptons. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Fort Lauderdale in October average around 78°F (26°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 58°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale usually gets more rain in October than The Hamptons. Fort Lauderdale gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Fort Lauderdale and The Hamptons. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to The Hamptons for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in The Hamptons. In January, Fort Lauderdale is generally much warmer than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Fort Lauderdale average around 67°F (20°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

In January, Fort Lauderdale usually receives less rain than The Hamptons. Fort Lauderdale gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Fort Lauderdale or The Hamptons in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Fort Lauderdale as well as The Hamptons. Many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to The Hamptons in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Fort Lauderdale is much warmer than The Hamptons in the spring. The daily temperature in Fort Lauderdale averages around 75°F (24°C) in April, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Fort Lauderdale usually gets less rain in April than The Hamptons. Fort Lauderdale gets 3.1 inches (78 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 Fort Lauderdale