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

Should you visit Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island and The Hamptons can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a resort-filled, family-friendly, and relaxing coastal town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a lavish, wealthy, and opulent beach destination. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Hilton Head Island and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons?

Visitors will usually find more to do in The Hamptons than Hilton Head Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. The Hamptons is better known for its nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Hilton Head Island is more popular for its beaches. Hilton Head Island is more touristy than The Hamptons and is popular for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. The Hamptons is well known for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities. Also, The Hamptons is famous for The Montauk Lighthouse.

How is Hilton Head Island different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Hilton Head Island and The Hamptons.

Hilton Head Island is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

The Hamptons offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

The Hamptons is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Hilton Head Island and The Hamptons.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Hilton Head Island. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

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 Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Hilton Head Island attract visitors from all over. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

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 Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

The Hamptons is very good for its hiking trails. However, Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons?

The Hamptons is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to The Hamptons specifically to go shopping. 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.

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for shopping. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Hilton Head Island is an extremely popular coastal town to visit for families. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

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 Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

The Hamptons is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

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

Neither Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

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

Is Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

The Hamptons is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for its walkability.

The Hamptons is a somewhat walkable beach destination. 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.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

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

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or Hilton Head Island?

How long in Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons?

Both Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Hilton Head Island, and 3-7 days is enough time in The Hamptons.

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

Couples should spend more time in The Hamptons than Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons?

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this peaceful coastal 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the opulent destination of The Hamptons. This beach destination offers something for everyone. Most people visit for the shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons?

Hilton Head Island 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 popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the lavish beach destination of The Hamptons. Most people visit for the shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons?

In Hilton Head Island, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this beautiful 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of The Hamptons. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the shopping. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that The Hamptons has to offer.

A week in Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons?

Hilton Head Island 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 Hamptons is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach destination makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It offers something for everyone. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Anchorage, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City.

When comparing the travel costs between Hilton Head Island and The Hamptons, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons?

Hilton Head Island has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons in the Summer?

Both The Hamptons and Hilton Head Island during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to The Hamptons in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hilton Head Island is a little warmer than The Hamptons. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hilton Head Island in July average around 82°F (28°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 76°F (25°C).

The Hamptons gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island usually gets more rain in July than The Hamptons. Hilton Head Island gets 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hilton Head Island and The Hamptons. Many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to The Hamptons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Hilton Head Island is generally a little warmer than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Hilton Head Island average around 68°F (20°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In October, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than The Hamptons. Hilton Head Island gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hilton Head Island as well as The Hamptons. Most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, 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. Hilton Head Island is much warmer than The Hamptons in the winter. The daily temperature in Hilton Head Island averages around 48°F (9°C) in January, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Hilton Head Island usually gets less rain in January than The Hamptons. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hilton Head Island or The Hamptons in the Spring?

Both The Hamptons and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year.

In the spring, Hilton Head Island is much warmer than The Hamptons. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hilton Head Island in April average around 67°F (19°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In April, Hilton Head Island usually receives less rain than The Hamptons. Hilton Head Island gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and Hilton Head Island