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

Should you visit Mystic 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 Mystic 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a charming, quaint, and laid back town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a wealthy, opulent, and lavish beach destination. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Mystic and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


Is there more to do in Mystic or The Hamptons?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mystic. Although Mystic and The Hamptons are both popular with visitors, Mystic has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mystic is more popular for its museums and beaches, while The Hamptons is known for its resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Mystic is more touristy than The Hamptons and is popular for its New England charm and local character. It is also home to the Mystic Seaport Museum. The Hamptons is popular for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is Mystic different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Mystic
The Hamptons

Mystic is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Mystic. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Mystic
The Hamptons

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

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mystic. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in The Hamptons. 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 Mystic or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

Mystic
The Hamptons

Both Mystic and The Hamptons have good vibes after the sun sets.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Mystic. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

The Hamptons has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Is Mystic or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

Mystic
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic is not a resort destination.

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.

Mystic is not a resort destination.


Is Mystic or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

Mystic
The Hamptons

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

The beaches at Mystic attract visitors from all over. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

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 Mystic or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

Mystic
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mystic or The Hamptons?

Mystic
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is an amazing beach destination to visit for shopping. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in The Hamptons. 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.

Mystic is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.


Is Mystic or The Hamptons Better for Families?

Mystic
The Hamptons

Mystic 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.

Mystic is a very family-friendly place to visit. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

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 Mystic or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

Mystic
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

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

Mystic
The Hamptons

Neither Mystic or The Hamptons offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

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 Mystic or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

Mystic
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a good destination for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options 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.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or Mystic?

How long in Mystic or The Hamptons?

Both Mystic and The Hamptons have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in The Hamptons than in Mystic. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Mystic, and 3-7 days is enough time in The Hamptons.

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

Couples should spend more time in The Hamptons than Mystic. 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 Mystic 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.


  • How many days in Mystic or The Hamptons? Ideal Length of Stay
    Mystic 2-3 
    The Hamptons 3-7

One day in Mystic or The Hamptons?

In Mystic, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this laid back 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 Mystic or The Hamptons?

Mystic is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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 Mystic or The Hamptons?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Mystic. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

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 Mystic or The Hamptons?

Mystic is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. 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 Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America, and The Best G Adventures Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, The Hamptons or Mystic?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Mystic is $210, 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 Mystic and The Hamptons in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Mystic $125
    The Hamptons $126
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Mystic $250
    The Hamptons $252
Compare Hotels in Mystic and The Hamptons

Looking for a hotel in Mystic 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 Mystic


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Mystic Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Mystic $56
    The Hamptons $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Mystic or The Hamptons?

Prices for flights to both The Hamptons and Mystic 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
    Mystic $52
    The Hamptons $60

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Mystic $24
    The Hamptons $22

Tours and Activities in Mystic

For Mystic, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Mystic Moonlit Graveyard Ghost Tour: $30
  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $30
  • Ghosts of Christmas Past Downtown Walking Tour: $30
  • Mystic Seaport Museum Adventure : $31
  • Moonlit Mystic Graveyard Ghost Tour: $35
  • Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Mystic $31
    The Hamptons $31

Sample the Local Flavors in Mystic

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Mystic:

  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Paranormal Pub Crawl: Beer Tour: $75
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100
  • Spirits of Cocktail Pub Crawl: $100


When comparing the travel costs between Mystic and The Hamptons, we can see that The Hamptons 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 Mystic Expensive? and Is The Hamptons Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Mystic or The Hamptons?

Mystic has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of Mystic 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 Mystic 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 Mystic or The Hamptons in the Summer?

Both The Hamptons and Mystic during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Mystic for the beaches 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.

Mystic is around the same temperature as The Hamptons in the summer. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 73°F (23°C) in July, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

The Hamptons gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Mystic usually gets less rain in July than The Hamptons. Mystic gets 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Mystic 73°F (23°C) 
    The Hamptons 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Mystic or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Mystic and The Hamptons. The autumn months attract visitors to Mystic because of the shopping scene. 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, Mystic is cooler than The Hamptons. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Mystic in October average around 53°F (12°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In October, Mystic usually receives around the same amount of rain as The Hamptons. Mystic gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Mystic 53°F (12°C) 
    The Hamptons 58°F (14°C)

Should I visit Mystic or The Hamptons in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Mystic as well as The Hamptons. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mystic 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. It's quite cold in Mystic in the winter. In January, Mystic is generally much colder than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Mystic average around 28°F (-2°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Mystic usually gets more rain in January than The Hamptons. Mystic gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Mystic 28°F (-2°C) 
    The Hamptons 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Mystic or The Hamptons in the Spring?

Both The Hamptons and Mystic are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Mystic for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to The Hamptons in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Mystic is cooler than The Hamptons in the spring. The daily temperature in Mystic averages around 48°F (9°C) in April, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In April, Mystic usually receives around the same amount of rain as The Hamptons. Mystic gets 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Mystic 48°F (9°C) 
    The Hamptons 51°F (11°C)

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and Mystic

Mystic The Hamptons
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Feb 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 33°F (1°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Mar 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm) 51°F (11°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
May 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jun 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm) 76°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (104 mm)
Aug 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (95 mm)
Sep 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Oct 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 58°F (14°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Nov 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm) 37°F (3°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)