A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America The Hamptons vs. Big Sur for Couples, Beaches, Hiking, and Food

Should you visit The Hamptons or Big Sur?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between The Hamptons and Big Sur can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

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.

Big Sur

Big Sur is a breathtaking, scenic, and remote natural area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

The Hamptons and Big Sur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in The Hamptons or Big Sur?

Visitors will usually find more to do in The Hamptons than Big Sur, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. The Hamptons is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Big Sur is more popular for its museums, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Big Sur is more touristy than The Hamptons and is popular for its beautiful state parks, dramatic coastal cliffs, and world class views. 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 The Hamptons different from Big Sur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Big Sur is not so good for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

Big Sur offers a few options for museum-goers. Nature is what brings visitors to the area, so most people don't prioritize museums or manmade landmarks.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both The Hamptons and Big Sur both to be notable destinations.

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.

Big Sur has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Most of the restaurants offer a breathtaking view. Many use locally-sourced ingredients and they range in style from fine dining to casual eateries.

Is The Hamptons or Big Sur Better for Nightlife?

The Hamptons is very good for its evening party scene. However, Big Sur is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Big Sur for the nightlife. There's a taphouse and lounge, but the area is mostly undeveloped with no real nightlife.

Is The Hamptons or Big Sur Better for Resorts?

The Hamptons is great for its luxury resorts. However, Big Sur is not a resort destination.

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.

Big Sur is not a resort destination.

Is The Hamptons or Big Sur Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Big Sur attract visitors from all over. The coastline and beaches are dramatic and beautiful, particularly Pfeiffer Beach, which has a dramatic waterfall. The water is filled with rip tides and strong currents, so swimming isn't advisable in most places.

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 The Hamptons or Big Sur Better for Hiking?

Big Sur 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 Big Sur. The dramatic hikes take you along the coastline, to beautiful beaches and through Redwood forests. There are a number of state parks along the route and some of the best hikes include Salmon Creek Trail, Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, and Ragged Point Cliffside Trail.

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 The Hamptons or Big Sur?

The Hamptons is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Big Sur is not a good destination 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.

Big Sur has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some galleries and gift shops, but most visitors aren't in the area to go shopping.

Is The Hamptons or Big Sur Better for Families?

Both The Hamptons and Big Sur are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in The Hamptons. 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.

Big Sur offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the hiking and beaches, particularly the Carmel Lagoon at Carmel River State Beach. There are a number of state parks where kids can run around and stretch their legs.

Is The Hamptons or Big Sur Better for Couples?

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

Big Sur is a great natural area for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Stunning viewpoints and breathtaking coastline make this a wonderful destination for couples. There are romantic inns and impressive hikes along the water's edge or through the dramatic Redwoods.

The Hamptons is a great beach destination 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 The Hamptons or Big Sur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Big Sur is a natural area with good options for backpackers. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Big Sur is a good natural area to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in the area, but budget travelers often prefer vacation rentals, which are more common.

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

Neither The Hamptons or Big Sur offer decent public transit.

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.

Public transit is quite limited in Big Sur. There is no real public transportation in the area.

Is The Hamptons or Big Sur a more walkable city?

The Hamptons is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Big Sur is not a good destination 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.

Big Sur is not a walkable beach destination. While there are hiking trails, Big Sur is a stretch of road that runs along the coast and requires a car to fully access.

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

Should I spend more time in Big Sur or The Hamptons?

How long in The Hamptons or Big Sur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both The Hamptons and Big Sur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in The Hamptons than in Big Sur. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for The Hamptons, and 1-3 days is enough time in Big Sur.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Big Sur 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 Big Sur.

One day in The Hamptons or Big Sur?

In The Hamptons, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This beach destination offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Big Sur, many people enjoy the food that this scenic natural area offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this natural area.

A weekend in The Hamptons or Big Sur?

In The Hamptons, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Big Sur 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.

Five days in The Hamptons or Big Sur?

The Hamptons is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that The Hamptons has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find food around the breathtaking destination of Big Sur. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in The Hamptons or Big Sur?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in The Hamptons. In The Hamptons, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Big Sur is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, and The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America.

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

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

When is the best time to visit The Hamptons or Big Sur?

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 The Hamptons or Big Sur in the Summer?

Both Big Sur and The Hamptons during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to The Hamptons in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Big Sur for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, The Hamptons is generally a little warmer than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in The Hamptons average around 76°F (25°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in The Hamptons. The Hamptons usually gets more rain in July than Big Sur. The Hamptons gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit The Hamptons or Big Sur in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hamptons and Big Sur. Most visitors come to The Hamptons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Big Sur because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

The Hamptons is cooler than Big Sur in the autumn. The daily temperature in The Hamptons averages around 58°F (14°C) in October, and Big Sur fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

In October, The Hamptons usually receives more rain than Big Sur. The Hamptons gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit The Hamptons or Big Sur in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to The Hamptons as well as Big Sur. The winter months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, the cuisine are the main draw to Big Sur this time of year.

The weather in The Hamptons can be very cold. In the winter, The Hamptons is much colder than Big Sur. Typically, the winter temperatures in The Hamptons in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Big Sur averages at about 51°F (11°C).

The Hamptons usually gets more rain in January than Big Sur. The Hamptons gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit The Hamptons or Big Sur in the Spring?

Both Big Sur and The Hamptons are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Big Sur for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, The Hamptons is generally cooler than Big Sur. Daily temperatures in The Hamptons average around 51°F (11°C), and Big Sur fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, The Hamptons usually receives more rain than Big Sur. The Hamptons gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Big Sur receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Big Sur and The Hamptons