A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America The Hamptons vs. San Diego for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit The Hamptons or San Diego?

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 San Diego 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 opulent, lavish, and wealthy beach destination. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

San Diego

San Diego is a idyllic, fun-filled, and hip coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

The Hamptons and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in The Hamptons or San Diego?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Diego. Although The Hamptons and San Diego are popular destinations, San Diego has more sights and attractions for tourists. San Diego is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, and quaint atmosphere, while The Hamptons attracts visitors for its resorts and shopping. San Diego is more touristy than The Hamptons and is popular for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. It is also well known for The San Diego Zoo. The Hamptons is famous for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is The Hamptons different from San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between San Diego 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 San Diego?

San Diego 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 San Diego. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both The Hamptons and San Diego both to be nice 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.

San Diego has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is The Hamptons or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in San Diego know how to have a good time. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

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 The Hamptons or San Diego Better for Music?

San Diego is a great destination for live music. However, The Hamptons is not a live music destination.

San Diego has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

The Hamptons is not a live music destination.

Is The Hamptons or San Diego Better for Resorts?

The Hamptons is great for its luxury resorts. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

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.

San Diego has a few great resort options. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Is The Hamptons or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

San Diego 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 San Diego. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

The Hamptons is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is The Hamptons or San Diego Better for Beaches?

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

San Diego is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific 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 The Hamptons or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego 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 San Diego. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

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 San Diego?

The Hamptons is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, The Hamptons draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to San Diego to go shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is The Hamptons or San Diego Better for Families?

San Diego 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.

San Diego is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

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 The Hamptons or San Diego Better for Couples?

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

San Diego is a great coastal city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

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 San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Diego is a coastal city with good options for backpackers. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

San Diego is a good coastal city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

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 San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is a world-class destination for students. However, The Hamptons is not popular with students.

San Diego is a very popular coastal city for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

The Hamptons is not popular with students.

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

San Diego 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 San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

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 The Hamptons or San Diego a more walkable city?

The Hamptons and San Diego both are nice when exploring on foot.

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.

San Diego is a somewhat walkable place. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

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

Should I spend more time in San Diego or The Hamptons?

How long in The Hamptons or San Diego?

In either The Hamptons or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in The Hamptons than San Diego because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for The Hamptons, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego 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 San Diego.

One day in The Hamptons or San Diego?

You'll find food and shopping around the beach destination of The Hamptons. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In San Diego, many people enjoy the live music and food that this fun-filled coastal city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

A weekend in The Hamptons or San Diego?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the lavish destination of The Hamptons. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

San Diego is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Five days in The Hamptons or San Diego?

You'll find nightlife and food around the wealthy beach destination of The Hamptons. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach destination makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach destination has to offer.

In San Diego, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this hip destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

A week in The Hamptons or San Diego?

The Hamptons is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in The Hamptons, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

San Diego 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 comparing the travel costs between The Hamptons and San Diego, 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 The Hamptons Expensive? and Is San Diego Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, The Hamptons or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of The Hamptons and San Diego, 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 The Hamptons or San Diego?

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 San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego and The Hamptons during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to San Diego for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, The Hamptons is a little warmer than San Diego. Typically, the summer temperatures in The Hamptons in July average around 76°F (25°C), and San Diego averages at about 71°F (22°C).

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

Should I visit The Hamptons or San Diego in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hamptons and San Diego. Many travelers come to The Hamptons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Diego in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, The Hamptons is generally cooler than San Diego. Daily temperatures in The Hamptons average around 58°F (14°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In October, The Hamptons usually receives more rain than San Diego. The Hamptons gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit The Hamptons or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to The Hamptons as well as San Diego. Many visitors come to The Hamptons in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to San Diego for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The Hamptons can get quite cold in the winter. The Hamptons is much colder than San Diego in the winter. The daily temperature in The Hamptons averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and San Diego fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

The Hamptons usually gets more rain in January than San Diego. The Hamptons gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit The Hamptons or San Diego in the Spring?

Both San Diego and The Hamptons are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to The Hamptons for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to San Diego because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, The Hamptons is much colder than San Diego. Typically, the spring temperatures in The Hamptons in April average around 51°F (11°C), and San Diego averages at about 62°F (17°C).

In April, The Hamptons usually receives more rain than San Diego. The Hamptons gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Diego and The Hamptons