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

Should you visit The Hamptons or Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a wealthy, opulent, and pristine coastal town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

The Hamptons and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in The Hamptons or Santa Barbara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara than The Hamptons, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Barbara is more touristy than The Hamptons and is known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. Also, Santa Barbara is famous for The Old Mission Santa Barbara. The Hamptons is well known for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is The Hamptons different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Santa Barbara is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Santa Barbara makes for a great culinary experience. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

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 The Hamptons or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether The Hamptons or Santa Barbara has a better nightlife scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Santa Barbara has a few options to choose from. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Is The Hamptons or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both The Hamptons and Santa Barbara have excellent options.

In The Hamptons, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

There are plenty of resorts in Santa Barbara to choose from. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Is The Hamptons or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, The Hamptons is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Santa Barbara has a few snorkeling spots. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

The Hamptons is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is The Hamptons or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

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

Santa Barbara is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

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 Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for its historic old town. However, The Hamptons does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Santa Barbara to see the historical old town. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

The Hamptons does not have a historic old town.

Is The Hamptons or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Around Santa Barbara visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

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 Santa Barbara?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Santa Barbara and The Hamptons.

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.

Known for shopping, Santa Barbara draws large crowds to its stores. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Is The Hamptons or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Santa Barbara 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.

Santa Barbara is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

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

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a great destination for students. However, The Hamptons is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Santa Barbara. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

The Hamptons is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for its public transit. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Santa Barbara, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

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 Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

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

Santa Barbara is very walkable. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

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 The Hamptons Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or The Hamptons?

How long in The Hamptons or Santa Barbara?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both The Hamptons and Santa Barbara. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in The Hamptons than in Santa Barbara. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for The Hamptons, and 2-3 days is enough time in Santa Barbara.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

One day in The Hamptons or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the lavish destination of The Hamptons. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Santa Barbara, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this affluent coastal town 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 Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in The Hamptons. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Santa Barbara is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the lavish destination of The Hamptons. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the stunning destination of Santa Barbara. 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 Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the beach destination of The Hamptons. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara, we can see that The Hamptons is more expensive. And not only is Santa Barbara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Barbara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

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 Santa Barbara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, The Hamptons or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of The Hamptons and Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?

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 The Hamptons or Santa Barbara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hamptons and Santa Barbara. Many travelers come to The Hamptons for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Santa Barbara in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, The Hamptons is generally a little warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in The Hamptons average around 76°F (25°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

The Hamptons gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, The Hamptons usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. The Hamptons gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit The Hamptons or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to The Hamptons as well as Santa Barbara. Many visitors come to The Hamptons in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

The Hamptons usually gets more rain in October than Santa Barbara. The Hamptons gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit The Hamptons or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

Both Santa Barbara and The Hamptons are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to The Hamptons for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Santa Barbara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The Hamptons can be very cold during winter. In the winter, The Hamptons is much colder than Santa Barbara. Typically, the winter temperatures in The Hamptons in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 52°F (11°C).

In January, The Hamptons usually receives around the same amount of rain as Santa Barbara. The Hamptons gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit The Hamptons or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and The Hamptons during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

In April, The Hamptons is generally cooler than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in The Hamptons average around 51°F (11°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

The Hamptons usually gets more rain in April than Santa Barbara. The Hamptons gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and The Hamptons