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

Should you visit The Hamptons or Santa Cruz?

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 Cruz 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 wealthy, opulent, and lavish beach destination. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a coastal, scenic, and laid back town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

The Hamptons and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Cruz. Although The Hamptons and Santa Cruz are both popular with visitors, Santa Cruz has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Cruz is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and beaches, while The Hamptons is known for its resorts, shopping, and impressive beauty. Santa Cruz is more touristy than The Hamptons and is known for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. It is also home to Santa Cruz Wharf. The Hamptons is popular for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is The Hamptons different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santa Cruz is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

Santa Cruz is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both The Hamptons and Santa Cruz both to be good 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.

Santa Cruz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Sampling local seafood is a top priority for many visitors. Most restaurants have a casual vibe and serve up high quality dishes in a relaxed setting. You'll find cafes, Mexican food, and Italian eateries among other options.

Is The Hamptons or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Santa Cruz know how to have a good time. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

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 Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

The Hamptons is notable for its resorts. However, Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

The Hamptons is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Known as a hangout for the rich and famous, there is no shortage of luxury hotels and resorts in the area.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is The Hamptons or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Santa Cruz attract visitors from all over. The beaches are beautiful and fun. Head to Main Beach for the most activity. This is where you'll find the town's boardwalk, which has a historic carousel and several classic amusement rides. For a more peaceful and scenic spot, check out Natural Bridges State Beach or Seacliff 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 The Hamptons or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Both The Hamptons and Santa Cruz are destinations which offer good hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around 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.

Santa Cruz offers some nice hiking trails. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hamptons or Santa Cruz?

The Hamptons is very popular for shopping. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Santa Cruz. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.

Is The Hamptons or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Santa Cruz 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 Cruz is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with beaches, parks, playgrounds, and museums that kids and adults will enjoy. Highlights for many families include visiting the boardwalk, playing around at Seacliff State Beach, entertaining the kids at Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab, and taking in the beauty at Natural Bridges State Beach.

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 Cruz Better for Couples?

Both The Hamptons and Santa Cruz are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Couples visit The Hamptons frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Santa Cruz is a great beach destination if you're traveling as a couple. Dining in downtown Santa Cruz, hiking through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and relaxing on the beach at Natural Bridges State Beach all make for a romantic getaway.

Is The Hamptons or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Cruz is a town with good options for backpackers. However, The Hamptons is a beach destination with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Santa Cruz is a good town to visit for backpackers. There's a laid back vibe that is fun to experience and there's even a hostel 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 Santa Cruz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Cruz is a town 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 Santa Cruz. There are buses that travel around town.

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 Cruz a more walkable city?

Santa Cruz is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Santa Cruz on foot is easy. It's considered to be one of the most walkable cities in California.

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 Cruz Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in The Hamptons or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in The Hamptons or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in The Hamptons than Santa Cruz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for The Hamptons, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

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

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

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

One day in The Hamptons or Santa Cruz?

With shopping and nightlife around the lavish beach destination of The Hamptons, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Santa Cruz, 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. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in The Hamptons or Santa Cruz?

With nightlife and food around the destination of The Hamptons, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?

The Hamptons, a popular beach destination, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Santa Cruz. 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.

A week in The Hamptons or Santa Cruz?

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. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach destination has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Santa Cruz 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.

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

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 Cruz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, The Hamptons or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of The Hamptons and Santa Cruz, 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 Cruz?

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 Cruz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hamptons and Santa Cruz. Many travelers come to The Hamptons for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Santa Cruz in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

The Hamptons is a little warmer than Santa Cruz in the summer. The daily temperature in The Hamptons averages around 76°F (25°C) in July, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 67°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 Cruz. The Hamptons gets 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to The Hamptons as well as Santa Cruz. Many visitors come to The Hamptons in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Santa Cruz for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, The Hamptons is cooler than Santa Cruz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in The Hamptons in October average around 58°F (14°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 63°F (17°C).

The Hamptons usually gets more rain in October than Santa Cruz. The Hamptons gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Santa Cruz 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 Cruz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The Hamptons can be very cold during winter. In January, The Hamptons is generally much colder than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in The Hamptons average around 31°F (-0°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In January, The Hamptons usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. The Hamptons gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Santa Cruz 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. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Santa Cruz this time of year.

The Hamptons is cooler than Santa Cruz in the spring. The daily temperature in The Hamptons averages around 51°F (11°C) in April, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

The Hamptons usually gets more rain in April than Santa Cruz. The Hamptons gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and The Hamptons