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

Should you visit The Hamptons or Santa Monica?

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 Monica 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. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a funfilled, energetic, and active town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

The Hamptons and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica. Although The Hamptons and Santa Monica are popular destinations, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and beaches, while The Hamptons attracts visitors for its resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than The Hamptons and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. The Hamptons is famous for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is The Hamptons different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Monica is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Santa Monica 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 Monica makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica 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 Monica know how to have a good time. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

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 Monica Better for Resorts?

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

Is The Hamptons or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

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

Santa Monica is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

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 Monica Better for Hiking?

The Hamptons is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Santa Monica is not a hiking destination.

The Hamptons is a good destination for hiking. 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 Monica is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hamptons or Santa Monica?

The Hamptons is an amazing beach destination to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Santa Monica is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in The Hamptons make it a world-class shopping destination. 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 explore the shopping areas in Santa Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

Is The Hamptons or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

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 Monica Better for Couples?

Both The Hamptons and Santa Monica 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 Monica is a great beach destination if you're traveling as a couple. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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

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

Santa Monica is a good town to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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 Monica Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

The Hamptons is not a good place to visit for its public transit. However, Santa Monica does not have 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.

Santa Monica does not have public transit. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

Is The Hamptons or Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica 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 Monica is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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 Monica Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in The Hamptons or Santa Monica?

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

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

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

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

One day in The Hamptons or Santa Monica?

In The Hamptons, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this opulent beach destination offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

In Santa Monica, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this funfilled 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 Monica?

The Hamptons is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the shopping. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Santa Monica 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. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in The Hamptons or Santa Monica?

In The Hamptons, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this opulent destination offers. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 shopping. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the energetic destination of Santa Monica. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. 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 Monica?

The Hamptons is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. It's also a relaxing resort destination. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Santa Monica 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 comparing the travel costs between The Hamptons and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, The Hamptons or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica 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 Monica, 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 Monica?

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 Monica in the Summer?

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

In the summer, The Hamptons is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in The Hamptons in July average around 76°F (25°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

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

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

The autumn brings many poeple to The Hamptons as well as Santa Monica. 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 Monica for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, The Hamptons is generally cooler than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in The Hamptons average around 58°F (14°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

The Hamptons usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. The Hamptons gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

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

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

The Hamptons can be very cold during winter. The Hamptons is much colder than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in The Hamptons averages around 31°F (-0°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In January, The Hamptons usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. The Hamptons gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Santa Monica 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 Monica this time of year.

In the spring, The Hamptons is cooler than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in The Hamptons in April average around 51°F (11°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

The Hamptons usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. The Hamptons gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and The Hamptons