A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America West Palm Beach vs. The Hamptons for Resorts, Beaches, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit West Palm Beach or The Hamptons?

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

Should I visit West Palm Beach or The Hamptons? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a fun-filled, diverse, and vibrant beach area. It's also known for nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a wealthy, opulent, and lavish beach destination. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

West Palm Beach and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in West Palm Beach or The Hamptons?

Tourists will generally find more to do in The Hamptons. Although West Palm Beach and The Hamptons are both popular with visitors, The Hamptons has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. The Hamptons is more popular for its food, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while West Palm Beach is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. West Palm Beach is more touristy than The Hamptons and is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. The Hamptons is popular for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities. It is also home to The Montauk Lighthouse.

How is West Palm Beach different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in West Palm Beach or The Hamptons? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

The Hamptons is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around The Hamptons. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is West Palm Beach or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is a great destination for nightlife. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in West Palm Beach know how to have a good time. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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 West Palm Beach or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

West Palm Beach is a world class resort vacation destination. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

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.

Is West Palm Beach or The Hamptons Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is a great destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, The Hamptons is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

West Palm Beach is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

The Hamptons is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is West Palm Beach or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

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

West Palm Beach is considered to be a world-class beach destination. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

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 West Palm Beach or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

The Hamptons is a popular place for hiking. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in West Palm Beach or The Hamptons?

The Hamptons is very popular for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in The Hamptons. 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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is West Palm Beach or The Hamptons Better for Families?

West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is a very family-friendly place to visit. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

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 West Palm Beach or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both West Palm Beach and The Hamptons make for a excellent place to visit.

West Palm Beach is a great beach area if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

The Hamptons is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 West Palm Beach or The Hamptons Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

West Palm Beach is a beach area 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 West Palm Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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 West Palm Beach or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach and The Hamptons are good when it comes to walkability.

West Palm Beach is somewhat walkable. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area 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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting? and Is The Hamptons Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or West Palm Beach?

How long in West Palm Beach or The Hamptons?

Both West Palm Beach and The Hamptons have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, West Palm Beach has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in West Palm Beach than The Hamptons. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in The Hamptons than West Palm Beach 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 The Hamptons.

One day in West Palm Beach or The Hamptons?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this diverse beach area offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

The lavish destination of The Hamptons offers food and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in West Palm Beach or The Hamptons?

West Palm Beach 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 beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

The beach destination of The Hamptons offers shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in West Palm Beach or The Hamptons?

In West Palm Beach, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife that this diverse destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

The Hamptons is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. This beach destination offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in West Palm Beach or The Hamptons?

West Palm Beach is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

The lavish beach destination of The Hamptons offers food and shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between West Palm Beach and The Hamptons, we can see that West Palm Beach is more expensive. And not only is The Hamptons much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to The Hamptons would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in The Hamptons 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach than you might in The Hamptons.

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

Which is Bigger, West Palm Beach or The Hamptons?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of West Palm Beach and The Hamptons, 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 West Palm Beach or The Hamptons?

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 West Palm Beach or The Hamptons in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to West Palm Beach as well as The Hamptons. Many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to The Hamptons for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

West Palm Beach is a little warmer than The Hamptons in the summer. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 76°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in The Hamptons. West Palm Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. West Palm Beach usually gets more rain in July than The Hamptons. West Palm Beach gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

Both The Hamptons and West Palm Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, West Palm Beach is much warmer than The Hamptons. Typically, the autumn temperatures in West Palm Beach in October average around 78°F (25°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 58°F (14°C).

It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. In October, West Palm Beach usually receives more rain than The Hamptons. West Palm Beach gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or The Hamptons in the Winter?

Both The Hamptons and West Palm Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year.

It's quite cold in The Hamptons in the winter. In January, West Palm Beach is generally much warmer than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in West Palm Beach average around 65°F (19°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

West Palm Beach usually gets less rain in January than The Hamptons. West Palm Beach gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit West Palm Beach or The Hamptons in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both West Palm Beach and The Hamptons. The beaches are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to The Hamptons for the beaches and the natural beauty.

West Palm Beach is much warmer than The Hamptons in the spring. The daily temperature in West Palm Beach averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In April, West Palm Beach usually receives less rain than The Hamptons. West Palm Beach gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and West Palm Beach