A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ensenada vs. The Hamptons for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Ensenada or The Hamptons?

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

Should I visit Ensenada 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.

Ensenada

Ensenada is a historic, cultural, and outdoorsy city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Ensenada travel costs.

The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a opulent, lavish, and wealthy beach destination. The Hamptons is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See The Hamptons travel costs.

Ensenada and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less attractive beach
  • Less popular for shopping
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Ensenada or The Hamptons?

Travelers will usually find more to do in The Hamptons. Although Ensenada and The Hamptons are popular destinations, The Hamptons has more sights and attractions for tourists. The Hamptons is very popular for its resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ensenada attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and food. Ensenada is more touristy than The Hamptons and is known for its local cuisine, golf, and outdoor sports. The Hamptons is famous for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities. It is also well known for The Montauk Lighthouse.

How is Ensenada different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ensenada or The Hamptons?

Ensenada
The Hamptons

Ensenada is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

Ensenada is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several good museums in town such as the Museo de Historia and Caracol Museo de Ciencias.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Ensenada
The Hamptons

Ensenada 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, Ensenada makes for a great culinary experience. The town is known for its seafood, and fish tacos is one of the most popular dishes. You'll find seafood markets and street cards selling fresh and local items. Sample your way through the city and enjoy all of the local specialties.

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 Ensenada or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

Ensenada
The Hamptons

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

Ensenada has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are a number of bars and nightclubs around town. Head to Avenida López Mateos for many of the best restaurants and bars.

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 Ensenada or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

Ensenada
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a great destination for its resorts. However, Ensenada 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.

Ensenada is not a resort destination.


Is Ensenada or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

Ensenada
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a popular place for the beach. However, Ensenada is a city with minimal options for the beach.

The Hamptons is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

The beach in Ensenada is worth checking out. It's a working port town and the beaches in the area aren't great. You'll find the best options to the south of the city.

Is Ensenada or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

Ensenada
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Ensenada 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.

Ensenada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ensenada or The Hamptons?

Ensenada
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Ensenada has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Avenida López Mateos is the main shopping street in town. You'll find many shops, but be prepared to pay more than you might elsewhere because shopkeepers are used to cruise ship riders who are willing to pay a high price tag.


Is Ensenada or The Hamptons More Beautiful?

Ensenada
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Ensenada is not a destination known for its beauty.

The Hamptons is a beautiful place to visit, too. For a beautiful, upscale setting, this is a great destination near NYC.

Ensenada is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Ensenada or The Hamptons Better for Families?

Ensenada
The Hamptons

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ensenada or The Hamptons.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ensenada. You'll find ziplining, horseback riding, and surf lessons in the area. Kids will also enjoy seeing the Water Show or going whale watching.

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 Ensenada or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

Ensenada
The Hamptons

The Hamptons is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ensenada is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Ensenada is a good city for couples to visit. The city has an authentic atmosphere that will let you experience a more genuine side to Mexico.


Is Ensenada or The Hamptons Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ensenada
The Hamptons

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

Ensenada is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels and a number of cheap hotels around 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 Ensenada or The Hamptons Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ensenada
The Hamptons

Ensenada is a 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 Ensenada. Public transit in the area is limited.

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 Ensenada or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

Ensenada
The Hamptons

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

Ensenada is very walkable. The downtown area is walkable and easy to explore 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 Ensenada Worth Visiting? and Is The Hamptons Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or Ensenada?

How long in Ensenada or The Hamptons?

Both Ensenada and The Hamptons have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in The Hamptons than in Ensenada. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Ensenada, and 3-7 days is enough time in The Hamptons.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ensenada 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 Ensenada.


  • How many days in Ensenada or The Hamptons? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ensenada 2-3 
    The Hamptons 3-7

One day in Ensenada or The Hamptons?

In Ensenada, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. 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 beach destination of The Hamptons offers nightlife and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Ensenada or The Hamptons?

Ensenada is a fun place to experience. 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.

The Hamptons is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Ensenada or The Hamptons?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Ensenada. 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.

The Hamptons is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in The Hamptons, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Ensenada or The Hamptons?

Ensenada is a popular place to visit. 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.

The Hamptons is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that The Hamptons has to offer. This beach destination offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Mexico, The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America, and The Best Photography Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, The Hamptons or Ensenada?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Ensenada Prices
    Mexico Prices
    The Hamptons Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Ensenada $115
    The Hamptons $267

The average daily cost (per person) in Ensenada is $115, while the average daily cost in The Hamptons is $267. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ensenada and The Hamptons in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ensenada $42
    The Hamptons $126
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ensenada $84
    The Hamptons $252
Compare Hotels in Ensenada and The Hamptons

Looking for a hotel in Ensenada or The Hamptons? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Ensenada


Hotels in The Hamptons


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ensenada Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ensenada $19
    The Hamptons $63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ensenada

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ensenada:

  • Border and Tijuana Airport Transfers to Ensenada or Valle de Guadalupe: $125

Is it cheaper to fly into Ensenada or The Hamptons?

Prices for flights to both The Hamptons and Ensenada change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ensenada $61
    The Hamptons $104

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ensenada

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ensenada.

  • Mexican Cooking Class at Hacienda Eco-Domes | Valle de Guadalupe: $84
  • Tacos and Margaritas Food Tour in Ensenada Mexico: $85
  • Cooking Class and Margarita Madness at Valle de Guadalupe : $89
  • Surprises, Delights and Joys Ensenada Wine, Mezcal, and Food Tour: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ensenada $9.79
    The Hamptons $22

Tours and Activities in Ensenada

Here are a few actual costs in Ensenada for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • La Bufadora Punta Banda Tour: $38
  • La Bufadora Tour in Baja California: $42
  • Las Cañadas Campamento Horseback Riding Experience: $44
  • The Bufadora private Tour: $49
  • Tacos, Brews and Views Tour : $50
  • Full Day Private Tour or Guadalupe Valley Weekend: $52
  • Tacos, Tequila, Cerveza - A Private Tour of Ensenada: $53
  • Las Cañadas Canopy Tour in Ensenada: $53
  • Valle de Guadalupe Adults Only Tour: $56
  • Explore Ensenada with Private Car and Walking Tour: $65
  • Private Massage Experience in Ensenada: $65
  • Las Canadas Ecopark and Bufadora private tour : $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ensenada $9.98
    The Hamptons $31

Sample the Local Flavors in Ensenada

Also in Ensenada, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Private Wine Tasting Experience in Maglén: $27
  • Tractor Pull Around Vineyards and Wine Tasting Tour: $56
  • Private Ensenada Tacos and Wine Tour : $109
  • Valle de Guadalupe Wine Experience: Wine Tastings Included: $112
  • Valle de Guadalupe COUPLES wine tasting for 2: $135
  • wine tours and driver service through valle de guadalupe, Ensenada B.C. Mexico: $145
  • Pvt Wine Tastings + Cheese Store + Massage Shore Excursion: $149
  • Wine Tasting Tour ONLY for Cruise Ship Visitors. ALL INCLUSIVE!: $221
  • Private and custom group Wine tour Valle de Guadalupe : $238


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ensenada and The Hamptons, we can see that The Hamptons is more expensive. And not only is Ensenada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ensenada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ensenada 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 Ensenada.

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


Which is Bigger, Ensenada or The Hamptons?

Ensenada has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of Ensenada 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.