A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America The Hamptons vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit The Hamptons or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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. The Hamptons offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches. See The Hamptons travel costs.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, picturesque, and quaint town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food. See Carmel-by-the-Sea travel costs.

The Hamptons and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in The Hamptons or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea than The Hamptons, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Carmel-by-the-Sea is better known for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while The Hamptons is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, hiking, and shopping. Carmel-by-the-Sea is more touristy than The Hamptons and is known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for Pebble Beach Golf Course. The Hamptons is well known for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is The Hamptons different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in The Hamptons or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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, Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a great culinary experience. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

The Hamptons is a beach destination with good options for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in The Hamptons. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is The Hamptons or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Resorts?

The Hamptons is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Is The Hamptons or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its beaches. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

The beaches at Carmel-by-the-Sea attract visitors from all over. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Hiking?

The Hamptons is a beach destination with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hamptons or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

The Hamptons is renowned for its shopping areas. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

The Hamptons is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

Is The Hamptons or Carmel-by-the-Sea More Beautiful?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's a beautiful town with nice beaches and a European atmosphere.

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

Is The Hamptons or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

The Hamptons is a beach destination with good options for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

The Hamptons is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is The Hamptons or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Both The Hamptons and Carmel-by-the-Sea are great 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great beach destination if you're traveling as a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Is The Hamptons or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great destination for its walkability. Also, The Hamptons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is very walkable. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or The Hamptons?

How long in The Hamptons or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

One day in The Hamptons or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With nightlife and food around the destination of The Hamptons, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and museums. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With food and shopping around the opulent beach destination of The Hamptons, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and nightlife around the lavish destination of The Hamptons, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this beach destination makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

The Hamptons is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. This beach destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Cultural Tours in United States of America, The Best Photography Tours in United States of America, The Best Camping Tours in United States of America, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America.

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

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, The Hamptons or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

The Hamptons has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of The Hamptons and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hamptons and Carmel-by-the-Sea. The summer months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

In July, The Hamptons is generally a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in The Hamptons average around 76°F (25°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

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

Should I visit The Hamptons or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to The Hamptons as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

The Hamptons usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Hamptons gets 3 inches (77 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit The Hamptons or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and The Hamptons are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to The Hamptons for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in The Hamptons. In the winter, The Hamptons is much colder than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the winter temperatures in The Hamptons in January average around 31°F (-0°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In January, The Hamptons usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Hamptons gets 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit The Hamptons or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and The Hamptons during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to The Hamptons in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, The Hamptons is generally cooler than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in The Hamptons average around 51°F (11°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

The Hamptons usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. The Hamptons gets 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and The Hamptons