A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Williamsburg vs. The Hamptons for Families, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Williamsburg or The Hamptons?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Williamsburg and The Hamptons. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a quaint, well-preserved, and historic town. Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Williamsburg travel costs.

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 food, beaches, and hiking. See The Hamptons travel costs.

Williamsburg and The Hamptons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Williamsburg or The Hamptons?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Williamsburg than The Hamptons, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Williamsburg is better known for its museums and attractions, food, and historical sights, while The Hamptons is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, hiking, and shopping. Williamsburg is more touristy than The Hamptons and is known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. Also, Williamsburg is famous for Colonial Williamsburg. The Hamptons is well known for its long sandy beaches, charming seaside communities, opulent villas, and vacationing celebrities.

How is Williamsburg different from The Hamptons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Williamsburg is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

The Hamptons does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Williamsburg 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, Williamsburg makes for a great culinary experience. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

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 Williamsburg or The Hamptons Better for Nightlife?

The Hamptons is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

The Hamptons has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are plenty of nightclubs and bars throughout the area. Head to East Hampton for some of the best options.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Williamsburg or The Hamptons Better for Resorts?

The Hamptons is a great destination for its resorts. However, Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

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.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

Is Williamsburg or The Hamptons Better for Beaches?

The Hamptons is a good destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Williamsburg or The Hamptons Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, The Hamptons does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Williamsburg is revered around the world. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

The Hamptons does not have a historic old town.

Is Williamsburg or The Hamptons Better for Hiking?

The Hamptons is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

The Hamptons offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Williamsburg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Williamsburg or The Hamptons?

The Hamptons is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

Is Williamsburg or The Hamptons More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of notable scenery and beauty in both Williamsburg and The Hamptons.

Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

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

Is Williamsburg or The Hamptons Better for Families?

Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

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 Williamsburg or The Hamptons Better for Couples?

Williamsburg and The Hamptons both very good destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Williamsburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

The Hamptons is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Williamsburg or The Hamptons Better for Students?

Williamsburg is a world-class destination for students. However, The Hamptons is not popular with students.

Williamsburg is a very popular town for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

The Hamptons is not popular with students.

Is Williamsburg or The Hamptons Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

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 Williamsburg or The Hamptons a more walkable city?

The Hamptons is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for its walkability.

The Hamptons is a somewhat walkable beach destination. 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.

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Williamsburg Worth Visiting? and Is The Hamptons Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in The Hamptons or Williamsburg?

How long in Williamsburg or The Hamptons?

Both Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Williamsburg, and 3-7 days is enough time in The Hamptons.

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

Couples should spend more time in The Hamptons than Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg.

One day in Williamsburg or The Hamptons?

In Williamsburg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 The Hamptons, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this wealthy 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.

A weekend in Williamsburg or The Hamptons?

Williamsburg is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 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.

Five days in Williamsburg or The Hamptons?

You'll find food and shopping around the well-preserved destination of Williamsburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

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.

A week in Williamsburg or The Hamptons?

Williamsburg is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Williamsburg or The Hamptons?

Williamsburg has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of The Hamptons. When comparing the sizes of Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg or The Hamptons?

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 Williamsburg or The Hamptons in the Summer?

Both The Hamptons and Williamsburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Williamsburg for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to The Hamptons because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Williamsburg is around the same temperature as The Hamptons. Typically, the summer temperatures in Williamsburg in July average around 78°F (26°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 76°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in The Hamptons. It's quite rainy in Williamsburg. In July, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than The Hamptons. Williamsburg gets 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 4.1 inches (104 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Williamsburg or The Hamptons in the Autumn?

Both The Hamptons and Williamsburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to The Hamptons this time of year.

In October, Williamsburg is generally a little warmer than The Hamptons. Daily temperatures in Williamsburg average around 61°F (16°C), and The Hamptons fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Williamsburg usually gets less rain in October than The Hamptons. Williamsburg gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Williamsburg or The Hamptons in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Williamsburg and The Hamptons. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to The Hamptons for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in The Hamptons. It's quite cold in Williamsburg in the winter. Williamsburg is much warmer than The Hamptons in the winter. The daily temperature in Williamsburg averages around 38°F (4°C) in January, and The Hamptons fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

In January, Williamsburg usually receives more rain than The Hamptons. Williamsburg gets 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Williamsburg or The Hamptons in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Williamsburg as well as The Hamptons. Many travelers come to Williamsburg for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to The Hamptons in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Williamsburg is a little warmer than The Hamptons. Typically, the spring temperatures in Williamsburg in April average around 57°F (14°C), and The Hamptons averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Williamsburg usually gets less rain in April than The Hamptons. Williamsburg gets 3 inches (76 mm) of rain, while The Hamptons receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for The Hamptons and Williamsburg