The Hamptons VS Cape Cod: Which Place is Better to Visit? 

The Hamptons is a luxurious area with beautiful beaches and upscale hotels and resorts. In contrast, Cape Cod is a maritime and charming beach destination with a relaxed atmosphere. The Hamptons is more expensive than Cape Cod. 

So, which place would be better to visit the Hamptons vs. Cape Cod? In this article, we have details of both these destinations so you can choose the better getaway for your next vacation. Let’s dive into the depth of this discussion. 

The Hamptons vs. Cape Cod: A Quick Comparison 

There are some common differences between the Hamptons and Cape Cod. Let’s take a look at  these differences through the table below: 

Criteria	Hamptons	Cape Cod
Location	Long Island, New York	Massachusetts
Accessibility	Easy to access from NYC, car-dependent	Ferry option available
Cost	Typically more costly	More affordable
Activities	Elegant dining, shopping, and nightlife	Fishing, boating, sightseeing, and other outdoor pursuits
Ambience	Elite, affluent, and celebrity culture	Family-friendly, historic and peaceful
Landscape	Seaside homes, and sandy beaches	Charming towns, seashores, and harbors
Accommodation	High-end hotels and private rentals	Hotels, inns, vacation homes, and campgrounds
Food	Upscale dining, and far-to-table options	Casual dining, fine dining, and seafood shacks
Atmosphere	Glamorous, trendy, and fast-paced	Slower-paced, learning, and relaxed

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A Detailed Discussion on the Hamptons vs Cape Cod 

Now that we know the quick differences between the Hamptons and Cape Cod, let’s discuss them in detail. 

Location 

About two hours drive from New York City, Hamptons is situated on the easternmost tip of Long Island, New York. The place provides convenient access for visitors. On the contrary, Cape Cod is situated in southeast Massachusetts at a distance of 286 miles and a 5 hr road journey. This destination needs more preparation.

Factors	Hamptons	Cape Cod
Location	New York	Massachusetts
Closest major city	NYC (about 80 miles east)	Boston, Massachusetts (about 256 miles away)

The most convenient way to get to the Hamptons from New York City is by car. Alternatively, you can travel by ferry or the Long Island Rail Road. Besides, Cape Cod is easily accessible by bus, car, or ferry. 

By car, the most popular route is to cross the Sagamore Bridge or the Bourne Bridge from mainland Massachusetts.

1. Get on FDR Dr from Frankfort St and drive for 6 min (1.1 mi).
2. Follow I-495 E to Manorville. Take exit 70 from I-495 E (1 hr 19 min – 68.6 mi)
3. Get on NY-27 E in Eastport from Eastport Manor Rd and County Rd 111 (7 min – 5.2 mi)
4. Merge onto NY-27 E (18 min – 16.5 mi)
5. Follow Southampton Bypass, NY-27 E/State Rte 27 E/Montauk Hwy/POW/MIA Memorial Highway E and Head of Pond Rd to your destination in Water Mill (10 min – 4.7 mi)

Another option is to travel by ferry from Boston or New Bedford, which is a leisurely and picturesque route. 

Landscape 

Despite having similar breathtaking coastal views, the Hamptons and Cape Cod have distinct visual identities due to their different geological histories and development philosophies. Here’s a thorough explanation of how their landscapes differ:

Hamptons:

The main features of the Hamptons landscape are the long, sandy beaches that are surrounded by barrier islands and dunes. Imagine vast estates tucked away among forests, rolling green hills, and sweeping vistas of the ocean. 

However, Coastal features include serene, well-protected coves and harbors dotted with dramatic cliffs and bluffs facing the ocean. 

But the terrain is dominated by enormous, opulent houses and estates that convey exclusivity and wealth. The large open areas contrast with the tendency of villages to be grouped.

Overall impression: Elegant, refined, and frequently displaying the impact of humans on the environment.

Cape Cod

The predominant topography of Cape Cod consists of a varied array of marshes, beaches, harbors, cranberry bogs, and undulating hills. The view seems more intimate and organically woven. 

But The character of the coast is varied, featuring large tidal flats, sheltered coves, rocky shorelines, and sandy beaches. Every village provides a different experience by the sea.

There are also Lighthouses, fishing villages, and charming towns with old-world architecture all mixed with the surrounding landscape. Smaller, more scattered homes facilitate a less grandiose vibe.

Overall impression: Endearing, genuine, and exhibiting a harmonious fusion of the natural world’s beauty with human presence.

Accommodation and Cost

When choosing between the Hamptons and Cape Cod, it’s also important to consider their accommodations alongside other factors. 

The Hamptons is known for luxurious beachfront mansions, expensive private rentals, and upscale boutique hotels. Alternatively, Cape Cod accommodates all price ranges and tastes, from family-friendly resorts and historic inns to quaint vacation rentals and rustic campgrounds.

Cape Cod is comparatively more affordable than the Hamptons. The approximate daily expenses (not including travel expenses) are as follows: 

• Hilton Head: $500+ per person; 
• Cape Cod: $200-$500 per person

Here’s a list of popular Hamptons hotels and resorts: 

• The Maidstone: The Maidstone is a renowned historic landmark hotel renowned for its opulent lodgings, top-notch spa, and exquisite gardens.
• The American Hotel: The American Hotel is a classy hotel with a rooftop pool and a bustling bar scene.
• Southampton Beach Resort & Spa: It features several pools, a selection of eateries, and a spa.

Now check out the popular hotels and inns in Cape Cod: 

• Cape Codder Resort & Spa: It is family-friendly and offers some swimming pools, water slides, a spa, and on-site dining options.
• White Elephant Hotel: With views of the ocean from its rooftop bar, this boutique hotel provides opulent lodgings and attentive service.
• Wequassett Resort and Golf Club: This opulent establishment boasts a championship golf course, numerous swimming areas, a spa, and multiple dining options.

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Activities and Attractions 

The main attractions in the Hamptons include upscale shopping, private parties, art galleries, and upscale spas. Few outdoor activities are also available except the beach. They will include hiking, biking, golfing, and horse riding. 

Cape Cod offers more fun activities compared to the Hamptons. There are lots of opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, touring historic sites and taking advantage of family-friendly attractions. It also provides more opportunities for engaging with history and the natural world.

Which Place is Better Between the Hamptons and Cape Cod? 

What makes one location “better” than the other depends on your holiday preferences, as both provide distinctive experiences. Here’s a summary to aid in your decision:

For the Luxurious Traveler:

If you’re in the mood for upscale shopping, exclusive parties, Michelin-starred restaurants, and seaside houses, go for the Hamptons. 

For the Nature Lovers:

If you value unique beaches, hiking paths, canoeing, fishing, and seeing animals, choose Cape Cod. Budget-friendly options are more widely available and researching is made easier with the help of public transit options.

For the Enthusiast of History:

Choose Cape Cod to explore its fascinating history, which includes charming towns, old lighthouses, museums dedicated to whale hunting, and battlegrounds. The Hamptons are known for their modern grandeur, but they also feature a few historical sites.

For the Trip That’s Family-Friendly:

Choose Cape Cod because it offers a wealth of water parks, aquariums, amusement parks, and reasonably priced lodging and activities. Although there are family-friendly options in the Hamptons, the requirements of youngsters may not be as well-served by their premium focus.

For the Traveler on a Tight Budget:

Particularly during off-peak times, Cape Cod typically offers more reasonably priced lodging, dining, and activities. The Hamptons are renowned for their high costs, with few affordable options.

Conclusion 

We hope that this article has given you some insight about Hamptons vs. Cape Cod. If you are planning your next trip outside the city in the USA, don’t forget to consider these two.