Cape Cod Vs Hamptons:
Which Destination Should You Visit?

Planning the budget, traveling route, and what to carry can be tough decisions to make when you want to travel. But choosing a travel destination can take months! Here’s a look at deciding between Cape Cod vs Hamptons:

Found in the Southeast of Boston, Cape Cod is characterized by beautiful landscapes and a laid-back environment. It is a top-tier vacation spot if you don’t want to spend a lot but still enjoy many amenities.

On the other hand, the Hamptons is known for its luxurious feel, beautiful beaches, and quiet vacations. It is particularly best if you want to have a getaway from an urban life full of responsibilities.

So, which one should you choose? In this blog, we will give you a glimpse of both the destinations, so you can decide where you want to travel next.

Should you visit Cape Cod vs Hamptons?

When it comes to Cape Cod and the Hamptons, the choice can be a tough one.
But some features make each of the destinations stand out. So, let’s explore them.

1. Overview

Cape Cod is located in eastern Massachusetts, a popular destination for its rich history, natural beauty, and excellent restaurants. This hook-shaped peninsula is extraordinary for its sandy landscapes and abundance of beautiful seashores, harbors, marshlands, beaches, lighthouses, marine life, and things to do and see.

For instance, if you visit Chatham, you will find vibrant main streets full of diners and shoppers. Move further east to the towns of Truro and Wellfleet, and you will find quiet beaches and winding roads leading to homes that sit a mile or two apart from one another. People who vacation in these two towns, are usually looking to just get away into the woodiest part of Cape Cod.

When it comes to the Hamptons, the area is known for the small villages and hamlets located across the East End of Long Island. The area is a very prominent seaside resort destination that attracts rich and famous people from across the country.

It is characterized by posh seaside homes and country clubs. It is particularly an excellent place to visit if you are willing to travel with a group.

2.  Traveling

The Hamptons are particularly popular with tourists coming from New York City and other cities in the summers. Many people choose to travel by train or bus, as it is extremely easy for the traffic to get clustered on the way.

Located just a short distance away from New York City, there are tons of ways to travel to the Hamptons. Its beach towns are just a few miles away from the east of Manhattan.

You can get to the Hamptons via train, helicopter, ferry, bus, or car.

There are also numerous traveling options to reach Cape Cod. For instance, you can travel by plane to the island. Many carriers offer their services from Boston’s Logan Airport, from where you can take a half-hour flight on Cape Air to Provincetown or Hyannis.

You will find Barnstable Municipal Airport located in Hyannis and the Provincetown Municipal Airport, which welcomes visitors traveling from Nantucket Airlines and JetBlue.

Bus services also operate to and within Cape Cod.

For instance, from Boston, you can hop on the Peter Pan Bus Lines and travel for less than 2 hours to get to Falmouth.

The train service was launched in 2013 for the island, named the Cape Flyer, which runs weekend service from Boston to Hyannis.

How about traveling by ferry?

Tons of ferry carriers travel from Boston to Cape Cod, such as the Boston Harbor Cruises and Bay State Cruises. If you are looking for a fast-traveling option, then a ferry will be an excellent choice.

You can take your car to the island via a ferry, but you can also rent a car or a jeep once you arrive.

3. Attraction sites

There are ample activities to do both in Cape Cod and the Hamptons. For instance, if you are looking for a family getaway to a scenic destination, Cape Cod and its national seashore will make your day. But if you are looking to land in the arms of luxury, then the Hamptons is definitely the place to visit.

Cape Cod’s national seashore is well-known across the country. The seven hundred miles of beach, ponds, and marsh that host a diverse ecosystem is a natural wonder.

If you enjoy wildlife, then you can make your way to the Stellwagen Bank on an eco-tour charter, which is a hot spot for marine animals such as seals, whales, and dolphins.

There are also kettle ponds located throughout the Cape. They formed when glacier blocks melted and left massive holes in the ground; thereby creating 365 plus ponds across Cape Cod. Most of these ponds are located in the wooden areas of Cape Cod, and therefore, it is an adventure on its own to find them.

Plus, there are tons of things to do in Cape Cod, such as kayaking, hiking, bike riding, fishing, and boating. There are many museums, gardens, lighthouses, and wildlife refuges located all across the island.

In comparison, the Hamptons is considered an incredibly unique contender to Cape Cod. With its refined but cozy facilities, the Hamptons offers a sophisticated experience. There are wonderful restaurants, houses, and inns in the area. Cape Cod also has its rightful shares of high-end restaurants and oceanfront hotels like the Chatham Bar Inn and the Wequasset Inn, a 5-star facility.

These include the beautiful Georgica Beach with waterfront mansions, Cooper’s Beach with umbrella rentals, Two Mile Hollow Beach with designated swimming areas, and the East Hampton Main Beach with beautiful white sand.

You can also have a little dose of the local farm life in the Hamptons with the Round Swamp Farm Stand in the eastern part of the island. The marketplace is home to some of the best products and sundries.

To ensure a luxurious experience, the Hamptons is also home to relaxing spas, bars, and shopping areas where you can enjoy the amenities of urban life.

Which one is cheaper?

Without a doubt, the Hamptons is one of the most expensive destinations in the United States. In fact, among the top ten most expensive zip codes in the country, three of the zip codes are located in The Hamptons.

The average daily cost per person in The Hamptons is usually $178, whereas, in Cape Cod, it is $146. This cost includes food, transportation, accommodation, and entertainment.

How long does it take to travel to Cape Cod?

It usually takes an hour and 15 minutes to reach Cape Cod through a nonstop flight. On the other hand, a bus ride can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on the traffic flow to travel to Cape Cod from Boston.

Those who travel by car have to go over the bridge to get to Cape Cod. Traffic can be a significant drawback of traveling by car.

But on average, the total driving time from Boston to Hyannis is usually 2 hours and 45 minutes.

You can also take a ferry to Cape Cod if you want to complete the trip quickly, requiring only 90 minutes to travel. This is a shorter time than trains that require 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach Cape Cod.

How long does it take to travel to the Hamptons?

If you travel from New York City to the Hamptons via train, it will take 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete your trip. You will require the same amount of time (around 3 hours and 15 minutes) to reach the destination via a bus.

If you choose to drive there, the trip would be about 2 hours and 30 minutes depending on the traffic.

On the other hand, the helicopter ride is the fastest way to travel to the Hamptons, with the overall ride taking around 40 minutes to complete.

However, keep in mind that a ride in a helicopter will can run about $800.

Conclusion

Both the Hamptons and Cape Cod are heavenly destinations. But if you are looking to explore nature; including several types of marine animals and the vast Cape Cod seashores, then get to Cape Cod!

However, if you have some extra cash in your wallet and want a luxurious experience, then the Hamptons is an attractive destination.