How are the Hamptons compared to Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Reviving this instead of starting a new thread....

Which would you visit for a week in August? We're on the east coast and usually go to the beaches in Florida or abroad but are looking to stay in the US and do something we haven't done before next summer. We've got 3 teenagers. We're looking for casual elegance, we've done the Miami Beach thing.

Do you care about driving/traffic etc?. Nantucket is smaller so may be better than the Hamptons for logistics.

[Anonymous]

We've had two family vacations on MV and loved it. Both times rented airbnbs, once in Edgartown and once in Chilmark. We didn't find it to be snobby, in general the crowd was not dressed up. Chilmark is more rural and we liked the vibe a lot. Edgartown is more touristy but had more restaurants and stores. There are several towns and lots of beaches. Some are private but many are public. Our rental in Chilmark came with a pass to the local private beach. Both trips were very relaxing and laid back. We would pick a town or beach to explore each day and either cook dinner or go out.The kids loved it, we loved it, would definitely go back. The Hamptons have great towns as well, each with their own vibe. Overall the Hamptons towns would be more crowded and more into fashion, what to wear, etc. Personally, I prefer the North Fork on L.I. Cute towns and less attitude. I've only been to Nantucket once. It's smaller than MV with less to do and felt more wealthy/upscale.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Much easier to get to MV than the Hamptons from DC. Direct flights from DCA. I personally really dislike the “rich New Yorker” crowd and prefer the “rich New England” crowd in MV as well.

Same! I was just on Cape Cod and there is certainly a lot of wealth there but it is much more understated

[Anonymous]

I find the Hamptons to be not worth it if you’re just looking for nice house in a beach town. So much there you’re paying price of admission to be in a specific social scene. It’s fun and worth it if you’ve got a group, know families there etc. But if it’s just an immediate family vacation you may come away thinking there are nicer places to spend your time. It’s beautiful - but lots of places are.

[Anonymous]

How do you like New Yorkers? The Hamptons is full of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do you like New Yorkers? The Hamptons is full of them.

I love New Yorkers in New York, but not when they bring their NYC vibe to someplace where I want to relax

[Anonymous]

All 3 are great but all are very expensive this time of year. I would compare prices, availability, and relative ease of getting there.

[Anonymous]

MV

[Anonymous]

MV is much more laid back than the other two. Hamptons seem terrible based on what I see on social media. Lines, crowds, etc. ACK has turned into a haven for snobby billionaires and the entitlement and associated bad behavior infiltrates the island.

[Anonymous]

Vineyard hands down.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for all the suggestions. MV sounds like a good fit and you can't beat direct flights from DCA!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We've had two family vacations on MV and loved it. Both times rented airbnbs, once in Edgartown and once in Chilmark. We didn't find it to be snobby, in general the crowd was not dressed up. Chilmark is more rural and we liked the vibe a lot. Edgartown is more touristy but had more restaurants and stores. There are several towns and lots of beaches. Some are private but many are public. Our rental in Chilmark came with a pass to the local private beach. Both trips were very relaxing and laid back. We would pick a town or beach to explore each day and either cook dinner or go out.The kids loved it, we loved it, would definitely go back. The Hamptons have great towns as well, each with their own vibe. Overall the Hamptons towns would be more crowded and more into fashion, what to wear, etc. Personally, I prefer the North Fork on L.I. Cute towns and less attitude. I've only been to Nantucket once. It's smaller than MV with less to do and felt more wealthy/upscale.

I would say the same! We went to MV and had a great time. It didn’t seem uppity at all.

[Anonymous]

I would like to go on a kid free weekend with my husband to Nantucket for cozy, fancy dinners and cocktails but felt like MV was a better fit with young kids who are a hot mess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for all the suggestions. MV sounds like a good fit and you can't beat direct flights from DCA!

We've been to MV and Nantucket (just this summer) and prefer Nantucket. The private beaches issue on MV is limiting. The island is big. We enjoy staying in town on Nantucket and walking everywhere--wonderful restaurants and some "to be seen" places, but not overwhelming--or getting rides to the beach. I agree, the direct flights from DVA, to either island, are the way to go. Have fun with your selection!

[Anonymous]

Different take: Hamptons incredibly beautiful if you get off the beaten path and out of the towns. Serious natural beauty with incredible state parks and nature preserves on the way to Montauk and through the little islands up to the North Fork. Some of the people can be intense, but I find it very relaxing and beautiful in Hamptons.

Also, beaches better (actual gorgeous sandy beaches) and much warmer water for swimming.