A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Big Pine Key vs. Destin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Big Pine Key or Destin?

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 Big Pine Key and Destin. 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.

Where Should I go: Big Pine Key or Destin?

Big Pine Key

If you are yearning for a slice of paradise without the hustle and bustle of an ever-growing tourist population, the calm, turquoise waters and the untouched sands of Big Pine Key will surely do. Located 100 miles south of Miami and 30 miles north of Key West, this small community huddled in the family of Florida keys is often overlooked by many. However, Big Pine Key is truly a gem for all who seek a tropical vacation as activities like boating, fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling are found throughout the town. Besides its oceanic wonders, Big Pine Key also boasts in containing some of the United States' best seafood restaurants. Enjoy the aquatic wonders of the Keys and stop at Big Pine Key!

Destin

An upscale resort town located on the Florida Panhandle, Destin is best known for its white sand beaches and clear green waters, golfing opportunities, and world renowned fishing. The stretch of beach here (on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Choctawhatchee Bay) is nicknamed Florida's Emerald Coast.

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 Big Pine Key and Destin, we can see that Destin is more expensive. And not only is Big Pine Key much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Big Pine Key would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Big Pine Key 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 Destin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Destin than you might in Big Pine Key.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Big Pine Key Expensive? and Is Destin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Big Pine Key or Destin?

Destin has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Big Pine Key. When comparing the sizes of Big Pine Key and Destin, 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 Big Pine Key or Destin?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Destin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Big Pine Key as well as Destin. Also, many visitors come to Destin in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Big Pine Key is generally around the same temperature as Destin. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 84°F (29°C), and Destin fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in July than Destin. Big Pine Key gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Destin in the Autumn?

Both Destin and Big Pine Key are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Big Pine Key is a little warmer than Destin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Big Pine Key averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Destin fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. It's quite rainy in Big Pine Key. In October, Big Pine Key usually receives more rain than Destin. Big Pine Key gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Destin in the Winter?

Both Destin and Big Pine Key during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Big Pine Key is much warmer than Destin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Big Pine Key in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Destin averages at about 50°F (10°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Big Pine Key usually gets less rain in January than Destin. Big Pine Key gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Big Pine Key or Destin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Big Pine Key and Destin. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Destin this time of year.

In April, Big Pine Key is generally a little warmer than Destin. Daily temperatures in Big Pine Key average around 77°F (25°C), and Destin fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In April, Big Pine Key usually receives less rain than Destin. Big Pine Key gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Destin and Big Pine Key