A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cape Canaveral vs. Destin for Families, Resorts, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Destin?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Destin, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a fascinating, wonder-filled, and unique town. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Destin

Destin is a relaxing, peaceful, and family-friendly beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Cape Canaveral and Destin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Destin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cape Canaveral than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cape Canaveral is better known for its museums and nightlife, while Destin is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Cape Canaveral is well known for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. Also, Cape Canaveral is famous for The Kennedy Space Center. Destin is well known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Destin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Canaveral or Destin?

Cape Canaveral is terrific for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Cape Canaveral that are not to be missed. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cape Canaveral or Destin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Cape Canaveral and Destin can be an enjoyable experience.

Cape Canaveral is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

Destin offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The area has great seafood including crab chowder, seafood gumbo, and fried fish. You can find wonderful local restaurants that have waterfront views and menus that feature freshly caught seafood. Many restaurants also have kid-friendly menus. During peak season, reservations are recommended.

Is Cape Canaveral or Destin Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral is a moderate town for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to Cape Canaveral specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

Destin doesn't offer many options. The region is more popular as a family-friendly beach destination than it is for it's nightlife. Head to the Harbor area for the most lively nightlife.

Is Cape Canaveral or Destin Better for Resorts?

Destin is a great beach town for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Destin is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular options include the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, as well as Hilton Sandestin Beach, Golf Resort & Spa. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of condos that include a kitchen and separate bedrooms. Most of these complexes also have pools, hot tubs, and even kids clubs.

Cape Canaveral has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.

Is Cape Canaveral or Destin Better for Beaches?

Destin is a great beach town for the beach. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Destin. This area is famous for its powdery white sand, beautiful blue waters, and calm waves. The beaches are large enough that they never get incredibly crowded, but you will find the largest crowds during the summer months. These beaches are particularly popular with families and seniors.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cape Canaveral. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Destin?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cape Canaveral and Destin both offer plenty of notable spots.

Cape Canaveral has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.

Destin is a great destination for shopping. In the shopping centers around town you'll find a number of unique boutique shops that are fun to explore. They have boutique-style beach clothes, local art, and any beach supplies that you may have forgotten.

Is Cape Canaveral or Destin Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Cape Canaveral is one of the most popular family destinations. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Destin is very family-friendly. The area has beautiful sandy beaches, calm waters, and plenty of activities for kids like Big Kahuna's Water Park. This is one of the more kid-friendly areas in Florida and many families return year after year with their kids. There are also many condos available for rent and kids can have their own room, kitchens are available for meal preparation, and there are washers and dryers to clean clothes. Many of these condo complexes also have kid-friendly pools

Is Cape Canaveral or Destin Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral is notable for romance. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its romantic activities.

Cape Canaveral is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

Destin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For a relaxing beach vacation, this is a nice option for couples. A lot of the accommodation is in the form of condos, so it may not have the romantic resort vibe you're going for though. There are many great seafood restaurants and quiet beaches that have beautiful sunsets.

Is Cape Canaveral or Destin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Cape Canaveral or Destin offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Destin. There is almost no public transit so a car is essential. Some condo complexes do over golf carts to get around the grounds.

Is Cape Canaveral or Destin a more walkable city?

Neither Cape Canaveral or Destin are walkable places.

Cape Canaveral is not a very walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.

Destin is not a walkable town. The area is very spread out and not walkable so you'll need a car to access restaurants and most forms of entertainment.

For even more information, also check out Is Cape Canaveral Worth Visiting? and Is Destin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Destin or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Destin?

Both Cape Canaveral and Destin have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Destin than in Cape Canaveral. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 5-7 days is enough time in Destin.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cape Canaveral than Destin. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cape Canaveral that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cape Canaveral than Destin 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 Cape Canaveral.

One day in Cape Canaveral or Destin?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Cape Canaveral. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Destin, you'll find shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Destin?

Cape Canaveral is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Destin is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Cape Canaveral or Destin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Canaveral. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Destin. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Cape Canaveral or Destin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unique destination of Cape Canaveral. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

In Destin, you'll find food and shopping. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Cape Canaveral and Destin, we can see that Cape Canaveral is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Destin?

Destin has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral 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 Cape Canaveral or Destin in the Summer?

Both Destin and Cape Canaveral during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Destin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Canaveral in July average around 80°F (27°C), and Destin averages at about 82°F (28°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in July than Destin. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Destin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Destin. The autumn months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Destin this time of year.

In October, Cape Canaveral is generally a little warmer than Destin. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 74°F (24°C), and Destin fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cape Canaveral gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cape Canaveral usually receives around the same amount of rain as Destin. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Destin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Destin. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Destin in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Destin fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in January than Destin. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Destin in the Spring?

Both Destin and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Destin in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Destin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Canaveral in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Destin averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In April, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than Destin. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Destin receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Cape Canaveral is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Destin and Cape Canaveral