A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Destin vs. Alexandria for Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Destin or Alexandria?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Destin and Alexandria can help you decide which place is right for you.

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.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a quaint, historic, and charming city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Destin and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Alexandria?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Alexandria than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Alexandria is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Destin is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Destin is well known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Alexandria is well known for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. Also, Alexandria is famous for Mount Vernon.

How is Destin different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Destin or Alexandria?

Alexandria is notable for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Alexandria specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Destin and Alexandria.

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.

Alexandria has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Destin or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Alexandria is very good for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Alexandria. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

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 Destin or Alexandria Better for Resorts?

Destin is great for its luxury resorts. However, Alexandria is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Destin to choose from. 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.

Alexandria is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Alexandria Better for Beaches?

Destin is great for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Destin for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Destin or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Alexandria is terrific for its historic old town. However, Destin does not have a historic old town.

Alexandria has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Destin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Alexandria?

Alexandria is notable for shopping. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Alexandria is an extremely popular place for shoppers. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Destin. 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 Destin or Alexandria Better for Families?

Destin is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Destin. 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

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Destin or Alexandria Better for Couples?

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

Alexandria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

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 Destin or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alexandria is very good for backpackers. However, Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Alexandria is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Alexandria is terrific for its public transit. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Alexandria can take you anywhere. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is quite limited 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 Destin or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Alexandria is terrific for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Alexandria on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Destin is not a very walkable beach 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 Destin Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Destin?

How long in Destin or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Destin or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Destin due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.

One day in Destin or Alexandria?

With shopping and food around the family-friendly beach town of Destin, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Alexandria. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Alexandria?

With food and shopping around the destination of Destin, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Alexandria is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Destin or Alexandria?

Destin, a popular beach town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alexandria. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A week in Destin or Alexandria?

Destin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Alexandria. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Destin and Alexandria, we can see that Destin is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Alexandria.

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Alexandria, 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 Destin or Alexandria?

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 Destin or Alexandria in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Destin as well as Alexandria. Many visitors come to Destin in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Destin is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Alexandria. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Destin is a little warmer than Alexandria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Alexandria fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Alexandria in the Winter?

Both Alexandria and Destin during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

It's quite cold in Alexandria in the winter. In the winter, Destin is much warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Alexandria averages at about 35°F (1°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Alexandria. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Alexandria. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alexandria for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Destin is generally a little warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Destin