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

Should you visit Destin or Arlington?

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 Arlington can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

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

Arlington

Arlington is a international, historical, and educational city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Destin and Arlington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Arlington?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Arlington than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Arlington is better known for its museums, food, and nightlife, while Destin is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is well known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Arlington is well known for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon. Also, Arlington is famous for Arlington National Cemetery.

How is Destin different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Arlington 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 Arlington?

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

Many visitors head to Arlington specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Arlington is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Arlington makes for a great culinary experience. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

Destin has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Destin or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Arlington is notable for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Arlington has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

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 Arlington Better for Resorts?

Destin is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington is not a resort destination.

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.

Arlington is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Arlington Better for Beaches?

Destin is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

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.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Arlington?

Both Destin and Arlington are notable shopping destinations.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Arlington. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Is Destin or Arlington Better for Families?

Destin is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.

Is Destin or Arlington Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Arlington are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Destin is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Arlington makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

Is Destin or Arlington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Arlington is notable for backpackers. However, Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Destin or Arlington Better for Students?

Arlington is notable for students. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its student-friendly activities.

Arlington is very popular with students. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Destin is a decent spot for students. It is more a family-friendly destination than a spring break destination. If you're looking for a place to cut loose and blow off some steam, then there are better options in Florida.

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

Arlington 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 Arlington can take you anywhere. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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 Arlington a more walkable city?

Arlington is notable for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Arlington is very walkable. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

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 Arlington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Destin?

How long in Destin or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either Destin or Arlington. 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 Arlington.

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

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

One day in Destin or Arlington?

You'll find food and shopping around the beach town of Destin. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Arlington. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Arlington?

You'll find shopping and food around the family-friendly destination of Destin. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Arlington 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 Arlington?

You'll find food and shopping around the family-friendly beach town of Destin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arlington. 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 Arlington?

Destin is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Destin, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the international destination of Arlington. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Arlington, we can see that Arlington is more expensive. And not only is Destin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Destin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Destin 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 Arlington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Arlington than you might in Destin.

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Arlington?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Arlington, 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 Arlington?

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 Arlington in the Summer?

Both Arlington and Destin during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arlington for the family-friendly experiences.

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

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

Should I visit Destin or Arlington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Arlington. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Arlington in the autumn for the shopping scene.

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

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Arlington. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Arlington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Destin as well as Arlington. Many visitors come to Destin in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Arlington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Arlington can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Destin is much warmer than Arlington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Arlington averages at about 35°F (1°C).

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

Should I visit Destin or Arlington in the Spring?

Both Arlington and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

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

Typical Weather for Arlington and Destin