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

Should you visit Destin or Austin?

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

Destin

Destin is a beautiful, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Austin

Austin is a eccentric, unconventional, and lively city. It's also a big city with many activities. This is a very beautiful destination, too. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Destin and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin. Although Destin and Austin are both popular with visitors, Austin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Austin is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, hiking, and big city activities, while Destin is known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Austin and is known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Austin is popular for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also home to The Texas Capital.

How is Destin different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Austin specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Austin has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is terrific for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Austin is a must-see party destination. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

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 Austin Better for Music?

Austin is terrific for live music. However, Destin is not a live music destination.

Austin is a world class music destination. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Destin is not a live music destination.

Is Destin or Austin Better for Resorts?

Destin is a great destination for its resorts. However, Austin 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.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Austin Better for Beaches?

Destin is a great destination for its beaches. However, Austin 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.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Destin or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a moderate city for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin is not a hiking destination.

Austin has hiking trails if you want to get outside. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Austin?

Both Destin and Austin are good 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 Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Destin or Austin Better for Families?

Destin is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Destin is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Destin or Austin Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Austin are good 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.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Destin or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Destin or Austin Better for Students?

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

Austin is very popular with students. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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 Austin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Public transit is generally limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

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 Austin a more walkable city?

Austin is a moderate city for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Austin is generally not very walkable. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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 Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Destin?

How long in Destin or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Destin and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Destin than in Austin. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

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

One day in Destin or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Destin. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Destin or Austin?

Destin is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Austin 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 Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Destin. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Destin. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the eccentric destination of Austin. 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 Austin, we can see that Destin is more expensive. And not only is Austin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Austin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Austin 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 Austin.

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Austin, 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 Austin?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Destin or Austin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Austin. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Destin is around the same temperature as Austin in the summer. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Austin. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Destin as well as Austin. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Austin in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Destin is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Austin averages at about 73°F (23°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Austin. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Austin in the Winter?

Both Austin and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Destin in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Destin is generally around the same temperature as Austin. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Austin. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Destin during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Destin is cooler than Austin in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

Destin usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Austin. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Austin and Destin