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

Should you visit Destin or Baltimore?

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

Destin

Destin is a beautiful, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and food.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant, diverse, and colorful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Destin and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Baltimore?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Baltimore. Although Destin and Baltimore are popular destinations, Baltimore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Baltimore is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Destin attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is famous for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Baltimore is famous for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also well known for the National Aquarium.

How is Destin different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Baltimore specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Baltimore 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, Baltimore makes for a great culinary experience. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

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 Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

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

Baltimore has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Baltimore Better for Resorts?

Destin is well known for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Destin. 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.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Baltimore Better for Beaches?

Destin is well known for the beache. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Destin is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Baltimore?

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

Baltimore is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

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 Baltimore Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Baltimore.

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Baltimore is very family-friendly. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Destin or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Baltimore are nice 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.

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Destin or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Baltimore is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail 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 Baltimore a more walkable city?

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

Baltimore is very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

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 Baltimore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Destin?

How long in Destin or Baltimore?

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

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

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

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

One day in Destin or Baltimore?

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 Baltimore. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Baltimore?

You'll find shopping and food around the beautiful 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.

Baltimore 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 Baltimore?

You'll find food and shopping around the peaceful 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 Baltimore. 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 Baltimore?

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 colorful destination of Baltimore. 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 comparing the travel costs between Destin and Baltimore, we can see that Destin 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 Destin Expensive? and Is Baltimore Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Baltimore, 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 Baltimore?

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 Baltimore in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Baltimore. The summer months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

In the summer, Destin is around the same temperature as Baltimore. Typically, the summer temperatures in Destin in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Baltimore averages at about 78°F (25°C).

Baltimore receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Baltimore in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Destin as well as Baltimore. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Destin is generally a little warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 69°F (21°C), and Baltimore fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Baltimore. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Baltimore in the Winter?

Both Baltimore and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Baltimore in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Baltimore can get quite cold in the winter. Destin is much warmer than Baltimore in the winter. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Baltimore in the Spring?

Both Baltimore and Destin during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Destin in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Baltimore for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Destin is much warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the spring temperatures in Destin in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Baltimore averages at about 54°F (12°C).

Destin usually gets more rain in April than Baltimore. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Destin