A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Destin vs. Cape Cod for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Destin or Cape Cod?

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 Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a maritime, beautiful, and peaceful beach destination. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Destin and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Cape Cod?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cape Cod than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cape Cod is better known for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Destin is more popular for its resorts. Destin is well known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Cape Cod is well known for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales. Also, Cape Cod is famous for The Cape Cod National Seashore.

How is Destin different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cape Cod 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, Cape Cod makes for a great culinary experience. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Neither Destin or Cape Cod offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Destin for the nightlife. 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.

Cape Cod doesn't offer many options. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Destin or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.

Is Destin or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Destin and Cape Cod are high quality choices for a beach vacation.

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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cape Cod. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Is Destin or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Cape Cod is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Cape Cod. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Cape Cod?

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

Cape Cod is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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 Cape Cod Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Cape Cod.

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, Cape Cod is very family-friendly. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Destin or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

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

Cape Cod is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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

Cape Cod is a moderate beach destination 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 Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

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 Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Cape Cod is very good for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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 Cape Cod Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Destin?

How long in Destin or Cape Cod?

Both Destin and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Cape Cod has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Cape Cod than Destin. However, 5-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cape Cod 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 Cod.

One day in Destin or Cape Cod?

The beach town of Destin offers shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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.

A weekend in Destin or Cape Cod?

Destin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cape Cod 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.

Five days in Destin or Cape Cod?

Destin is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Destin, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Cod. 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.

A week in Destin or Cape Cod?

Destin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Destin has to offer. This beach town offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. This beach destination 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.

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 Cape Cod, 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 Cape Cod Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Destin or Cape Cod?

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 Cape Cod in the Summer?

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

In July, Destin is generally a little warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Cape Cod. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

Both Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Destin is much warmer than Cape Cod in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cape Cod. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Cape Cod in the Winter?

Both Cape Cod 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 shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cape Cod in the winter. In the winter, Destin is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Cape Cod. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Cape Cod in the Spring?

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

In April, Destin is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Destin usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Destin