A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Destin vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Destin or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a peaceful, family-friendly, and beautiful beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, picturesque, and quaint town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Destin and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Carmel-by-the-Sea is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, 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. Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is famous for Pebble Beach Golf Course.

How is Destin different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is very good for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Destin or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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, Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a great culinary experience. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a moderate town for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to Carmel-by-the-Sea specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Resorts?

Destin is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

In Destin, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Destin and Carmel-by-the-Sea are superb 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is notable for shopping. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Destin is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for its kid-friendly activities.

Destin is known to be 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

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Destin or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is notable for romance. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its romantic activities.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a moderate town 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is notable for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is very walkable. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Destin?

How long in Destin or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Destin and Carmel-by-the-Sea. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Destin than in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 1-3 days is enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

One day in Destin or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With food and shopping around the destination of Destin, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Destin or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and food around the relaxing beach town of Destin, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With food and shopping around the relaxing destination of Destin, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Destin is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Destin is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Destin has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Destin is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea and Destin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Destin in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Destin is a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Destin is around the same temperature as Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Destin as well as Carmel-by-the-Sea. The spring months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carmel-by-the-Sea this time of year.

In April, Destin is generally a little warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Destin usually gets more rain in April than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Destin