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

Should you visit Destin or Chapel Hill?

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 Chapel Hill can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

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

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a collegiate, southern, and student-oriented town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Destin and Chapel Hill: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Chapel Hill?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chapel Hill than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chapel Hill is better known for its museums and nightlife, while Destin is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Chapel Hill is well known for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States. Also, Chapel Hill is famous for the University of North Carolina.

How is Destin different from Chapel Hill?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Chapel Hill specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Destin and Chapel Hill.

Destin offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Chapel Hill has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

Is Destin or Chapel Hill Better for Nightlife?

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

Chapel Hill has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

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 Chapel Hill Better for Resorts?

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

Destin is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Chapel Hill Better for Beaches?

Destin is well known for the beach. However, Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Destin is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Chapel Hill?

Both Destin and Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

Is Destin or Chapel Hill Better for Families?

Destin is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular 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

Chapel Hill offers lots of family activities. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

Is Destin or Chapel Hill Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Chapel Hill 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.

Chapel Hill makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

Is Destin or Chapel Hill Better for Students?

Chapel Hill is terrific for students. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Chapel Hill. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

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

Chapel Hill is very good for its public transit. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

Chapel Hill has a few public transit options. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

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 Chapel Hill a more walkable city?

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

Chapel Hill is somewhat walkable. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

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 Chapel Hill Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chapel Hill or Destin?

How long in Destin or Chapel Hill?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill.

One day in Destin or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing beach town of Destin. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Chapel Hill. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Destin or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Destin. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing beach town of Destin. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Destin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach town.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the student-oriented destination of Chapel Hill. This town 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 Chapel Hill, we can see that Destin is more expensive. And not only is Chapel Hill much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chapel Hill would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill.

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Chapel Hill?

Chapel Hill has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Chapel Hill, 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 Chapel Hill?

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 Chapel Hill in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Chapel Hill. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Chapel Hill because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Chapel Hill in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Destin as well as Chapel Hill. The autumn months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene are the main draw to Chapel Hill this time of year.

Destin is a little warmer than Chapel Hill in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

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

Should I visit Destin or Chapel Hill in the Winter?

Both Chapel Hill and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chapel Hill for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chapel Hill. In the winter, Destin is much warmer than Chapel Hill. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Chapel Hill averages at about 40°F (5°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Chapel Hill. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Chapel Hill in the Spring?

Both Chapel Hill and Destin during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Destin is generally a little warmer than Chapel Hill. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

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

Typical Weather for Chapel Hill and Destin