A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Destin vs. Charleston for Food, Couples, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Destin or Charleston?

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 Charleston 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.

Charleston

Charleston is a charming, southern, and quaint coastal town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Destin and Charleston: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Charleston?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Charleston than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Charleston is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, 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. Charleston is well known for its historic city market, low-country cuisine, Civil War history, and antebellum houses. Also, Charleston is famous for The Waterfront Park.

How is Destin different from Charleston?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Charleston is very good for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Charleston is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. This city is famous for its many historic churches and plantations. The plantations are open to visit and will educate you on the city's past, which is heavily involved in slavery. You can also visit Fort Sumter National Monument by boat or take a tour of the USS Yorktown.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Charleston 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.

Charleston has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food lovers will enjoy the city's low country classics. There are many local restaurants in town that serve southern specialties. You can also head a bit out of the town center if you want a waterfront restaurant. Local favorites include she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.

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 Charleston Better for Nightlife?

Charleston is very good for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Charleston. As a college town, there are plenty of bars and nightclubs around town. There's also a lively music scene. Head to the areas near the college for the most affordable and active nightlife. Popular clubs in town include Cure Night Club, Deco Nightclub, and Mynt.

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 Charleston Better for Music?

Charleston is very good for live music. However, Destin is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Charleston. You can hear a number of local bands or enjoy a more widely known group at larger venues in the area.

Destin is not a live music destination.

Is Destin or Charleston Better for Resorts?

Destin is notable for its resorts. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

Charleston has a handful of resorts to choose from. The town has mostly hotels and bed and breakfasts in the downtown area, but nearby Kiawah Island has a number of nice resorts to choose from. Kiawah Island is particularly kid-friendly if you're looking for a family beach vacation. If you have a bit more money to spend and want something more residential, check out nearby Seabrook Island.

Is Destin or Charleston Better for Beaches?

Destin and Charleston are excellent 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 Charleston. The area has a number of beautiful and fun nearby beaches including Folly Beach, Kiawah Island, and Seabrook Island. Folly Beach is an active and quirky beach area, while Kiawah is more family-friendly. Seabrook is more residential and more expensive.

Is Destin or Charleston Better for its Old Town?

Charleston is terrific for its historic old town. However, Destin does not have a historic old town.

Charleston has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Charleston's downtown is one of the most charming and well preserved Old Town's in the United States. It's easy to see why it's become a world class destination.

Destin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Charleston?

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

Charleston is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is famous for its historic market in the center of town. Local goods, foods, and crafts are sold daily here. There are also many clothing and local shops throughout town, particularly along King Street, which has boutiques and high end outlets. Outside of town, stop by Tanger Outlet Mall if you want name brands at a discount price.

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 Charleston Better for Christmas?

Charleston is notable for its Christmas activities. However, Destin does not offer Christmas activities.

Charleston is an extremely popular place to visit during the Christmas season. During the Christmas season there are a number of festivals, light shows, and even a boat parade that everyone can enjoy.

Destin does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Destin or Charleston Better for Christmas Markets?

Charleston is very good for its Christmas markets. However, Destin does not offer Christmas markets.

Charleston offers some nice Christmas markets. Marion Square hosts Christmas Markets on weekends throughout the holiday season.

Destin does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Destin or Charleston Better for Families?

Destin is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Charleston is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit 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

Charleston is a family-friendly beach town. The city has a number of family-friendly activities like carriage rides and boat rides. There's also an aquarium, a waterfront park, and many kid-friendly museums. The nearby beaches also make it a wonderful place to visit with kids.

Is Destin or Charleston Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Charleston has plenty to offer. This beautiful city is one of the most popular wedding destinations in America. It's a very romantic setting with beautiful hotels and bed and breakfasts that are perfect for couples on their honeymoon or looking for a romantic setting.

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 Charleston Better for Students?

Charleston is very good for students. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its student-friendly activities.

Charleston is a good coastal town to visit for students. The city is a college town with a young vibe that is perfect for students. There's a nice university area where you'll find cheaper places to eat and a good nightlife scene.

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

Charleston is a moderate coastal 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 Charleston. While there are some buses, you really must have a car to fully experience the entire 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 Charleston a more walkable city?

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

Charleston is very walkable. The downtown area is very walkable, but once you leave the historic heart, it's best to have 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 Charleston Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Charleston or Destin?

How long in Destin or Charleston?

Both Destin and Charleston have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Charleston has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Charleston than Destin. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 2-7 days is enough time in Charleston.

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

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

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

One day in Destin or Charleston?

With shopping and food around the relaxing beach town of Destin, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 quaint destination of Charleston. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Charleston?

With food and shopping around the destination of Destin, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Charleston 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 Charleston?

Destin, a popular beach town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Charleston. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Charleston?

Destin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the classic destination of Charleston. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in 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 Charleston, 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 Charleston Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Charleston?

Charleston has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Charleston, 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 Charleston?

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 Charleston in the Summer?

Both Charleston and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Charleston for the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Charleston. It's quite rainy in Destin. In July, Destin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charleston. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 6.9 inches (176 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Charleston in the Autumn?

Both Charleston and Destin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Charleston in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Destin is around the same temperature as Charleston in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Charleston fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Charleston. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Charleston in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Charleston. Many visitors come to Destin in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Charleston for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Destin is a little warmer than Charleston. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Charleston averages at about 47°F (9°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Charleston. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Charleston in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Destin as well as Charleston. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Charleston because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Destin is generally around the same temperature as Charleston. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Charleston fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Destin usually gets more rain in April than Charleston. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Charleston receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Charleston and Destin