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

Should you visit Destin or Chattanooga?

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 Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a outdoorsy, thriving, and bustling city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Destin and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Chattanooga?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chattanooga than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chattanooga is better known for its museums, nightlife, and hiking, while Destin is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Chattanooga and is known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Chattanooga is well known for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas. Also, Chattanooga is famous for Rock City.

How is Destin different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chattanooga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Chattanooga has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is Destin or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

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 Chattanooga Better for Resorts?

Destin is a great destination for its resorts. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Chattanooga Better for Beaches?

Destin is a great destination for the beach. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Destin or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin is not a hiking destination.

Chattanooga is a popular spot for hiking. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Chattanooga?

Both Destin and Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Is Destin or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Destin is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chattanooga 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

Chattanooga offers lots of family activities. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is Destin or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

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

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

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 Chattanooga a more walkable city?

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

Chattanooga is very walkable. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

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 Chattanooga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or Destin?

How long in Destin or Chattanooga?

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

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

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

One day in Destin or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful 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 Chattanooga. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the relaxing 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.

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the family-friendly 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 Chattanooga. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Chattanooga?

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 outdoorsy destination of Chattanooga. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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 comparing the travel costs between Destin and Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga?

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 Chattanooga in the Summer?

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

In July, Destin is generally around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

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

Destin is a little warmer than Chattanooga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Chattanooga. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Chattanooga in the Winter?

Both Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. It's quite rainy in Destin. In January, Destin usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Chattanooga in the Spring?

Both Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Destin usually gets less rain in April than Chattanooga. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Destin