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

Should you visit Destin or Cleveland?

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 Cleveland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxing beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Cleveland

Cleveland is a under-rated, diverse, and authentic city. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Destin and Cleveland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Cleveland?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cleveland. Although Destin and Cleveland are both popular with visitors, Cleveland has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cleveland is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and music, while Destin is known for its food, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Cleveland and is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Cleveland is popular for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people. It is also home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

How is Destin different from Cleveland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Cleveland specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Destin is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Destin. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Cleveland. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.

Is Destin or Cleveland Better for Nightlife?

Cleveland 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 Cleveland. Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.

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 Cleveland Better for Music?

Cleveland is notable for live music. However, Destin is not a live music destination.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Cleveland. Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.

Destin is not a live music destination.

Is Destin or Cleveland Better for Resorts?

Destin is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Cleveland is not a resort destination.

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.

Cleveland is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Cleveland Better for Beaches?

Destin is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Cleveland is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Destin. 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.

Cleveland is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Cleveland?

Both Destin and Cleveland are good 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 Cleveland. Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.

Is Destin or Cleveland Better for Families?

Destin is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cleveland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Destin is a very family-friendly destination. 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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cleveland. Kid-friendly activities in the area include the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. There's also the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo as well as the smaller Akron Zoo.

Is Destin or Cleveland Better for Couples?

Destin is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Cleveland is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Cleveland as a couple's destination. There are several romantic date night activities like boat rides on Lake Erie or dining at a nice restaurant.

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

Cleveland is a moderate city 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 Cleveland. There are bus, trolley, and train lines through the city, but a car is the most efficient way 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 Cleveland a more walkable city?

Cleveland is a moderate city for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Cleveland is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are more walkable than others (Downtown, Ohio City and Buckeye - Shaker), most visitors need a car to easily access everything they wish to do.

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 Cleveland Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cleveland or Destin?

How long in Destin or Cleveland?

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

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

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

One day in Destin or Cleveland?

You'll find food and shopping around the beach town of Destin. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A weekend in Destin or Cleveland?

You'll find shopping and food around the beautiful destination of Destin. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Cleveland 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 Cleveland?

You'll find food and shopping around the family-friendly beach town of Destin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

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

Destin is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Destin, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Cleveland?

Cleveland has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Cleveland, 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 Cleveland?

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 Cleveland in the Summer?

Both Cleveland and Destin during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cleveland for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

Destin is a little warmer than Cleveland in the summer. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Cleveland fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

Cleveland 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 July than Cleveland. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 4 inches (101 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Cleveland in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Cleveland. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cleveland in the autumn for the shopping scene and the music scene.

In the autumn, Destin is much warmer than Cleveland. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Cleveland averages at about 56°F (13°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.9 inches (49 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Cleveland in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Destin as well as Cleveland. Many visitors come to Destin in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Cleveland for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cleveland can be very cold during winter. In January, Destin is generally much warmer than Cleveland. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Cleveland fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the winter. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Cleveland. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 1.5 inches (39 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Cleveland in the Spring?

Both Cleveland and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Destin is much warmer than Cleveland in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Cleveland fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Cleveland. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Cleveland receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cleveland and Destin