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

Should you visit Destin or Dallas?

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

Destin

Destin is a peaceful, family-friendly, and beautiful beach town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and food.

Dallas

Dallas is a active, upscale, and chic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Destin and Dallas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Dallas?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dallas. Although Destin and Dallas are popular destinations, Dallas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dallas is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Destin attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Dallas and is known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Dallas is famous for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also well known for the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Destin different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Dallas specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dallas 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, Dallas makes for a great culinary experience. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local 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 Dallas Better for Nightlife?

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

Dallas has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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 Dallas Better for Resorts?

Destin is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Dallas is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Destin. 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.

Dallas is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Dallas Better for Beaches?

Destin is a well-known place for the beache. However, Dallas is not a beach destination.

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.

Dallas is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Dallas?

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

Dallas is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

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 Dallas Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Dallas.

Destin is 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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Dallas is very family-friendly. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

Is Destin or Dallas Better for Couples?

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

Dallas is a very popular place to visit for couples. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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

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

Dallas has a few public transit options. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

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 Dallas a more walkable city?

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

Dallas is generally not very walkable. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.

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 Dallas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Destin?

How long in Destin or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Destin or Dallas. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Destin due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dallas.

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

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

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

One day in Destin or Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Destin. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dallas. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Dallas?

Destin is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Dallas 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 Dallas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Destin. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the family-friendly destination of Destin. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

Both Dallas and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

In the summer, Destin is cooler than Dallas. Typically, the summer temperatures in Destin in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Dallas averages at about 88°F (31°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Dallas. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Dallas in the Autumn?

Both Dallas and Destin during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Destin is generally around the same temperature as Dallas. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 69°F (21°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Dallas. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Dallas in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Dallas. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dallas in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Destin is a little warmer than Dallas in the winter. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Dallas fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Dallas. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Dallas in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Destin as well as Dallas. Many visitors come to Destin in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Dallas for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Destin is around the same temperature as Dallas. Typically, the spring temperatures in Destin in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Dallas averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Destin usually gets less rain in April than Dallas. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dallas and Destin