A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Destin vs. Fort Lauderdale for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Destin or Fort Lauderdale?

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 Fort Lauderdale can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a beautiful, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a bustling, spirited, and luxury coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Destin and Fort Lauderdale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Fort Lauderdale?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Fort Lauderdale. Although Destin and Fort Lauderdale are both popular with visitors, Fort Lauderdale has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Destin and is known for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. It is also home to The Local Beaches. Destin is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants.

How is Destin different from Fort Lauderdale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fort Lauderdale and Destin. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

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

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.

Fort Lauderdale has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Is Destin or Fort Lauderdale Better for Nightlife?

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

Fort Lauderdale has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

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 Fort Lauderdale Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is terrific for its resorts. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Fort Lauderdale is a perfect choice. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

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.

Is Destin or Fort Lauderdale Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Destin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Fort Lauderdale. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Destin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Destin or Fort Lauderdale Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is terrific for its beaches. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for the beache.

With world-famous beaches, Fort Lauderdale is a very popular vacation destination. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Fort Lauderdale?

Both Destin and Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Is Destin or Fort Lauderdale Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Fort Lauderdale.

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, Fort Lauderdale is very family-friendly. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Is Destin or Fort Lauderdale Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale 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, Fort Lauderdale has plenty to offer. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

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

Fort Lauderdale is a moderate coastal 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 Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

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 Fort Lauderdale a more walkable city?

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

Fort Lauderdale is very walkable. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

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 Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fort Lauderdale or Destin?

How long in Destin or Fort Lauderdale?

Both Destin and Fort Lauderdale have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Fort Lauderdale has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Fort Lauderdale than Destin. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 3-7 days is enough time in Fort Lauderdale.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale.

One day in Destin or Fort Lauderdale?

The beautiful destination of Destin offers food and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Fort Lauderdale. 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.

A weekend in Destin or Fort Lauderdale?

The beach town of Destin offers shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Destin or Fort Lauderdale?

Destin is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This beach town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Fort Lauderdale. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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.

A week in Destin or Fort Lauderdale?

The family-friendly beach town of Destin offers shopping and food. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the bustling destination of Fort Lauderdale. This coastal city 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Destin and Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Fort Lauderdale?

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

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 Fort Lauderdale in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Fort Lauderdale. Many visitors come to Destin in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Destin is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale in the summer. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 83°F (28°C).

Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Fort Lauderdale in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Destin as well as Fort Lauderdale. Most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Destin is cooler than Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Fort Lauderdale averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. Destin receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Destin usually gets less rain in October than Fort Lauderdale. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Fort Lauderdale in the Winter?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year.

In January, Destin is generally much colder than Fort Lauderdale. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Fort Lauderdale. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Fort Lauderdale in the Spring?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Destin during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Fort Lauderdale for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Destin is cooler than Fort Lauderdale in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

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

Typical Weather for Fort Lauderdale and Destin