A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Destin vs. Gainesville for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Destin or Gainesville?

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

Destin

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

Gainesville

Gainesville is a active, vibrant, and high energy city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Destin and Gainesville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Gainesville?

Both Gainesville and Destin have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Destin is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Gainesville is known for its museums and nightlife. Destin is more touristy than Gainesville and is known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Gainesville is popular for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Destin different from Gainesville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Gainesville specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There's a surprising number of museums around town such as the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, and the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. Also fascinating is the Historic Haile Homestead, the Butterfly Rainforest, and the city's planetarium.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Gainesville has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Casual eateries are popular around town, particularly with the student population. There are grills, diners, and bistros that serve local dishes at affordable prices.

Is Destin or Gainesville Better for Nightlife?

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

Gainesville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife centers around the student population. The two main party areas are Midtown and Downtown. Midtown is between Northwest 17th Street and Northwest 18th Street and it's convenient for students who live on campus. The area has a great stretch of bars and clubs. The Downtown area has many of the city's top clubs, and it's popular with upperclassmen and students who live off campus.

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 Gainesville Better for Resorts?

Destin is notable for its resorts. However, Gainesville 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.

Gainesville is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Gainesville Better for Beaches?

Destin is notable for its beaches. However, Gainesville 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.

Gainesville is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Gainesville?

Both Destin and Gainesville 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 Gainesville. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town such as malls, shopping centers, and retail outlets. Two popular areas are the Neighborhoods at Butler and Celebration Pointe.

Is Destin or Gainesville Better for Families?

Destin is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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

Gainesville is a family-friendly beach town. You'll find outdoor activities, nature parks, and a couple of museums that will appeal to all ages. Highlights for families include A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, the Adventure Outpost, and Alfred A. Ring Park.

Is Destin or Gainesville Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Gainesville are good 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.

Gainesville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wine tasting and fine dining or enjoying the city's many outdoor activities. Go on a picnic or explore one of the museums in Downtown Gainesville.

Is Destin or Gainesville Better for Students?

Gainesville is notable for students. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its student-friendly activities.

Gainesville is very popular with students. As the location of the University of Florida, you'll find many students around town. This keeps the energy high with plenty of evening activities and affordable entertainment options.

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

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

Gainesville has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system that's free to students and employees of the university.

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 Gainesville a more walkable city?

Gainesville is very good for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Gainesville is somewhat walkable. Biking is actually a popular way to get around town and some areas are pedestrian-friendly.

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 Gainesville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Gainesville or Destin?

How long in Destin or Gainesville?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Destin or Gainesville to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Destin than Gainesville because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 1-2 days is enough time in Gainesville.

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

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

One day in Destin or Gainesville?

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 Gainesville. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Destin or Gainesville?

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.

Gainesville 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 Gainesville?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing 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 Gainesville. 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 Gainesville?

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 vibrant destination of Gainesville. 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 comparing the travel costs between Destin and Gainesville, we can see that Gainesville 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 Gainesville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Gainesville?

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

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 Gainesville in the Summer?

Both Gainesville 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 Gainesville for the family-friendly experiences.

Destin is around the same temperature as Gainesville in the summer. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Gainesville fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gainesville. It's quite rainy in Destin. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Gainesville. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Gainesville receives 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Gainesville in the Autumn?

Both Gainesville 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 Gainesville in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Destin is around the same temperature as Gainesville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Gainesville averages at about 71°F (22°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Gainesville. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Gainesville receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November.

Should I visit Destin or Gainesville in the Winter?

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

In January, Destin is generally cooler than Gainesville. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Gainesville fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Gainesville. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Gainesville receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Gainesville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Destin as well as Gainesville. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Destin is around the same temperature as Gainesville in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Gainesville fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

Destin usually gets more rain in April than Gainesville. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Gainesville receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Gainesville.

Typical Weather for Gainesville and Destin