A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Destin vs. Hilton Head Island for Families, Food, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Destin or Hilton Head Island?

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 Hilton Head Island can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxing beach town. Destin offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Destin travel costs.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a peaceful, beautiful, and resort-filled coastal town. Hilton Head Island is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Hilton Head Island travel costs.

Destin and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hilton Head Island than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Destin is well known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Hilton Head Island is well known for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails. Also, Hilton Head Island is famous for The Harbour Town Lighthouse.

How is Destin different from Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Destin or Hilton Head Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilton Head Island 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, Hilton Head Island makes for a great culinary experience. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

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 Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Neither Destin or Hilton Head Island offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Destin for the nightlife. 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.

Hilton Head Island doesn't offer many options. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Destin or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Destin and Hilton Head Island.

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.

Hilton Head Island is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Is Destin or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Destin and Hilton Head Island are very good choices for a beach vacation.

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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Hilton Head Island. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Hilton Head Island?

Both Destin and Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Destin or Hilton Head Island More Beautiful?

Destin and Hilton Head Island both are comparable with their notable scenery and beauty.

Destin is a gorgeous place to visit. With its powdery sand and the blue water of the Gulf of Mexico, this is a beautiful beach destination.

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful place to visit, too. The island has many beautiful waterways that are best explored by boat or kayak. The beaches are also beautiful and striking.

Is Destin or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Hilton Head Island is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hilton Head Island is one of the most popular family destinations. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Destin is very family-friendly. 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

Is Destin or Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

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

Neither Destin or Hilton Head Island offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Destin or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Hilton Head Island is a moderate coastal town for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

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 Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Destin?

How long in Destin or Hilton Head Island?

Both Destin and Hilton Head Island have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Hilton Head Island has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hilton Head Island than Destin. However, 5-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island.

One day in Destin or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the family-friendly destination of Destin. This beach town offers something for everyone. 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 shopping and food when visiting the destination of Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island?

Destin is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful beach town of Destin. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Hilton Head Island 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.

Five days in Destin or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Destin. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Destin has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island?

Destin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It offers something for everyone. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful destination of Hilton Head Island. This coastal 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Destin and Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island is more expensive. And not only is Destin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Destin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Destin 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 Hilton Head Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hilton Head Island than you might in Destin.

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Hilton Head Island?

Hilton Head Island has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Hilton Head Island, 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 Hilton Head Island?

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 Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

Both Hilton Head Island and Destin during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

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

Hilton Head Island gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Hilton Head Island. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Destin is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Hilton Head Island. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Destin as well as Hilton Head Island. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Destin is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the winter. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Hilton Head Island. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

Both Hilton Head Island and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Destin in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Destin is generally around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Hilton Head Island. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Destin