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

Should you visit Destin or Islamorada?

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

Destin

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

Islamorada

Islamorada is a adventurous, relaxing, and tropical village. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Destin and Islamorada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Islamorada?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Islamorada. Although Destin and Islamorada are both popular with visitors, Islamorada has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Islamorada is more popular for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while Destin is known for its resorts. Destin is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Islamorada is popular for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. It is also home to Theater of the Sea.

How is Destin different from Islamorada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Islamorada is very good for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Islamorada is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Islamorada 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, Islamorada makes for a great culinary experience. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

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 Islamorada Better for Nightlife?

Islamorada 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 Islamorada. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

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 Islamorada Better for Resorts?

Destin is a great beach town for its luxury resorts. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Islamorada makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Is Destin or Islamorada Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada 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 Islamorada. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

Destin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Destin or Islamorada Better for Beaches?

Destin and Islamorada are excellent 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 Islamorada. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Islamorada?

Both Destin and Islamorada 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 Islamorada. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

Is Destin or Islamorada Better for Families?

Islamorada 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.

Islamorada is one of the most popular family destinations. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

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 Islamorada Better for Couples?

Islamorada 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, Islamorada has plenty to offer. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

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

Neither Destin or Islamorada 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 Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Is Destin or Islamorada a more walkable city?

Neither Destin or Islamorada are walkable places.

Destin is not a 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.

Islamorada is not a very walkable beach town. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Destin Worth Visiting? and Is Islamorada Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Islamorada or Destin?

How long in Destin or Islamorada?

Both Destin and Islamorada have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Islamorada has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Islamorada than Destin. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 4-7 days is enough time in Islamorada.

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

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

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

One day in Destin or Islamorada?

With shopping and food around the peaceful beach town of Destin, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Islamorada. 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 Islamorada?

With food and shopping around the destination of Destin, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Islamorada 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 Islamorada?

Destin, a popular beach town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

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. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing destination of Islamorada. This village 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Destin and Islamorada, we can see that Destin is more expensive. And not only is Islamorada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Islamorada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamorada 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 Islamorada.

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Islamorada?

Destin has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Islamorada, 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 Islamorada?

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 Islamorada in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Destin as well as Islamorada. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Islamorada for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Destin is around the same temperature as Islamorada in the summer. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Islamorada fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Islamorada. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Islamorada in the Autumn?

Both Islamorada and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Islamorada in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Destin is cooler than Islamorada. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Islamorada averages at about 80°F (27°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives less rain than Islamorada. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Destin or Islamorada in the Winter?

Both Islamorada and Destin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Destin in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Islamorada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Destin is generally much colder than Islamorada. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Islamorada fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Islamorada. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Islamorada in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Islamorada. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Destin is cooler than Islamorada in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Islamorada fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Islamorada. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Typical Weather for Islamorada and Destin