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

Should you visit Destin or Jacksonville?

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

Destin

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

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a vibrant, under-rated, and lively city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Destin and Jacksonville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Jacksonville?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Jacksonville than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Jacksonville is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Destin is more popular for its resorts and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Jacksonville and is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Jacksonville is well known for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. Also, Jacksonville is famous for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Destin different from Jacksonville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Jacksonville specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Jacksonville 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, Jacksonville makes for a great culinary experience. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville Better for Nightlife?

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

Jacksonville has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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 Jacksonville Better for Resorts?

Destin is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Destin to choose from. 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.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Jacksonville Better for Beaches?

Destin and Jacksonville are high quality 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 Jacksonville. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Jacksonville?

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

Jacksonville is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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 Jacksonville Better for Families?

Destin is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Destin. 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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Destin or Jacksonville Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Destin or Jacksonville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville is very good for backpackers. However, Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Jacksonville is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Destin or Jacksonville Better for Students?

Jacksonville is very good for students. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its student-friendly activities.

Jacksonville is a good city to visit for students. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

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

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

Jacksonville has a few public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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 Jacksonville a more walkable city?

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

Jacksonville is somewhat walkable. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Jacksonville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jacksonville or Destin?

How long in Destin or Jacksonville?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Destin and Jacksonville. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Destin than in Jacksonville. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 2-3 days is enough time in Jacksonville.

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

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

One day in Destin or Jacksonville?

In Destin, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this family-friendly beach town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville?

Destin is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville?

In Destin, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this beautiful destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jacksonville. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Jacksonville?

Destin is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Jacksonville. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Jacksonville, we can see that Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Jacksonville?

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

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 Jacksonville in the Summer?

Both Jacksonville and Destin during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Destin in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Jacksonville for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Jacksonville gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Jacksonville. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Jacksonville in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Destin is around the same temperature as Jacksonville in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Jacksonville fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Jacksonville. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Should I visit Destin or Jacksonville in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Destin as well as Jacksonville. The winter months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year.

In the winter, Destin is cooler than Jacksonville. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Jacksonville averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the winter. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Jacksonville. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Jacksonville in the Spring?

Both Jacksonville and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Jacksonville for the beaches and the activities around the city.

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

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Jacksonville. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Typical Weather for Jacksonville and Destin