A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Destin vs. Joshua Tree National Park for Families and Couples

Should you visit Destin or Joshua Tree National Park?

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 Joshua Tree National Park 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.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a fascinating, adventurous, and unique national park. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking.

Destin and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Destin than Joshua Tree National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Destin is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Joshua Tree National Park is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Destin is well known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Also, Destin is famous for Baytowne Wharf. Joshua Tree National Park is well known for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Destin different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree National Park is a moderate national park for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Joshua Tree National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Destin or Joshua Tree National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Destin is a beach town with good options for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Destin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Destin or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Neither Destin or Joshua Tree National Park 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.

Joshua Tree National Park doesn't offer many options. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Destin or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Destin is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

In Destin, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Destin is a very popular place for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Destin attract visitors from all over. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Destin or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Joshua Tree National Park specifically for its hiking. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Joshua Tree National Park?

Destin is a beach town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Destin has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Is Destin or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Joshua Tree National Park.

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, Joshua Tree National Park is very family-friendly. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

Is Destin or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

Joshua Tree National Park is notable for romance. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its romantic activities.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree National Park is terrific for backpackers. However, Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Joshua Tree National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Destin or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Destin or Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Destin or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Destin or Joshua Tree National Park 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a very walkable beach town. You need a car to truly explore the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Destin Worth Visiting? and Is Joshua Tree National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park or Destin?

How long in Destin or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Destin or Joshua Tree National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Destin due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 2-4 days is enough time in Joshua Tree National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

One day in Destin or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing beach town of Destin. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Joshua Tree National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Destin. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Joshua Tree National Park is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Destin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Joshua Tree National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Destin is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the fascinating destination of Joshua Tree National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Destin and Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Destin is more expensive. And not only is Joshua Tree National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Joshua Tree National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

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