A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Destin vs. Kennebunkport for Food, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Destin or Kennebunkport?

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 Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a charming, quaint, and character-filled town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Destin and Kennebunkport: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm


Is there more to do in Destin or Kennebunkport?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kennebunkport. Although Destin and Kennebunkport are both popular with visitors, Kennebunkport has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kennebunkport is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Destin is known for its beaches. Destin is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Kennebunkport is popular for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline. It is also home to Dock Square.

How is Destin different from Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Destin
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Destin
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport 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, Kennebunkport makes for a great culinary experience. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or 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 Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

Destin
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

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 Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Destin
Kennebunkport

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Destin and Kennebunkport.

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.

Kennebunkport is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.


Is Destin or Kennebunkport Better for Beaches?

Destin
Kennebunkport

Destin is great for its beaches. However, Kennebunkport is not a beach destination.

Destin is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Kennebunkport is not a beach destination. It's lined with rocky and sandy coastlines that are perfect for finding critters at low tide or searching for seashells. Mother's Beach is popular with families and Gooch's Beach is a popular place for walking. Middle Beach is a great spot for climbing over rocks.

Is Destin or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

Destin
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Kennebunkport. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Kennebunkport?

Destin
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

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 Kennebunkport Better for Families?

Destin
Kennebunkport

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Kennebunkport.

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, Kennebunkport is very family-friendly. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

Is Destin or Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Destin
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's 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 Kennebunkport Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Destin
Kennebunkport

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

Public transit is generally limited in Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

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 Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

Destin
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport is somewhat walkable. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

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 Kennebunkport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kennebunkport or Destin?

How long in Destin or Kennebunkport?

It's fun to spend time in either Destin or Kennebunkport. 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 Kennebunkport.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Destin or Kennebunkport? Ideal Length of Stay
    Destin 5-7 
    Kennebunkport 2-4

One day in Destin or Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the family-friendly destination of Destin. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kennebunkport might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Kennebunkport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Destin. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Destin. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kennebunkport. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the beach town of Destin. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kennebunkport is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Kennebunkport or Destin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Destin is $192, while the average daily cost in Kennebunkport is $220. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Destin and Kennebunkport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Destin $111
    Kennebunkport $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Destin $222
    Kennebunkport $248
Compare Hotels in Destin and Kennebunkport

Looking for a hotel in Destin or Kennebunkport? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Destin


Hotels in Kennebunkport


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Destin Hotel Prices and Kennebunkport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Destin $50
    Kennebunkport $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Destin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Destin:

  • Destin, FL to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Destin or Kennebunkport?

Prices for flights to both Kennebunkport and Destin change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Destin $51
    Kennebunkport $67

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.

  • 3 Hour Destin Dinner Cruise: Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
  • 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
  • Mother's Day Sunset Dinner Cruise: SOLARIS Yacht Miramar Beach FL: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Destin $17
    Kennebunkport $21
Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:


  • 1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs
    $40

Tours and Activities in Destin

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:

  • FAMOUS Destin Dolphin Cruise & Crab Island Sandbar: $70
  • 1 Hour and 30 Minutes Harbor Sightseeing Cruise from Destin: $60
  • 3 Hour Crab Island and Dolphin Cruise from Destin : $70
  • Chakras Sound Bath Meditation Experience in Destin: $35
  • Clear Kayak Ecotour Destin Ft. Walton Beach: $75
  • Clear Kayak Glow Tour Destin Ft. Walton Beach: $75
  • Clear Kayaking Eco Adventure Tour in Marianna: $75
  • Crab Island Dolphin Jetski Adventure : $227
  • Destin Harbor Fireworks Cruise: $40
  • Destin Harbor Sunset Eco Dolphin Cruise: $35
  • Destin Private Guided Sunset Cruise up to 6 Passengers: $230
  • Crab Island Catamaran Tour with Dolphin Watching: $59

Tours and Activities in Kennebunkport

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kennebunkport.

  • Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $27
  • Ghost Tour with Folklore, Gossip & Scandals: $29
  • 90 Minutes Ghost Walking Tour in Kennebunkport: $30
  • Historic District Walking Tour: $45
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $50
  • A Tasty Lunchtime Walking Tour: $140

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Destin $49
    Kennebunkport $31


When comparing the travel costs between Destin and Kennebunkport, we can see that Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Destin or Kennebunkport?

Destin has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Kennebunkport, 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 Kennebunkport?

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 Kennebunkport in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Destin as well as Kennebunkport. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Destin is a little warmer than Kennebunkport in the summer. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Kennebunkport. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Destin 82°F (28°C) 
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Destin or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

Both Kennebunkport and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kennebunkport this time of year.

In the autumn, Destin is much warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 49°F (9°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Kennebunkport. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Destin 69°F (21°C) 
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Destin or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

Both Kennebunkport and Destin during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kennebunkport. In January, Destin is generally much warmer than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Kennebunkport. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Destin 50°F (10°C) 
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Destin or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Kennebunkport. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Destin is much warmer than Kennebunkport in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Destin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kennebunkport. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Destin 68°F (20°C) 
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and Destin

Destin Kennebunkport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 50°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)