A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Destin vs. Key West for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Destin or Key West?

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 Key West can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a peaceful, family-friendly, and beautiful beach town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and food.

Key West

Key West is a laid-back, quirky, and eclectic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Destin and Key West: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Key West?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Key West. Although Destin and Key West are popular destinations, Key West has more sights and attractions for tourists. Key West is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Destin attracts visitors for its shopping. Key West is more touristy than Destin and is known for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. It is also well known for Duval Street. Destin is famous for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants.

How is Destin different from Key West?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Destin and Key West.

Destin offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Key West has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, be the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

Is Destin or Key West Better for Nightlife?

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

Key West has plenty to do after the sun goes down. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

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 Key West Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Destin and Key West.

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.

Key West is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

Is Destin or Key West Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key West 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 Key West. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Destin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Destin or Key West Better for Beaches?

Destin and Key West are great 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 Key West. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Is Destin or Key West Better for its Old Town?

Key West is notable for its historic old town. However, Destin does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Key West. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Destin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Key West?

Destin is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Destin offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Destin or Key West Better for Families?

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

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, Key West is very family-friendly. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

Is Destin or Key West Better for Couples?

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

Key West is a very popular place to visit for couples. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

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 Key West Better for Students?

Key West is notable for students. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its student-friendly activities.

Key West is very popular with students. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

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

Neither Destin or Key West 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 Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Destin or Key West a more walkable city?

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

Key West is somewhat walkable. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

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 Key West Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Key West or Destin?

How long in Destin or Key West?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Key West 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 Key West.

One day in Destin or Key West?

The beach town of Destin offers shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the quaint destination of Key West. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Key West?

Destin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Key West 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 Key West?

Destin is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Destin, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key West. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Key West?

Destin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Destin has to offer. This beach town offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the quirky destination of Key West. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in 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 Key West, we can see that Key West 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West 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 Key West Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Key West?

Key West has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Key West, 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 Key West?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Destin or Key West in the Summer?

Both Key West and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Destin is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the summer temperatures in Destin in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Key West averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Key West. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Key West in the Autumn?

Both Key West and Destin during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Key West this time of year.

In October, Destin is generally cooler than Key West. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 69°F (21°C), and Key West fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

Key West gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets less rain in October than Key West. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Destin or Key West in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Key West. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Destin is much colder than Key West in the winter. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Key West fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Key West. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Key West in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Destin as well as Key West. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Key West in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Destin is cooler than Key West. Typically, the spring temperatures in Destin in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Key West averages at about 77°F (25°C).

Destin usually gets more rain in April than Key West. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

Typical Weather for Key West and Destin