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

Should you visit Destin or Memphis?

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

Destin

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

Memphis

Memphis is a soulful, creative, and laid-back city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Destin and Memphis: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Memphis?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Memphis than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Memphis is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Destin is more popular for its resorts, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Memphis and is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Memphis is well known for its influential music scene and its southern barbecue. Also, Memphis is famous for Elvis Presley's Graceland.

How is Destin different from Memphis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Memphis is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many attractions in town are related to the city's history in music. There is the famed Graceland as well as the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The city also has several art museums that are worth checking out.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Memphis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town has grown into a foodie destination with excellent barbecue and ribs. There are many award winning barbecue joints, but you'll also find casual bars that serve nachos, pizza, and other quick bites.

Is Destin or Memphis Better for Nightlife?

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

Memphis has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Music is at the heart of the nightlife scene. Head to Beale Street in Memphis's downtown for the most active nightlife that usually stays open the latest. You'll also find a lot of bars and clubs in Midtown around Overton Square.

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 Memphis Better for Music?

Memphis is terrific for live music. However, Destin is not a live music destination.

Memphis is a world class music destination. There are plenty of live music venues in the downtown area that you can explore. Several of the most famous include B.B. King's Blues Club, Handy Park Pavilion, and Blues City Cafe. The city is known for its influential role in several music genres including the blues, soul, and rock 'n' roll. There are also many music related museums and attractions in town like Graceland, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum, the Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Destin is not a live music destination.

Is Destin or Memphis Better for Resorts?

Destin is a great beach town for its luxury resorts. However, Memphis is not a resort destination.

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.

Memphis is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Memphis Better for Beaches?

Destin is a great beach town for the beach. However, Memphis is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Destin. 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.

Memphis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Memphis?

Destin is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Memphis is not known 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.

Memphis is a good destination for shopping. The city has plenty of malls and chain stores where you can grab anything you might need.

Is Destin or Memphis Better for Families?

Destin is a great beach town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Memphis is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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

Memphis is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has some great activities for kids including a zoo, several museums, petting farms, and a botanical garden.

Is Destin or Memphis Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Memphis 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.

Memphis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy good music and southern food will enjoy a weekend here. There are many music related landmarks including Graceland and the Rock 'n' Soul Museum. Live music is very popular as well.

Is Destin or Memphis Better for Students?

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

Memphis is a good city to visit for students. The live music scene and great food options make this is a fun town for students.

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

Memphis is a moderate city 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 Memphis. There is a trolley and bus system that the city operates, but a car is really helpful for getting around.

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 Memphis a more walkable city?

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

Memphis is somewhat walkable. Most of the touristy parts of town are walkable, but if you want to explore further out you'll need a car.

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 Memphis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Memphis or Destin?

How long in Destin or Memphis?

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

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

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

One day in Destin or Memphis?

In Destin, you'll find food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Memphis. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Memphis?

In Destin, you'll find shopping and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Memphis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, 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 Memphis?

Destin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Destin has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Memphis. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Memphis?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Destin. In Destin, you'll find shopping and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the laid-back destination of Memphis. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Memphis, we can see that Destin 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 Memphis Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Memphis?

Memphis has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Memphis, 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 Memphis?

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 Memphis in the Summer?

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

In July, Destin is generally around the same temperature as Memphis. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 83°F (29°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Memphis. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Memphis in the Autumn?

Both Memphis 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 Memphis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

Destin is a little warmer than Memphis in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Memphis. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Memphis in the Winter?

Both Memphis 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 Memphis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Memphis can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Destin is much warmer than Memphis. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Memphis averages at about 40°F (5°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Memphis. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 2.4 inches (62 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Memphis in the Spring?

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

In April, Destin is generally a little warmer than Memphis. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Memphis fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Memphis receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Destin usually receives less rain than Memphis. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Memphis receives 4.3 inches (109 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Memphis and Destin