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

Should you visit Destin or Milwaukee?

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

Destin

Destin is a family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxing beach town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and food.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee is a friendly, welcoming, and undiscovered city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Destin and Milwaukee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Destin or Milwaukee?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Destin. Although Destin and Milwaukee are popular destinations, Destin has more sights and attractions for tourists. Destin is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Milwaukee attracts visitors for its museums and nightlife. Destin is more touristy than Milwaukee and is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. It is also well known for Baytowne Wharf. Milwaukee is famous for its many breweries and its baseball culture.

How is Destin different from Milwaukee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Destin
Milwaukee

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

Milwaukee is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several unique museums like the Harley-Davidson Museum, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum. There's also the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Grohmann Museum as well as outdoor sculpture parks and other cultural and historic museums.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Destin
Milwaukee

Destin is a beach town with good options for its restaurants. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Milwaukee may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The Midwest is known for its artery clogging comfort foods, and Milwaukee is no exception. Cheese curds, fried fish, fruit dumplings, and frozen custard are all popular.

Is Destin or Milwaukee Better for Nightlife?

Destin
Milwaukee

Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee. You'll find a decent number of breweries around town. There are also wine bars, nightclubs, and live music venues that are worth checking 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 Milwaukee Better for Resorts?

Destin
Milwaukee

Destin is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Milwaukee 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.

Milwaukee is not a resort destination.


Is Destin or Milwaukee Better for Beaches?

Destin
Milwaukee

Destin is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Milwaukee 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.

Milwaukee is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Milwaukee?

Destin
Milwaukee

Both Destin and Milwaukee are nice shopping destinations.

Destin is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Milwaukee. You'll find the standard shopping centers and shopping malls around town, but if you want some more local vendors, check out the areas around the Historic Third Ward and The Village in Wauwatosa.

Is Destin or Milwaukee Better for Families?

Destin
Milwaukee

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Destin is very family-friendly. 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 Milwaukee. Kids will enjoy a visit to Discovery World, which is a science center with hands-on exhibits. There's also the Milwaukee County Zoo and the Milwaukee Public Museum. Younger kids will also enjoy a stop at Betty Brinn Children's Museum.


Is Destin or Milwaukee Better for Couples?

Destin
Milwaukee

Destin is a beach town with good options for its romantic activities. However, Milwaukee is lacking in options for couples.

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.

Milwaukee is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Take a walk or visit a local restaurant. There are also museums and performances that make for a nice outing.

Is Destin or Milwaukee Better for Students?

Destin
Milwaukee

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

Milwaukee is a good city to visit for students. It's home to a number of colleges and universities, so there is a bit of a college town vibe.

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

Destin
Milwaukee

Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee. There are buses that travel around town.

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 Milwaukee a more walkable city?

Destin
Milwaukee

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

Milwaukee is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are relatively compact and walkable. The most walkable neighborhoods are East Side, Riverwest, Brewers Hill, Downtown, Avenues West/Marquette, Third Ward, Walker's Point, and Bay View.

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 Milwaukee Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milwaukee or Destin?

How long in Destin or Milwaukee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Destin or Milwaukee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Destin than Milwaukee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 1-2 days is enough time in Milwaukee.

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

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


  • How many days in Destin or Milwaukee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Destin 5-7 
    Milwaukee 1-2

One day in Destin or Milwaukee?

You'll find food and shopping around the beach town of Destin. People often spend their time 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Milwaukee. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Destin or Milwaukee?

You'll find shopping and food around the relaxing destination of Destin. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee?

You'll find food and shopping around the peaceful beach town of Destin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Milwaukee. 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 Milwaukee?

Destin is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Destin, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the undiscovered destination of Milwaukee. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee is $176. 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 Milwaukee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Destin $111
    Milwaukee $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Destin $222
    Milwaukee $198
Compare Hotels in Destin and Milwaukee

Looking for a hotel in Destin or Milwaukee? 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 Milwaukee


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 Milwaukee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Destin $50
    Milwaukee $38

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 Milwaukee?

Prices for flights to both Milwaukee 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
    Milwaukee $52

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Milwaukee

For Milwaukee, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Family Fun Food Tour: $80
  • Local Food Tour: $97
  • Milwaukee Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $99
  • Original Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $139

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Destin $17
    Milwaukee $26
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 Milwaukee

For Milwaukee, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Skip the Line: Museum Admission Ticket - Grohmann Museum: $5.00
  • The Grand Milwaukee Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • The Grand Walk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour through Milwaukee: $6.99
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Milwaukee by Operation City Quest: $10
  • Geneva Lake Shore Path: Uncover 21 miles of stories on a self-guided audio tour: $10
  • Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Game Ticket at American Family Field: $12
  • Skip The Line: Harley-Davidson Museum Admission Ticket with Audio Guided Option: $22
  • Brew City Ghosts: Macabre Milwaukee By US Ghost Adventures: $24
  • Macabre Milwaukee Walking Tour: $26
  • Shakers Original Historical Ghost Tour: $27
  • Downtown Kenosha Urban Art and Photography Walking Tour: $30
  • Milwaukee Private or Public Pedal Tavern Tour : $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Destin $49
    Milwaukee $33

Sample the Local Flavors in Milwaukee

Also in Milwaukee, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Sip of Milwaukee Guided Brewery Tour with Snack: $99


When comparing the travel costs between Destin and Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Destin or Milwaukee?

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

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 Milwaukee in the Summer?

Both Milwaukee and Destin during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Milwaukee in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Destin is a little warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the summer temperatures in Destin in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 74°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Milwaukee. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Destin 82°F (28°C) 
    Milwaukee 74°F (23°C)

Should I visit Destin or Milwaukee in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Milwaukee. Many visitors come to Destin in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Milwaukee for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Destin is generally much warmer than Milwaukee. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 69°F (21°C), and Milwaukee fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Destin 69°F (21°C) 
    Milwaukee 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Destin or Milwaukee in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Destin as well as Milwaukee. Most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Milwaukee because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Milwaukee can be very cold. Destin is much warmer than Milwaukee in the winter. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Milwaukee fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the winter. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Milwaukee. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Destin or Milwaukee in the Spring?

Both Milwaukee and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Destin is much warmer than Milwaukee. Typically, the spring temperatures in Destin in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Milwaukee averages at about 47°F (8°C).

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Milwaukee. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Milwaukee receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Destin 68°F (20°C) 
    Milwaukee 47°F (8°C)

Typical Weather for Milwaukee and Destin

Destin Milwaukee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 50°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 26°F (-4°C) 1.1 inches (29 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 36°F (2°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 47°F (8°C) 2.8 inches (70 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 58°F (14°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm) 72°F (22°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 65°F (18°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 53°F (12°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 41°F (5°C) 2 inches (51 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 1.7 inches (44 mm)