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

Should you visit Destin or Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Destin and Minneapolis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Destin or Minneapolis?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Minneapolis. Although Destin and Minneapolis are popular destinations, Minneapolis has more sights and attractions for tourists. Minneapolis is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Destin attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Minneapolis and is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Minneapolis is famous for its professional sports teams, countless outdoor activities, and friendly people. It is also well known for Mall of America.

How is Destin different from Minneapolis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Destin
Minneapolis

Minneapolis is notable for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Minneapolis specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There's a wide variety of museums that include art, history, science, and local culture. Some of the favorite museums in the city are the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Walker Art Center, the American Swedish Institute, and the Weisman Art Museum.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Destin
Minneapolis

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

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.

Minneapolis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Dishes in the Midwest are known for being hearty comfort foods, and the food in Minneapolis is no exception. You'll find cheese-stuffed burgers that are known as Juicy Lucys, Tator Tot casseroles, and deep-fried cheese curds. For international food, there's a variety of Scandinavian options around town.

Is Destin or Minneapolis Better for Nightlife?

Destin
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There are diverse neighborhoods that each have their own personality. You'll find rooftop lounges in Uptown, international venues in Whittier, and trendy bars in the North Loop. But at the heart of the city's nightlife scene is Downtown Minneapolis.

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 Minneapolis Better for Resorts?

Destin
Minneapolis

Destin is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a resort destination.


Is Destin or Minneapolis Better for Beaches?

Destin
Minneapolis

Destin is a very popular place for the beache. However, Minneapolis 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.

Minneapolis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Minneapolis?

Destin
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Known for the megamall, Mall of America, this is a shopper's paradise. Mall of America is the largest shopping mall in the country and it even has an aquarium and a theme park within it. In addition to this iconic shopping mall, Minneapolis also has many shopping districts including the Minnehaha Mile.

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 Minneapolis Better for Families?

Destin
Minneapolis

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Minneapolis.

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, Minneapolis is very family-friendly. Mall of America is at the top of the list for most families, but there's also plenty of kid-friendly museums around town as well as nature centers, parks, and playgrounds. There's the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, the Minnesota Zoo, and Afton Apple Orchard. For museums, kids will love the Minnesota Children's Museum or the Science Museum of Minnesota.


Is Destin or Minneapolis Better for Couples?

Destin
Minneapolis

Both Destin and Minneapolis are nice 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.

Minneapolis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are beautiful parks and outdoor spaces to explore as well as museums and fine dining. Couples will appreciate stopping by the Stone Arch Bridge or wandering through the Lyndale Park Rose Garden.

Is Destin or Minneapolis Better for Students?

Destin
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis is very popular with students. There are a number of colleges and universities in the area including the University of Minnesota. The city is known for its academic and intellectual focus, and students will enjoy being challenged educationally while enjoying a dynamic city.

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

Destin
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis has a few public transit options. There are buses, light rail, and commuter trains that stop at many of the major entertainment centers 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 Minneapolis a more walkable city?

Destin
Minneapolis

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

Minneapolis is somewhat walkable. There are neighborhoods that are dense enough to be walkable, but the city is still very car-focused.

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 Minneapolis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Minneapolis or Destin?

How long in Destin or Minneapolis?

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

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

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


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

One day in Destin or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful beach town of Destin. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A weekend in Destin or Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Destin. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Minneapolis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing beach town of Destin. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Minneapolis. Don't miss the shopping, 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 Minneapolis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Destin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach town.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the diverse destination of Minneapolis. 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, Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis is $206. 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 Minneapolis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Destin $111
    Minneapolis $110
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Destin $222
    Minneapolis $220
Compare Hotels in Destin and Minneapolis

Looking for a hotel in Destin or Minneapolis? 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 Minneapolis


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 Minneapolis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Destin $50
    Minneapolis $43

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Minneapolis

Also for Minneapolis, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Arrival Private Transfer: $69
  • Private Departure Transfer to Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Minneapolis Airport MSP: $88
  • Minneapolis Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $137

Is it cheaper to fly into Destin or Minneapolis?

Prices for flights to both Minneapolis 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
    Minneapolis $40

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 Minneapolis

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

  • Minneapolis Food Tour - Walking: $115

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Destin $17
    Minneapolis $27
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 Minneapolis

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

  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Mighty Mississippi Self Guided Minneapolis Riverside Tour: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Downtown Minneapolis: $7.99
  • In the Footsteps of Prince: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Mighty Mississippi: A Self-Guided Riverside Walking Tour: $7.99
  • Minnehaha Falls: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Minneapolis: $7.99
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Saint Paul by Operation City Quest: $10
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Riverfront: $11
  • Minnesota Twins Baseball Game Ticket at Target Field: $13
  • Troll Tales at Children's Cave 1-Hour Tour in Saint Paul: $13
  • St. Paul Historic Cave Tour: $15
  • Lost Souls Tour: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Destin $49
    Minneapolis $24

Sample the Local Flavors in Minneapolis

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

  • History and 4-Bar Crawl Guided Walking Tour: $69
  • All-Inclusive Minneapolis Craft Brewery Tour: $85
  • 3-Hour Craft Brewery Tour: $100


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


Which is Bigger, Destin or Minneapolis?

Minneapolis has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis?

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 Minneapolis in the Summer?

Both Minneapolis and Destin during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Minneapolis for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Destin is a little warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the summer temperatures in Destin in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 76°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Minneapolis. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Destin 82°F (28°C) 
    Minneapolis 76°F (25°C)

Should I visit Destin or Minneapolis in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Minneapolis. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Minneapolis in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Destin is generally much warmer than Minneapolis. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 69°F (21°C), and Minneapolis fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Destin 69°F (21°C) 
    Minneapolis 52°F (11°C)

Should I visit Destin or Minneapolis in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Destin as well as Minneapolis. Many visitors come to Destin in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Minneapolis for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Minneapolis can be very cold during winter. Destin is much warmer than Minneapolis in the winter. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Minneapolis fluctuates around 15°F (-10°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the winter. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Minneapolis. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Destin 50°F (10°C) 
    Minneapolis 15°F (-10°C)

Should I visit Destin or Minneapolis in the Spring?

Both Minneapolis and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Minneapolis because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Destin is much warmer than Minneapolis. Typically, the spring temperatures in Destin in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Minneapolis averages at about 49°F (10°C).

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Minneapolis. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Minneapolis receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Destin 68°F (20°C) 
    Minneapolis 49°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Minneapolis and Destin

Destin Minneapolis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 50°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 15°F (-10°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.7 inches (19 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 49°F (10°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 62°F (16°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm) 76°F (25°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 64°F (18°C) 2.2 inches (57 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 52°F (11°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 36°F (2°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 0.9 inches (22 mm)