A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Destin vs. Myrtle Beach for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Food

Should you visit Destin or Myrtle Beach?

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 Myrtle Beach can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a beautiful, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches.

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is a high energy, party-filled, and busy beach city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and beaches.

Destin and Myrtle Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Myrtle Beach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Myrtle Beach than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Myrtle Beach is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Destin is more popular for its food, resorts, shopping, and impressive beauty. Myrtle Beach is more touristy than Destin and is known for its party-hard atmosphere, spring break crowds, and beachfront nightlife scene. Also, Myrtle Beach is famous for the Myrtle Beach boardwalk. Destin is well known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants.

The Myrtle Beach boardwalk

How is Destin different from Myrtle Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Destin is very good for its restaurant scene. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Destin area. 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.

Myrtle Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Slices of pizza and seafood buffets are the most common options in the area. There are also themed restaurants and dinner shows that make for a fun night, even if the food isn't the highest quality.

Is Destin or Myrtle Beach Better for Nightlife?

Myrtle Beach is terrific for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Myrtle Beach is a must-see party destination. This beach is famous for its nightlife. From all-night bars and clubs, to music concerts and outdoor venues, there's no shortage of things to do. Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and spring break crowds make this the place to be for a party.

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 Myrtle Beach Better for Resorts?

Destin is a great destination for its resorts. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its luxury resorts.

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.

Myrtle Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. While there are a handful of resorts in the area, like the popular Marriott Vacation Club, most hotels are crowded and lacking in space.

Is Destin or Myrtle Beach Better for Beaches?

Destin and Myrtle Beach are very good 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 Myrtle Beach. Most people head to the center of town and boardwalk for the nightlife and vibrant activities more than the actual beach. The stretches north and south have nice beaches lined with hotels and resorts, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere. If you want a more relaxed beach setting without the huge crowds, check out Myrtle Beach State Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Myrtle Beach?

Destin is very good for its shopping areas. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for shopping.

Many visitors go to Destin to go 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.

Myrtle Beach is a good destination for shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops, t-shirt shops, and candy vendors that make shopping entertaining.

Is Destin or Myrtle Beach Better for Families?

Destin is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Myrtle Beach is a beach city with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Destin is known to be 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

For families, Myrtle Beach is not always the best place to visit. While this area isn't generally considered a family destination, there are some newer vacation clubs and resorts that cater specifically to families and have become popular. The Marriott Vacation Club is one of the most popular with families in Myrtle Beach.

Is Destin or Myrtle Beach Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Myrtle Beach 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.

Myrtle Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beach area isn't exactly a romantic destination but for couples who enjoy going out and having fun together, there is no shortage of night time activities.

Is Destin or Myrtle Beach Better for Students?

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

Myrtle Beach is very popular with students. University students flock to the area for spring break and end of year celebrations. If you're a student during those times, this is the place to be, otherwise, the area is best avoided.

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

Neither Destin or Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach. There are no real public transit options so you'll need a car to get around.

Is Destin or Myrtle Beach a more walkable city?

Myrtle Beach is a moderate beach city for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Myrtle Beach is generally not very walkable. By the Boardwalk, it's easy to walk around, but traffic can still be congested and once you're out of the main strip, a car is essential.

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 Myrtle Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Myrtle Beach or Destin?

How long in Destin or Myrtle Beach?

Both Destin and Myrtle Beach have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 2-7 days is enough time in Myrtle Beach.

Families should spend more time in Destin than Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach. 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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach.

One day in Destin or Myrtle Beach?

In Destin, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this family-friendly beach town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Myrtle Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Myrtle Beach?

Destin is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Myrtle Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, 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 Myrtle Beach?

In Destin, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this relaxing destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Myrtle Beach. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Myrtle Beach?

Destin is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the party-filled destination of Myrtle Beach. This beach city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 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 Myrtle Beach, 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 Myrtle Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Myrtle Beach?

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

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 Myrtle Beach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Myrtle Beach. The summer months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Myrtle Beach this time of year.

In July, Destin is generally around the same temperature as Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

Myrtle Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Destin usually receives less rain than Myrtle Beach. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Myrtle Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Destin as well as Myrtle Beach. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Myrtle Beach for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Destin is a little warmer than Myrtle Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Myrtle Beach. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Myrtle Beach in the Winter?

Both Myrtle Beach and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Myrtle Beach in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Destin is a little warmer than Myrtle Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Myrtle Beach averages at about 45°F (7°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Myrtle Beach. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Myrtle Beach in the Spring?

Both Myrtle Beach and Destin during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Destin in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Myrtle Beach for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Destin is generally a little warmer than Myrtle Beach. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Myrtle Beach fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Destin usually gets more rain in April than Myrtle Beach. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Myrtle Beach receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Myrtle Beach and Destin