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

Should you visit Destin or New Bern?

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 New Bern can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a beautiful, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

New Bern

New Bern is a laid back, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Destin and New Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or New Bern?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Destin. Although Destin and New Bern are both popular with visitors, Destin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Destin is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while New Bern is known for its museums, nightlife, and small town charm. Destin is more touristy than New Bern and is known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. It is also home to Baytowne Wharf. New Bern is popular for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is Destin different from New Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

New Bern is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

New Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Is Destin or New Bern Better for Nightlife?

New Bern is a moderate town for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to New Bern specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

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 New Bern Better for Resorts?

Destin is well known for its resorts. However, New Bern is not a resort destination.

Destin is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

New Bern is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or New Bern Better for Beaches?

Destin is well known for its beaches. However, New Bern is not a beach destination.

Destin is considered a top beach destination. 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.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or New Bern?

Both Destin and New Bern are good 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 New Bern. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Is Destin or New Bern Better for Families?

Destin is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

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

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is Destin or New Bern Better for Couples?

Both Destin and New Bern are good 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.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

Is Destin or New Bern Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Destin or New Bern 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 New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is Destin or New Bern a more walkable city?

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

New Bern is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

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 New Bern Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in New Bern or Destin?

How long in Destin or New Bern?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Destin or New Bern to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Destin than New Bern 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 New Bern.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in New Bern 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 New Bern.

One day in Destin or New Bern?

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.

New Bern might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Destin or New Bern?

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.

New Bern 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 New Bern?

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 New Bern. 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 New Bern?

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.

New Bern is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Destin and New Bern, we can see that Destin is more expensive. And not only is New Bern much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to New Bern would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in New Bern 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 Destin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Destin than you might in New Bern.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Destin Expensive? and Is New Bern Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or New Bern?

New Bern has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and New Bern, 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 New Bern?

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 New Bern in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and New Bern. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to New Bern because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Destin is around the same temperature as New Bern in the summer. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and New Bern fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

New Bern receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than New Bern. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or New Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Destin as well as New Bern. The autumn months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to New Bern this time of year.

In the autumn, Destin is a little warmer than New Bern. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and New Bern averages at about 65°F (18°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Destin usually gets more rain in October than New Bern. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or New Bern in the Winter?

Both New Bern and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Destin is generally much warmer than New Bern. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and New Bern fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in New Bern. It's quite rainy in Destin. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than New Bern. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or New Bern in the Spring?

Both New Bern and Destin during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to New Bern in the spring for the small town charm.

Destin is a little warmer than New Bern in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and New Bern fluctuates around 62°F (16°C).

Destin usually gets more rain in April than New Bern. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for New Bern and Destin