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

Should you visit Destin or Newport?

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

Destin

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

Newport

Newport is a coastal, seaside, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Destin and Newport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Newport?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Newport than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Newport is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Destin is more popular for its resorts. Destin is well known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Newport is well known for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. Also, Newport is famous for Thames Street.

How is Destin different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Newport specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Newport is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Newport makes for a great culinary experience. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

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.

Is Destin or Newport Better for Nightlife?

Newport 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 Newport. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

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 Newport Better for Resorts?

Destin is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Newport is not a resort destination.

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.

Newport is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Newport Better for Beaches?

Destin and Newport 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 Newport. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Is Destin or Newport Better for its Old Town?

Newport is notable for its historic old town. However, Destin does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Destin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Newport?

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

Newport is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

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 Newport Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Newport.

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, Newport is very family-friendly. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

Is Destin or Newport Better for Couples?

Newport is terrific for romance. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Newport has plenty to offer. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

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.

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

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

Newport has a few public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

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 Newport a more walkable city?

Newport is notable for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Newport is very walkable. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

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 Newport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newport or Destin?

How long in Destin or Newport?

In either Destin or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Destin than Newport because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

Families should spend more time in Newport than Destin. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Newport, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Destin or Newport?

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 Newport. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Newport?

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.

Newport 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 Newport?

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 Newport. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Newport?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the seaside destination of Newport. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Newport, we can see that Destin is more expensive. And not only is Newport much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Newport would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Newport 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 Newport.

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Newport?

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

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 Newport in the Summer?

Both Newport and Destin during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newport this time of year.

In July, Destin is generally a little warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Newport fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Newport. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Newport in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Newport. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Newport for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Destin is much warmer than Newport in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Newport 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 Newport. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Newport in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Destin as well as Newport. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Newport in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Newport can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Destin is much warmer than Newport. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Newport averages at about 28°F (-2°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the winter. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Newport. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Newport in the Spring?

Both Newport and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Destin in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Destin is generally much warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Newport fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In April, Destin usually receives less rain than Newport. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Newport and Destin