A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Destin vs. Orlando for Resorts, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Destin or Orlando?

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

Destin

Destin is a relaxing, peaceful, and family-friendly beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Orlando

Orlando is a family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Destin and Orlando: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Orlando?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Orlando. Although Destin and Orlando are both popular with visitors, Orlando has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Destin is known for its beaches and impressive beauty. Orlando is more touristy than Destin and is popular for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. It is also home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Destin is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants.

How is Destin different from Orlando?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Destin or Orlando Better for Theater?

Orlando is very good for theatre. However, Destin is not a theatre destination.

Orlando offers a number of shows and performances. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Destin is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando 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, Orlando makes for a great culinary experience. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando Better for Nightlife?

Orlando 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 Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

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 Orlando Better for Resorts?

Orlando is terrific for its resorts. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Orlando is a perfect choice. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

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.

Is Destin or Orlando Better for Beaches?

Destin is great for its beaches. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Orlando?

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

Orlando is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando Better for Christmas?

Orlando is terrific for its Christmas activities. However, Destin does not offer Christmas activities.

Orlando is a fantastic destination at Christmas. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Destin does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Destin or Orlando Better for Families?

Orlando is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Orlando is one of the most popular family destinations. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

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

Is Destin or Orlando Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Orlando 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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Destin or Orlando Better for Students?

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

Orlando is a good city to visit for students. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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 Orlando a more walkable city?

Neither Destin or Orlando are walkable places.

Destin is not a 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.

Orlando is not a very walkable beach town. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Destin Worth Visiting? and Is Orlando Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Orlando or Destin?

How long in Destin or Orlando?

Both Destin and Orlando have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Orlando has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Orlando than Destin. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 7 days is enough time in Orlando.

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

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

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

One day in Destin or Orlando?

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 theater and nightlife when visiting the destination of Orlando. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Orlando?

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.

Orlando is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Destin or Orlando?

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 Orlando. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Orlando?

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.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and theater when visiting the entertaining destination of Orlando. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Destin and Orlando, we can see that Orlando is more expensive. And not only is Destin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Destin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Destin 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando than you might in Destin.

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Orlando?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Orlando, 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 Orlando?

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 Orlando in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Destin as well as Orlando. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Orlando because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite rainy in Orlando. Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets less rain in July than Orlando. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Orlando in the Autumn?

Both Orlando and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Orlando this time of year.

In the autumn, Destin is cooler than Orlando. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Orlando averages at about 75°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Orlando. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Orlando in the Winter?

Both Orlando and Destin during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In January, Destin is generally much colder than Orlando. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Orlando fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Orlando. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Orlando in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Orlando. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Destin is cooler than Orlando in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Orlando fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Orlando. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Orlando and Destin