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

Should you visit Destin or Phoenix?

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

Destin

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

Phoenix

Phoenix is a sprawling, desert, and laid back city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Destin and Phoenix: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Phoenix?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Phoenix than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Phoenix is better known for its museums, nightlife, and hiking, while Destin is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Phoenix and is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Phoenix is well known for its desert landscapes, high number of golf courses, and year round warm weather. Also, Phoenix is famous for Desert Botanical Garden.

How is Destin different from Phoenix?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Phoenix is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. You'll find art, science, and cultural museums around town. Favorites include the Heard Museum, the Phoenix Art Museum, S'edav Va'aki Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Phoenix has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are many mom-and-pop shops around town that serve everything from casual meals to quality steaks. There's also a huge selection of Mexican restaurants, as well as other international options such as sushi, dim sum, and Italian.

Is Destin or Phoenix Better for Nightlife?

Phoenix 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 Phoenix. The best nightlife scene is found in downtown and central Phoenix. There are bars, restaurants, and venues where you can catch a show. North Phoenix also has grown into a popular evening spot with cocktail bars and pubs.

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 Phoenix Better for Resorts?

Destin is a great beach town for its luxury resorts. However, Phoenix is not a resort destination.

In Destin, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

Phoenix is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Phoenix Better for Beaches?

Destin is a great beach town for the beach. However, Phoenix is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Destin attract visitors from all over. 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.

Phoenix is not a beach destination.

Is Destin or Phoenix Better for Hiking?

Phoenix is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Phoenix. You don't have to head far out of town for impressive hiking opportunities. You'll find trails that range from easy to challenging, and many pass through other-worldly landscapes. You'll find popular trails in Usery Mountain Regional Park, Papago Park, White Tank Mountain Regional Park, South Mountain Park and many others.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Phoenix?

Both Destin and Phoenix are notable 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 Phoenix. There are plenty of shopping centers, outlets, and malls where you'll find the standard chain stores. You'll also find farmer's markets around town.

Is Destin or Phoenix Better for Families?

Destin is a great beach town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Phoenix is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Destin. 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

Phoenix is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the Phoenix Zoo, the Arizona Science Center, the SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, and the Bearizona Wildlife Park. There's also a number of parks and gardens as well as a children's museum and several other interactive museums for kids.

Is Destin or Phoenix Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Phoenix 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.

Phoenix makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many parks and gardens in town as well as beautiful hikes and outdoor activities that couples will enjoy. In the evening, there's theater, shows, and many romantic restaurants.

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

Phoenix 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 Phoenix. There's a bus and light rail system, but you really need your own vehicle to get around.

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 Phoenix a more walkable city?

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

Phoenix is generally not very walkable. It's a sprawling city and the only real area that's walkable is the downtown.

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 Phoenix Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Phoenix or Destin?

How long in Destin or Phoenix?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Destin and Phoenix. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Destin than in Phoenix. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 1-3 days is enough time in Phoenix.

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

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

One day in Destin or Phoenix?

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 Phoenix. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Destin or Phoenix?

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.

Phoenix 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix. 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 Phoenix?

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 laid back destination of Phoenix. 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Destin and Phoenix, we can see that Phoenix 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 Phoenix would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Phoenix 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 Phoenix Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Phoenix?

Phoenix has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Phoenix, 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 Phoenix?

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 Phoenix in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Destin as well as Phoenix. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Phoenix in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

It's very hot in Phoenix this time of the year. In July, Destin is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 98°F (36°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Phoenix. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Phoenix in the Autumn?

Both Phoenix and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Destin in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Phoenix for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Destin is cooler than Phoenix in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Phoenix fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Phoenix in the Winter?

Both Phoenix and Destin during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Phoenix because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Destin is cooler than Phoenix. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Phoenix averages at about 58°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Phoenix. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Phoenix in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Phoenix. The spring months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Destin is generally cooler than Phoenix. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Phoenix fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Phoenix. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Phoenix receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Phoenix and Destin