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

Should you visit Destin or Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a peaceful, family-friendly, and beautiful beach town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and food.

Pocono Mountains

Pocono Mountains is a scenic, beautiful, and magnificent region. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and skiing.

Destin and Pocono Mountains: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Pocono Mountains?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pocono Mountains. Although Destin and Pocono Mountains are popular destinations, Pocono Mountains has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pocono Mountains is very popular for its skiing, museums, nightlife, and hiking, while Destin attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Destin is famous for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Pocono Mountains is famous for its hiking trails, boating and fishing, and small towns. It is also well known for Bushkill Falls.

How is Destin different from Pocono Mountains?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Destin or Pocono Mountains Better for Skiing?

Pocono Mountains is notable for snow skiing. However, Destin is not a skiing destination.

Pocono Mountains is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. There are a number of ski resorts in the area that offer family-friendly skiing or more advanced options. Some of the most popular ski areas are Big Boulder, Blue Mountain, Camelback Mountain, and Jack Frost Mountain.

Destin is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Destin or Pocono Mountains?

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

Pocono Mountains is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Visiting a local museum is a great way to learn about the area's history and Native American population. For a glimpse back in time, you can visit the Asa Packer Mansion, Grey Towers National Historic Landmark, or Columns Museum. The Old Jail Museum is a fascinating place to visit and even offers ghost tours. The Pocono Indian Museum and Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm are both worth a visit as well.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Pocono Mountains has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Family-friendly restaurants are common. Many serve up casual American cuisine like burgers or pasta. There are also more upscale restaurants, some with impressive views, that will elevate your culinary experience. For a local experience, find a restaurant with a seasonal menu that makes the most of the local ingredients.

Is Destin or Pocono Mountains Better for Nightlife?

Pocono Mountains is a moderate region for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to Pocono Mountains specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are some resorts with casinos and bars as well as local breweries and bars. You'll also find a theater or two in the area.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Resorts?

Destin is notable for its resorts. Also, Pocono Mountains is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

Pocono Mountains has a few great resort options. Resorts range from family-friendly to romantic. Many have indoor pools or even water parks. Some also have spas, restaurants, and plenty of amenities.

Is Destin or Pocono Mountains Better for Beaches?

Destin is notable for the beache. However, Pocono Mountains 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.

Pocono Mountains is not a beach destination.

Is Destin or Pocono Mountains Better for Hiking?

Pocono Mountains is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin is not a hiking destination.

Pocono Mountains is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails that take you through forests or to spectacular waterfalls. Trails range from easy to challenging and each offers a great way to escape into nature. Some of the more popular trails are found in Tobyhanna State Park and Promised Land State Park. The Appalachian Trail also passes through the area.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Pocono Mountains?

Both Destin and Pocono Mountains are nice 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 Pocono Mountains. Head to the towns for some the best local shopping. The downtown areas in each of the major towns - Jim Thorpe, Stroudsburg, Milford, and Honesdale - have local vendors, antique shops, and the occasional flea market or farmer's market.

Is Destin or Pocono Mountains Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Pocono Mountains.

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, Pocono Mountains is very family-friendly. There's horseback riding in the warmer seasons and kid-friendly skiing in the winter. The kids will also enjoy the hiking, ziplining, and indoor waterparks in the area. Animal farms and petting zoos are also popular, particularly with the younger kids.

Is Destin or Pocono Mountains Better for Couples?

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

Pocono Mountains is a very popular place to visit for couples. Romantic resorts, cozy cabins, and luxurious spas all make this a wonderful couples destination. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the hiking and adventure sports in the area, while those looking for a more relaxed experience will appreciate the dining and cultural activities.

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 Pocono Mountains Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pocono Mountains is notable for backpackers. However, Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Pocono Mountains. There's no shortage of campgrounds, cabins, and hiking opportunities that will let backpackers enjoy a bit of nature.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Pocono Mountains is a moderate region 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 Pocono Mountains. There are some bus services that run between a few towns, but they're not an efficient way 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 Pocono Mountains a more walkable city?

Pocono Mountains is a moderate region for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Pocono Mountains is generally not very walkable. While there are plenty of hiking trails and some walkable towns, you really need a car to explore the area.

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 Pocono Mountains Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pocono Mountains or Destin?

How long in Destin or Pocono Mountains?

Both Destin and Pocono Mountains have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Pocono Mountains has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Pocono Mountains than Destin. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 3-7 days is enough time in Pocono Mountains.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains.

One day in Destin or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find shopping and food around the beautiful destination of Destin. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the destination of Pocono Mountains. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Pocono Mountains?

You'll find food and shopping around the family-friendly beach town of Destin. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Pocono Mountains 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 Pocono Mountains?

Destin is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pocono Mountains. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Pocono Mountains?

Destin is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the magnificent destination of Pocono Mountains. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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 Pocono Mountains, 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 Pocono Mountains Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Pocono Mountains?

Destin has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pocono Mountains. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Pocono Mountains, 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 Pocono Mountains?

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 Pocono Mountains in the Summer?

Both Pocono Mountains and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Pocono Mountains in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Destin is a little warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the summer temperatures in Destin in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 75°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pocono Mountains. It's quite rainy in Destin. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Pocono Mountains. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Pocono Mountains in the Autumn?

Both Pocono Mountains and Destin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Destin in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Pocono Mountains for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Destin is generally much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 69°F (21°C), and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Pocono Mountains. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Pocono Mountains in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Pocono Mountains. Most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pocono Mountains because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Pocono Mountains can be very cold. Destin is much warmer than Pocono Mountains in the winter. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Pocono Mountains fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Pocono Mountains. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Pocono Mountains in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Destin as well as Pocono Mountains. The spring months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Pocono Mountains this time of year.

In the spring, Destin is much warmer than Pocono Mountains. Typically, the spring temperatures in Destin in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Pocono Mountains averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Destin usually gets less rain in April than Pocono Mountains. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Pocono Mountains receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pocono Mountains and Destin