A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Destin vs. Redwood National Park for Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Destin or Redwood National Park?

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 Redwood National Park can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a beautiful, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a grand, impressive, and monumental park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for beaches and hiking.

Destin and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Destin or Redwood National Park?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Redwood National Park than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Redwood National Park is better known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Destin is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Destin is well known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Redwood National Park is well known for being the home of the world's tallest trees. Also, Redwood National Park is famous for Stout Grove.

How is Destin different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park?

Destin
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Redwood National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Destin or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Destin
Redwood National Park

Destin is a good destination for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Destin area. 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.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Destin or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Destin
Redwood National Park

Neither Destin or Redwood National Park offer decent nightlife.

People don't go to Destin for the nightlife. 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.

Redwood National Park doesn't offer many options. The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Destin or Redwood National Park Better for Resorts?

Destin
Redwood National Park

Destin is well known for its resorts. However, Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Destin to choose from. 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.

Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Destin or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Destin
Redwood National Park

Destin is well known for the beach. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Many people visit Destin for it's beautiful 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.

Redwood National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Is Destin or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Destin
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Redwood National Park specifically for its hiking. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Redwood National Park?

Destin
Redwood National Park

Destin is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Destin to go 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 in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.


Is Destin or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Destin
Redwood National Park

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Redwood National Park.

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, Redwood National Park is very family-friendly. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Destin or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Destin
Redwood National Park

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

Redwood National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Destin
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is terrific for backpackers. However, Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Redwood National Park is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


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

Destin
Redwood National Park

Neither Destin or Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Destin or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Destin
Redwood National Park

Neither Destin or Redwood National Park 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.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable beach town. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Destin Worth Visiting? and Is Redwood National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Destin?

How long in Destin or Redwood National Park?

In either Destin or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Destin than Redwood National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park.


  • How many days in Destin or Redwood National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Destin 5-7 
    Redwood National Park 3-5

One day in Destin or Redwood National Park?

In Destin, you'll find food and shopping. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Redwood National Park. 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 Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Destin. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

Redwood National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Redwood National Park?

Destin is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Redwood National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Redwood National Park?

In Destin, you'll find shopping and food. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the monumental destination of Redwood National Park. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.


Which place is cheaper, Redwood National Park or Destin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Destin is $192, while the average daily cost in Redwood National Park is $111. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Destin and Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Destin $111
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Destin $222
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Destin and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Destin or Redwood National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Destin


Hotels in Redwood National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Destin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Destin $50
    Redwood National Park $53

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Destin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Destin:

  • Destin, FL to Pensacola International Airport (PNS) - Departure Private Transfer: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Destin or Redwood National Park?

Prices for flights to both Redwood National Park and Destin change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Destin $51
    Redwood National Park $33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.

  • 3 Hour Destin Dinner Cruise: Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
  • 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
  • Mother's Day Sunset Dinner Cruise: SOLARIS Yacht Miramar Beach FL: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Destin $17
    Redwood National Park $33
Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:


  • 1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs
    $40

Tours and Activities in Destin

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:

  • Flippers Adventures Dolphin Cruise: $25
  • Dolphin & Sunset Cruises: $32
  • Spectacular Sunset Cruise: $33
  • Destin Harbor Sunset Eco Dolphin Cruise: $35
  • Guided Sunset Cruise Up to 22 Passengers in Florida: $35
  • Kayak Adventure in Destin and Fort Walton Beach : $35
  • Chakras Sound Bath Meditation Experience in Destin: $35
  • Family Friendly Snorkeling and Dolphin Tour: $40
  • Hydrojet Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL : $40
  • Destin Harbor Fireworks Cruise: $40
  • Fort Walton Beach: Fireworks Cruise on the Emerald Coast: $40
  • Fireworks Cruise on the Emerald Coast: $40

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Destin $49
    Redwood National Park $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Destin and Redwood National Park, we can see that Destin is more expensive. And not only is Redwood National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Redwood National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park.

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



When is the best time to visit Destin or Redwood National Park?

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 Redwood National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Redwood National Park. Many visitors come to Destin in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Destin is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Destin 82°F (28°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Destin or Redwood National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Destin as well as Redwood National Park. Most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Redwood National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Destin is much warmer than Redwood National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Redwood National Park. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Destin 69°F (21°C) 
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Destin or Redwood National Park in the Winter?

Both Redwood National Park and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Destin is a little warmer than Redwood National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. It's quite rainy in Destin. In January, Destin usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Destin 50°F (10°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Destin or Redwood National Park in the Spring?

Both Redwood National Park and Destin during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Redwood National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Destin is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Destin usually gets more rain in April than Redwood National Park. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Destin 68°F (20°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Destin

Destin Redwood National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 50°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm)