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

Should you visit Destin or Roanoke?

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 Roanoke 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke is a outdoorsy, laid back, and scenic town. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Destin and Roanoke: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Roanoke?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Roanoke than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Roanoke is better known for its museums, nightlife, and hiking, while Destin is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Roanoke and is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Roanoke is well known for its welcoming hospitality and convenient access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Also, Roanoke is famous for the Roanoke Star.

How is Destin different from Roanoke?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Roanoke is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums and sights around town such as the Living-Coral Reef Aquarium, the Science Museum of Western Virginia, and the Taubman Museum of Art. There's also the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and even the Roanoke Pinball Museum.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Destin is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Roanoke is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Destin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Roanoke offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are burger joints, pizza restaurants, and plenty of other casual eateries where you can grab a quick meal.

Is Destin or Roanoke Better for Nightlife?

Roanoke 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 Roanoke. There are local venues in the area that have drinks and often live music. You'll find jazz, country, rock, and bluegrass, particularly along Crooked Road in Franklin County.

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 Roanoke Better for Resorts?

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

Destin is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Roanoke is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Roanoke Better for Beaches?

Destin is a great beach town for the beach. However, Roanoke 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.

Roanoke is not a beach destination.

Is Destin or Roanoke Better for Hiking?

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

Roanoke is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with mountain hikes. The Blue Ridge Mountains are crossed by trails that take you to waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and through serene forest. McAfee Knob, Sharp Top Mountain, and Roaring Run Trail some of the best hikes in the area.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Roanoke?

Both Destin and Roanoke 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 Roanoke. Market Street in Downtown Roanoke is lined with local vendors, particularly at the Historic Roanoke City Market. The town also has a mall and several shopping centers.

Is Destin or Roanoke Better for Families?

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

Roanoke is a family-friendly place to visit. The Blue Ridge Parkway is filled with kid-friendly hiking trails and fun outdoor activities. You can visit the Blue Ridge Institute & Farm Museum or Smith Mountain Lake Farm. There's also Virginia Children's Theater.

Is Destin or Roanoke Better for Couples?

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

Roanoke is a very popular place to visit for couples. Staying at a quaint bed and breakfast, tucked into the beautiful mountain setting is the perfect romantic getaway. Nearby there are vineyards and wine cellars, as well as gardens, hikes, and other outdoor 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 Roanoke Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Roanoke is very good for backpackers. However, Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Roanoke is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are several campgrounds in the area as well as great hiking trails.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Roanoke is a moderate town 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 Roanoke. There are buses as well as a free trolley service through the downtown, but you really do need a car to get most places.

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 Roanoke a more walkable city?

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

Roanoke is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, with sidewalks and more dense development styles.

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 Roanoke Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Roanoke or Destin?

How long in Destin or Roanoke?

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

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

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

One day in Destin or Roanoke?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Roanoke. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Destin or Roanoke?

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.

Roanoke 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke. This town 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Roanoke?

Roanoke has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Roanoke, 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 Roanoke?

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 Roanoke in the Summer?

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

In July, Destin is generally around the same temperature as Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite rainy in Roanoke. Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Roanoke. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Roanoke in the Autumn?

Both Roanoke 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 hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Roanoke this time of year.

Destin is a little warmer than Roanoke in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Roanoke fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Roanoke in the Winter?

Both Roanoke 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Roanoke for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Roanoke. In the winter, Destin is much warmer than Roanoke. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Roanoke averages at about 38°F (3°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Roanoke. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Roanoke in the Spring?

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

In April, Destin is generally a little warmer than Roanoke. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Roanoke fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Roanoke. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Roanoke receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Roanoke and Destin