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

Should you visit Destin or Saint Louis?

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 Saint Louis can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a beautiful, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Saint Louis

Saint Louis is a under rated, unexpected, and fascinating city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Destin and Saint Louis: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Destin or Saint Louis?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Louis. Although Destin and Saint Louis are both popular with visitors, Saint Louis has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Louis is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Destin is known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Saint Louis and is known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Saint Louis is popular for its blues and live music scene, its authentic personality, and its position as the Gateway to the West. It is also home to the Gateway Arch.

How is Destin different from Saint Louis?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Destin
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is terrific for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Saint Louis that are not to be missed. There are a surprising number of museums around town. For art museums you should visit the Contemporary Art Museum, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum. For history, the Griot Museum of Black History, the Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum, and the Lewis & Clark Museum and Boathouse are all interesting. There are also science, educational, and children's museums. And of course, there's the iconic Gateway Arch.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Destin
Saint Louis

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

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.

Saint Louis has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are some local dishes that originated here. Toasted ravioli had its start in St. Louis. There's also a St. Louis style pizza. Diners, cafes, and sandwiches are all part of the food scene and be prepared for cheese, meaty, and satisfying.

Is Destin or Saint Louis Better for Nightlife?

Destin
Saint Louis

Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis. Visitors often hang out in the downtown area, particularly around Washington Avenue, for the nightlife scene. Live music is popular, especially the blues, and there are many local venues worth checking out.

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 Saint Louis Better for Resorts?

Destin
Saint Louis

Destin is well known for its resorts. However, Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis is not a resort destination.


Is Destin or Saint Louis Better for Beaches?

Destin
Saint Louis

Destin is well known for its beaches. However, Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

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.

Saint Louis is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Saint Louis?

Destin
Saint Louis

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

Saint Louis is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are vintage stores, boutiques, and suburban strip malls around town. There are also farmer's markets and art galleries.

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 Saint Louis Better for Families?

Destin
Saint Louis

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Saint Louis.

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, Saint Louis is very family-friendly. There's a surprising number of activities for kids around town. There's the St. Louis Zoo and the City Museum with many hands-on exhibits for kids. There's also the Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary and several farms with animals and nature. Forest Park is an impressive urban park as well.


Is Destin or Saint Louis Better for Couples?

Destin
Saint Louis

Both Destin and Saint Louis 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.

Saint Louis makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Fine dining restaurants and eclectic activities make this city an often overlooked couples destination.

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

Destin
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is notable for its public transit. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Saint Louis. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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 Saint Louis a more walkable city?

Destin
Saint Louis

Saint Louis is very good for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Saint Louis is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, like the downtown area and the sections around the Gateway Arch.

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 Saint Louis Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Louis or Destin?

How long in Destin or Saint Louis?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis.


  • How many days in Destin or Saint Louis? Ideal Length of Stay
    Destin 5-7 
    Saint Louis 1-3

One day in Destin or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the family-friendly beach town of Destin. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint Louis. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Destin or Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the peaceful destination of Destin. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Saint Louis is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful beach town of Destin. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Louis. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Saint Louis?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Destin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach town.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the unexpected destination of Saint Louis. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis is $184. 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 Saint Louis in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Destin $111
    Saint Louis $101
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Destin $222
    Saint Louis $202
Compare Hotels in Destin and Saint Louis

Looking for a hotel in Destin or Saint Louis? 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 Saint Louis


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 and Saint Louis Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Destin $50
    Saint Louis $26

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint Louis

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint Louis:

  • Private Transfers for Departure from Queens to JFK Airport: $29
  • Private Transfer in Saint Louis, MO (STL): $65
  • St. Louis City to St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) - Departure Private Transfer: $65
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Arrival Private Transfer: $66
  • Private Transfer from Port Louis Airport (MRU) to Port Louis Port: $76
  • Arrival transfer St. Louis Airport STL to St. Louis by Car or SUV: $115
  • Departure Transfer St. Louis to St. Louis Airport by Car or SUV: $115
  • St. Louis Lambert Airport (STL) to St. Louis City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Destin or Saint Louis?

Prices for flights to both Saint Louis 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
    Saint Louis $54

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint Louis

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

  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - St. Louis, MO: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Destin $17
    Saint Louis $46
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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Saint Louis

Here are a few typical costs in Saint Louis for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Gateway Arch parking
    $6.00

Tours and Activities in Saint Louis

Here are a few actual costs in Saint Louis for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Interstate 55: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $5.20
  • St Louis Cardinals Baseball Game Ticket at Busch Stadium: $8.66
  • Landmarks Downtown-East Walking Tour: $15
  • Landmarks Downtown-West Walking Tour: $15
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in St. Louis by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Lemp Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour: $25
  • True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard Neighbourhood: $30
  • St. Louis Narrated Trolley Tour: $30
  • Private Gastronomy Barbecue Tour in St. Louis: $125
  • St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour: $144
  • Best of St. Louis Small Group Tour w/St Louis Arch & River Cruise: $174
  • Romantic Tour in The City of Love: $175

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Destin $49
    Saint Louis $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint Louis

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Saint Louis:

  • The Haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle Works Tour: $25


When comparing the travel costs between Destin and Saint Louis, 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 Saint Louis Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Destin or Saint Louis?

Saint Louis has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Saint Louis, 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 Saint Louis?

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 Saint Louis in the Summer?

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

Destin is around the same temperature as Saint Louis in the summer. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Destin 82°F (28°C) 
    Saint Louis 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Destin or Saint Louis in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Destin as well as Saint Louis. 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 Saint Louis because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Destin is a little warmer than Saint Louis. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Saint Louis averages at about 60°F (16°C).

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Destin 69°F (21°C) 
    Saint Louis 60°F (16°C)

Should I visit Destin or Saint Louis in the Winter?

Both Saint Louis 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint Louis this time of year.

It's quite cold in Saint Louis in the winter. In January, Destin is generally much warmer than Saint Louis. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Saint Louis fluctuates around 31°F (-1°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Saint Louis. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 2 inches (52 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Destin 50°F (10°C) 
    Saint Louis 31°F (-1°C)

Should I visit Destin or Saint Louis in the Spring?

Both Saint Louis 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.

Destin is a little warmer than Saint Louis in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Saint Louis fluctuates around 58°F (15°C).

Saint Louis gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Destin usually gets less rain in April than Saint Louis. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Saint Louis receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Destin 68°F (20°C) 
    Saint Louis 58°F (15°C)

Typical Weather for Saint Louis and Destin

Destin Saint Louis
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 50°F (10°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 2 inches (52 mm)
Feb 54°F (12°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 60°F (16°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 68°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm) 58°F (15°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
May 74°F (23°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 68°F (20°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Jun 80°F (27°C) 6.4 inches (163 mm) 77°F (25°C) 3.8 inches (97 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (189 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 82°F (28°C) 7.4 inches (188 mm) 79°F (26°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Oct 69°F (21°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm) 60°F (16°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 61°F (16°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Dec 54°F (12°C) 4.3 inches (109 mm) 35°F (2°C) 3 inches (77 mm)