A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Destin vs. Saint Petersburg for Beaches, Food, Resorts, and Families

Should you visit Destin or Saint Petersburg?

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

Destin

Destin is a relaxing, peaceful, and family-friendly beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Destin and Saint Petersburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Saint Petersburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Petersburg. Although Destin and Saint Petersburg are both popular with visitors, Saint Petersburg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Petersburg is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and beaches, while Destin is known for its resorts and impressive beauty. Destin is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Saint Petersburg is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities. It is also home to St. Pete Beach.

How is Destin different from Saint Petersburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg is notable for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Saint Petersburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saint Petersburg is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Saint Petersburg makes for a great culinary experience. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Destin has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Destin or Saint Petersburg Better for Nightlife?

Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night 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 Petersburg Better for Resorts?

Destin is great for its luxury resorts. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Destin. 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.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Is Destin or Saint Petersburg Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is terrific for its beaches. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for the beache.

With world-famous beaches, Saint Petersburg is a very popular vacation destination. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Destin. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Saint Petersburg?

Both Destin and Saint Petersburg are good 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 Saint Petersburg. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Is Destin or Saint Petersburg Better for Families?

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Saint Petersburg.

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 Petersburg is very family-friendly. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Is Destin or Saint Petersburg Better for Couples?

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

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

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 Saint Petersburg Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint Petersburg is a moderate coastal 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 Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car 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 Saint Petersburg a more walkable city?

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

Saint Petersburg is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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 Petersburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Petersburg or Destin?

How long in Destin or Saint Petersburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Destin or Saint Petersburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Destin due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saint Petersburg.

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

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

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

One day in Destin or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find shopping and food around the peaceful 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 nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint Petersburg. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find food and shopping around the peaceful 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.

Saint Petersburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, 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 Petersburg?

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 Saint Petersburg. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Petersburg?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled destination of Saint Petersburg. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 10-Day Tours in United States of America, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America, The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, and The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Destin and Saint Petersburg, we can see that Saint Petersburg 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 Petersburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Saint Petersburg?

Saint Petersburg has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Saint Petersburg, 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 Petersburg?

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 Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Destin as well as Saint Petersburg. The summer months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year.

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

It's quite rainy in Saint Petersburg. Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets less rain in July than Saint Petersburg. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

Both Saint Petersburg and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Destin is cooler than Saint Petersburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 76°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Saint Petersburg is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Destin or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

Both Saint Petersburg and Destin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Destin is generally cooler than Saint Petersburg. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Saint Petersburg. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Saint Petersburg. Many visitors come to Destin in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Saint Petersburg for the beaches during these months.

Destin is cooler than Saint Petersburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Saint Petersburg. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Destin