A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Destin vs. Saint Simons for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Destin or Saint Simons?

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 Simons 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 Simons

Saint Simons is a relaxing, laid back, and scenic island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Destin and Saint Simons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Saint Simons?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint Simons. Although Destin and Saint Simons are both popular with visitors, Saint Simons has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint Simons is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Destin is known for its resorts. Destin is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Saint Simons is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. It is also home to East Beach.

How is Destin different from Saint Simons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Simons is a moderate island for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Saint Simons offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saint Simons 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 Simons makes for a great culinary experience. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

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 Simons Better for Nightlife?

Saint Simons is a moderate island for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

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 Simons Better for Resorts?

Destin is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Simons makes a nice vacation spot. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Is Destin or Saint Simons Better for Beaches?

Destin and Saint Simons are great choices for a beach vacation.

Destin is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint Simons. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Is Destin or Saint Simons Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint Simons. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Saint Simons?

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

Saint Simons is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

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 Simons Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Saint Simons.

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 Simons is very family-friendly. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Is Destin or Saint Simons Better for Couples?

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

Saint Simons is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

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

Neither Destin or Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Destin or Saint Simons a more walkable city?

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

Saint Simons is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

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 Simons Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Simons or Destin?

How long in Destin or Saint Simons?

It's fun to spend time in either Destin or Saint Simons. 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 Simons.

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

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

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

One day in Destin or Saint Simons?

In Destin, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this peaceful beach town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Simons?

Destin is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons?

In Destin, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this beautiful destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint Simons. 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 Simons?

Destin is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Saint Simons is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island 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 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 Saint Simons, 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 Simons Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Saint Simons?

Saint Simons has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Saint Simons, 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 Simons?

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 Simons in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Saint Simons. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Saint Simons receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Saint Simons. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Saint Simons in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Destin as well as Saint Simons. The autumn months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year.

In the autumn, Destin is around the same temperature as Saint Simons. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Saint Simons averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Saint Simons. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Saint Simons in the Winter?

Both Saint Simons and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Simons for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Destin is generally cooler than Saint Simons. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Saint Simons fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Saint Simons. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Saint Simons in the Spring?

Both Saint Simons and Destin during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Saint Simons in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Destin is around the same temperature as Saint Simons in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Saint Simons fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Destin usually gets more rain in April than Saint Simons. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint Simons and Destin