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

Should you visit Destin or Salt Lake City?

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 Salt Lake City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxing beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is a religious, architectural, and notable city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Destin and Salt Lake City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Salt Lake City?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Salt Lake City than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Salt Lake City is better known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking, while Destin is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is well known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Salt Lake City is well known for its religious landmarks and its large Mormon population. Also, Salt Lake City is famous for Temple Square.

How is Destin different from Salt Lake City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City is notable for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Salt Lake City specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Many of the fascinating sights around town are influenced by the city's Mormon culture. Temple Square is a highlight for most visitors. It spans 35 acres and is beautifully landscaped with several fountains. There are also four main churches - The Temple, the Tabernacle, the Temple Annex, and Assembly Hall. The city also has several museums such as the Natural History Museum and the historic Liberty Park.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Destin or Salt Lake City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Destin and Salt Lake City.

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.

Salt Lake City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. In recent years the food scene has really improved and you'll find a variety of restaurants that serve everything from upscale dishes to more casual fare.

Is Destin or Salt Lake City Better for Nightlife?

Salt Lake City is a moderate city for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to Salt Lake City specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Known for its large Mormon population, nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Salt Lake City. While it will likely never be a party city, there are a growing number of entertainment options around town.

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 Salt Lake City Better for Resorts?

Destin is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

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.

Salt Lake City is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Salt Lake City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Salt Lake City is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Destin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Salt Lake City. There are a number of good ski resorts nearby, making this a good base or starting point for a ski vacation.

Destin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Destin or Salt Lake City Better for Beaches?

Destin is a very popular place for the beach. However, Salt Lake City is not a beach destination.

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.

Salt Lake City is not a beach destination.

Is Destin or Salt Lake City Better for Hiking?

Salt Lake City is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Salt Lake City. The city offers easy access to many diverse trails, so if you're a nature enthusiasts, you'll appreciate this destination.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Salt Lake City?

Both Destin and Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City. The city has sprawling outlet malls as well as local stores and craft shops. City Creek Center is a favorite shopping destination, but there are also several large shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Is Destin or Salt Lake City Better for Families?

Destin is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Salt Lake City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Salt Lake City. There are museums that kids will enjoy like the Natural History Museum of Utah and the Leonardo Museum. There are also fun-filled activities like a visit to Lagoon Amusement Park. You can learn about history at This Is the Place Heritage Park or learn about the undersea world at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

Is Destin or Salt Lake City Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Salt Lake City are notable 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.

Salt Lake City makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with beautiful gardens like Red Butte Garden. There are also nice restaurants and romantic hotels that will make this a nice place for a couple's getaway.

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

Salt Lake City is very good for its public transit. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

Salt Lake City has a few public transit options. There's a surprisingly good public transit system that includes light rail, buses, and commuter trains, but if you want to get out of town you'll need to have a car.

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 Salt Lake City a more walkable city?

Salt Lake City is a moderate city for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Salt Lake City is generally not very walkable. While some neighborhoods are walkable, like Temple Square, most visitors prefer 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 Salt Lake City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Salt Lake City or Destin?

How long in Destin or Salt Lake City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Destin and Salt Lake City. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Destin than in Salt Lake City. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 2-3 days is enough time in Salt Lake City.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City.

One day in Destin or Salt Lake City?

In Destin, you'll find shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Salt Lake City. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Salt Lake City?

Destin is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Destin. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salt Lake City. 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 Salt Lake City?

In Destin, you'll find food and shopping. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the religious destination of Salt Lake City. 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Destin and Salt Lake City, we can see that Salt Lake City is more expensive. And not only is Destin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Destin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Destin 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 Salt Lake City would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salt Lake City than you might in Destin.

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Salt Lake City, 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.