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

Should you visit Destin or Sarasota?

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

Destin

Destin is a relaxing, peaceful, and family-friendly beach town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and food.

Sarasota

Sarasota is a underrated, relaxing, and entertaining city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Destin and Sarasota: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Sarasota?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sarasota. Although Destin and Sarasota are popular destinations, Sarasota has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sarasota is very popular for its museums and nightlife, while Destin attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is famous for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Sarasota is famous for its sandy beaches and its fun activities. It is also well known for the John and Mable Ringling Museum.

How is Destin different from Sarasota?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Sarasota specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are some decent museums in town such as the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Sarasota Classic Car Museum, and the Ca' da'Zan. Another highlight is the Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Sarasota has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find plenty of seafood around town, but there are also international restaurants and quirky local joints.

Is Destin or Sarasota Better for Nightlife?

Sarasota 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 Sarasota. You'll find beach clubs, live entertainment such as drum circles, and plenty of bars around town. There are also evening cruises and late night parties.

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 Sarasota Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Sarasota has a few great resort options. You'll find beachfront resorts with pools and nice views.

Is Destin or Sarasota Better for Beaches?

Destin is great for the beache. Also, Sarasota is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

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.

Sarasota is a good option for a beach vacation. There's no shortage of beaches in the area where you can spend a relaxing day playing the water and lounging in the sun. Siesta Key, Sarasota Gay Beach, Crescent Beach, and Coquina Beach are some of the favorites.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Sarasota?

Both Destin and Sarasota are nice 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 Sarasota. Upscale shopping can be found at St. Armand's Circle. There's also Sarasota Square Mall and the Mall at University Town Center. If you want to pick up some local items you can check out Sarasota Farmers Market.

Is Destin or Sarasota Better for Families?

Sarasota is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Sarasota is one of the most popular family destinations. There's a huge number of hands on activities for kids and families in the area. Many families enjoy a visit to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. There are also botanical gardens, science museums, and outdoor adventure centers. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary. The city also has many performing arts and entertainment options for kids. And make sure you check out the museum dedicated to the Ringling Brothers Circus.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Destin is very family-friendly. 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

Is Destin or Sarasota Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Sarasota are nice 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.

Sarasota makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A night out at St. Armands Circle is a fun way to spend the evening. There are also sunset cruises, nice restaurants, comedy clubs, and more.

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

Sarasota is a moderate 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 Sarasota. There's a bus system around town but most visitors depend on their own car for transportation.

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 Sarasota a more walkable city?

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

Sarasota is generally not very walkable. While the downtown has some walkable parts, you'll need a car to access most things around town.

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 Sarasota Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sarasota or Destin?

How long in Destin or Sarasota?

In either Destin or Sarasota, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Destin than Sarasota because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 2-5 days is enough time in Sarasota.

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

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

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

One day in Destin or Sarasota?

The beach town of Destin offers shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Destin or Sarasota?

Destin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Sarasota 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 Sarasota?

Destin is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Destin, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarasota. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Destin or Sarasota?

Destin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Destin has to offer. This beach town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the underrated destination of Sarasota. 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 Sarasota, we can see that Sarasota 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 Sarasota would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sarasota 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 Sarasota Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Sarasota?

Sarasota has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Sarasota, 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 Sarasota?

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 Sarasota in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Destin as well as Sarasota. Many visitors come to Destin in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Sarasota for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Destin is around the same temperature as Sarasota. Typically, the summer temperatures in Destin in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Sarasota averages at about 82°F (28°C).

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

Should I visit Destin or Sarasota in the Autumn?

Both Sarasota and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Sarasota because of the shopping scene.

In October, Destin is generally cooler than Sarasota. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 69°F (21°C), and Sarasota fluctuates around 76°F (24°C).

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

Should I visit Destin or Sarasota in the Winter?

Both Sarasota and Destin during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Sarasota this time of year.

Destin is cooler than Sarasota in the winter. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Sarasota 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 Sarasota. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Sarasota receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Sarasota in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Sarasota. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sarasota for the beaches.

In the spring, Destin is cooler than Sarasota. Typically, the spring temperatures in Destin in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Sarasota averages at about 73°F (23°C).

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

Typical Weather for Sarasota and Destin