A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Destin vs. Sonoma for Food, Couples, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Destin or Sonoma?

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

Destin

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

Sonoma

Sonoma is a serene, relaxing, and scenic county. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Destin and Sonoma: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Sonoma?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sonoma than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sonoma is more touristy than Destin and is popular for its world-class winemaking and sustainable agriculture. Also, Sonoma is famous for Buena Vista Winery. Destin is well known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants.

How is Destin different from Sonoma?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sonoma is a moderate county for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Sonoma offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't think of museums when they think of Sonoma, there are actually some interesting local options. The California Indian Museum, the Cotati Museum, and the Depot Park Museum are also local are fascinating.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Sonoma has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Although wine may be the first thing you think about, the region is also filled with farm-to-table restaurants and award-winning dining options. The food is almost always fresh and local. You can sample many local ingredients such as vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, and fish.

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 Sonoma Better for Nightlife?

Sonoma is notable for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Sonoma has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Lounges, wine bars, and live music venues offer a variety of activities for visitors during the evening hours.

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 Sonoma Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Destin and Sonoma.

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.

Sonoma is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Spa hotels, charming inns, and beautiful resorts all offer a variety of options for visitors.

Is Destin or Sonoma Better for Beaches?

Destin and Sonoma are superb 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 Sonoma. The county has a coastline that includes several great beaches as well as rocky shoreline. The beaches include secluded coves and picturesque cliffs as well as sand dunes and sandy beaches.

Is Destin or Sonoma Better for Hiking?

Sonoma is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin is not a hiking destination.

Sonoma is a popular spot for hiking. In between wine tastings you can explore the area's stunning natural beauty. There are hikes through the vineyards, along the coast, or through forested parks. Some of the best hikes are found in Jack London State Historic Park, Sugarloaf State Park, and Armstrong Woods State Park.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Sonoma?

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

Sonoma is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find a range of local vendors in the area, selling everything from jewelry to art, home decor, and olive oil.

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 Sonoma Better for Families?

Destin is a great beach town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sonoma is not as popular, but is still a nice county 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

Sonoma is a family-friendly place to visit. While most people think immediately of wine tours, there's actually a lot more to Sonoma County. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area, which include beaches, parks, wildlife viewing, and more. There's also horseback riding and even ziplining opportunities.

Is Destin or Sonoma Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Sonoma has plenty to offer. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination for couples who come for the vineyards and wine tours. There are also charming hotels, award winning restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

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

Neither Destin or Sonoma 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 Sonoma. While there are buses, they are almost never used by tourists. There is the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley which you should purchase tickets for in advance.

Is Destin or Sonoma a more walkable city?

Neither Destin or Sonoma are walkable places.

Destin is not a 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.

Sonoma is not a very walkable beach town. You really must have a car to get around the area and explore it efficiently.

For even more information, also check out Is Destin Worth Visiting? and Is Sonoma Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sonoma or Destin?

How long in Destin or Sonoma?

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

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

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

One day in Destin or Sonoma?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Destin. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Sonoma. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Sonoma?

Destin is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Sonoma is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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 Sonoma?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sonoma. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Sonoma?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the family-friendly destination of Destin. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Sonoma. This county offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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 Sonoma, we can see that Sonoma 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 Sonoma Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Sonoma?

Destin has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Sonoma. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Sonoma, 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 Sonoma?

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 Sonoma in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Destin as well as Sonoma. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Sonoma in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Destin is generally a little warmer than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Sonoma fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Sonoma. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Sonoma in the Autumn?

Both Sonoma and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Destin in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Sonoma for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Destin is a little warmer than Sonoma in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Sonoma fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Sonoma in the Winter?

Both Sonoma and Destin during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Sonoma because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Destin is a little warmer than Sonoma. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Sonoma averages at about 46°F (8°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Sonoma. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Sonoma in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Sonoma. The spring months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sonoma this time of year.

In April, Destin is generally a little warmer than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Sonoma fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Destin