A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Destin vs. West Palm Beach for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Destin or West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a fun-filled, diverse, and vibrant beach area. It's also known for nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Destin and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or West Palm Beach?

Tourists will generally find more to do in West Palm Beach. Although Destin and West Palm Beach are both popular with visitors, West Palm Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. West Palm Beach is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Destin is known for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Destin is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. West Palm Beach is popular for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports. It is also home to Rosemary Square.

How is Destin different from West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between West Palm Beach and Destin. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Destin or West Palm Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Destin is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Destin. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Destin or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is notable for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

West Palm Beach has plenty to do after the sun goes down. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to 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 West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

West Palm Beach is terrific for its resorts. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, West Palm Beach is a perfect choice. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

Destin is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Is Destin or West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Destin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in West Palm Beach. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Destin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Destin or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach 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, West Palm Beach is a very popular vacation destination. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

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 West Palm Beach?

Destin is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Destin or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Destin or West Palm Beach.

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, West Palm Beach is very family-friendly. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Is Destin or West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

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

West Palm Beach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

West Palm Beach is very good for its public transit. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

West Palm Beach has a few public transit options. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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 West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

West Palm Beach is very good for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

West Palm Beach is somewhat walkable. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Destin?

How long in Destin or West Palm Beach?

Both Destin and West Palm Beach have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, West Palm Beach has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in West Palm Beach than Destin. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 3-7 days is enough time in West Palm Beach.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach.

One day in Destin or West Palm Beach?

The beautiful destination of Destin offers food and shopping. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the destination of West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach?

The beach town of Destin offers shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

West Palm Beach is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Destin or West Palm Beach?

Destin is a great place to explore. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This beach town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. 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.

A week in Destin or West Palm Beach?

The relaxing beach town of Destin offers shopping and food. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. For many, it makes a great getaway for one week. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the vibrant destination of West Palm Beach. This beach area 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.

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 West Palm Beach, we can see that West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Destin as well as West Palm Beach. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to West Palm Beach because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite rainy in West Palm Beach. Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets more rain in July than West Palm Beach. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or West Palm Beach in the Autumn?

Both West Palm Beach and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Destin is cooler than West Palm Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and West Palm Beach averages at about 78°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Destin or West Palm Beach in the Winter?

Both West Palm Beach and Destin during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the cuisine.

In January, Destin is generally much colder than West Palm Beach. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than West Palm Beach. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or West Palm Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and West Palm Beach. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to West Palm Beach in the spring for the beaches.

Destin is cooler than West Palm Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).

In April, Destin usually receives around the same amount of rain as West Palm Beach. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for West Palm Beach and Destin