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

Should you visit Destin or Wilmington?

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 Wilmington 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.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a charming, historic, and welcoming city. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Destin and Wilmington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Wilmington?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Wilmington. Although Destin and Wilmington are both popular with visitors, Wilmington has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Wilmington is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and historical sights, while Destin is known for its resorts and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Wilmington and is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Wilmington is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. It is also home to the Battleship North Carolina.

How is Destin different from Wilmington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Wilmington is very good for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Wilmington is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Wilmington has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Destin or Wilmington Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

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 Wilmington Better for Resorts?

Destin is great for its luxury resorts. However, Wilmington is not a resort destination.

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.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Wilmington Better for Beaches?

Destin and Wilmington are excellent 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 Wilmington. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Is Destin or Wilmington Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is very good for its historic old town. However, Destin does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Wilmington to see the historical old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Destin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Wilmington?

Both Destin and Wilmington are good 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 Wilmington. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Destin or Wilmington Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Wilmington.

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, Wilmington is very family-friendly. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Is Destin or Wilmington Better for Couples?

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

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

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 Wilmington Better for Students?

Wilmington is very good for students. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its student-friendly activities.

Wilmington is a good city to visit for students. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Destin is a decent spot for students. It is more a family-friendly destination than a spring break destination. If you're looking for a place to cut loose and blow off some steam, then there are better options in Florida.

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

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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 Wilmington a more walkable city?

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

Wilmington is somewhat walkable. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires 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 Wilmington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wilmington or Destin?

How long in Destin or Wilmington?

In either Destin or Wilmington, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Destin than Wilmington 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 Wilmington.

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

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

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

One day in Destin or Wilmington?

With shopping and food around the beautiful beach town of Destin, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Wilmington. 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 Wilmington?

With food and shopping around the destination of Destin, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Wilmington 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 Wilmington?

Destin, a popular beach town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Destin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this beach town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Wilmington. This city 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 Wilmington, we can see that Wilmington 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 Wilmington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Wilmington?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Wilmington, 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 Wilmington?

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 Wilmington in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Destin as well as Wilmington. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Wilmington for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Destin is around the same temperature as Wilmington in the summer. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Wilmington fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite rainy in Wilmington. Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets less rain in July than Wilmington. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Wilmington in the Autumn?

Both Wilmington and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Wilmington in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Destin is a little warmer than Wilmington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Wilmington averages at about 65°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Wilmington. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Wilmington in the Winter?

Both Wilmington and Destin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Destin in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Wilmington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Destin is generally a little warmer than Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Wilmington fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Wilmington. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Wilmington in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Wilmington. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the beaches.

Destin is a little warmer than Wilmington in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Wilmington fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Wilmington. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wilmington and Destin