A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Destin for Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Merida or Destin?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Destin, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Merida

Merida is a colonial, historical, and traditional city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

Merida and Destin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Destin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Merida than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Merida is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Destin is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Merida is well known for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. Also, Merida is famous for Grand Plaza. Destin is well known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants.

How is Merida different from Destin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Merida or Destin?

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

Many visitors head to Merida specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with culture and traditional heritage, and there are many museums and architectural landmarks that will educate and inform visitors on the area. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a highlight for many visitors. It's also worth visiting Museo Casa Montejo and Museo Palacio Canton. If you want to visit ruins, then the Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins are about 45 minutes outside of town.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Merida makes for a great culinary experience. It's a top foodie destination in the Yucatan region and visitors will enjoy the many local restaurants and diverse local dishes that are influenced by the Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. The most well known local dish is cochinita pibil, which is marinated pork shoulder. Other popular dishes include sopa de lima (lime soup), papadzules (enchiladas with pumpkin seed sauce), and relleno negro (a local stew).

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 Merida or Destin Better for Nightlife?

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

Merida has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Most tourists take advantage of the nightlife scene in the city's downtown area, while locals congregate in the northern part of town. The city has bars, theaters, night clubs, and live music that keeps the energy high late into the night.

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 Merida or Destin Better for Resorts?

Destin is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Merida 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.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Destin Better for Beaches?

Destin is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Merida is not a beach destination.

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.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Destin Better for its Old Town?

Merida is notable for its historic old town. However, Destin does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Merida. Centered around the city's Grand Plaza, the old town is filled with colonial architecture and colorful buildings. The Catedral de San Ildefonso was the first cathedral built in the Americas. There are also monuments and examples of Mayan art and culture.

Destin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Destin?

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

Merida is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are colorful markets that are filled with artisan crafts and traditional clothing. Visitors enjoy discovering the unique vendors and picking up souvenirs that are unique to the area.

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 Merida or Destin Better for Families?

Destin is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Merida 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 Merida. The weekend is the best time to visit the city, as this is when there are the most activities. There are live performances that educate visitors on Mayan traditions. There are also historic museums, bike-friendly streets, and a vibrant central market.

Is Merida or Destin Better for Couples?

Merida and Destin are both notable to visit as a couple.

Merida is a good city for couples to visit. If you're interested in Mayan culture and history, then this is a wonderful destination. There are also romantic hotels, excellent restaurants, and plenty of fascinating activities that couples will enjoy.

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.

Is Merida or Destin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is notable for backpackers. However, Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Merida. It's a relatively large city with a number of hostels and budget hotels, so backpackers will have no problem finding a place to stay.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

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

Merida has a few public transit options. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

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 Merida or Destin a more walkable city?

Merida is notable for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Merida is very walkable. It's a very walkable city and most visitors don't have a car.

Destin is not a very walkable city. 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 Merida Worth Visiting? and Is Destin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Destin or Merida?

How long in Merida or Destin?

Both Merida and Destin have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Destin than in Merida. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 5-7 days is enough time in Destin.

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

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

One day in Merida or Destin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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.

A weekend in Merida or Destin?

Merida 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.

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.

Five days in Merida or Destin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Merida. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

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.

A week in Merida or Destin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the traditional destination of Merida. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Merida or Destin?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Destin, 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 Merida or Destin?

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 Merida or Destin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Merida as well as Destin. Most visitors come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Merida is cooler than Destin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Merida in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Destin averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. Merida usually gets less rain in July than Destin. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Destin receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Destin in the Autumn?

Both Destin and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Merida because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Destin this time of year.

In October, Merida is generally around the same temperature as Destin. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 21°C (70°F), and Destin fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. It's quite rainy in Merida. In October, Merida usually receives more rain than Destin. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Destin receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Merida or Destin in the Winter?

Both Destin and Merida during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Merida this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Merida is much warmer than Destin in the winter. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Destin fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Merida usually gets less rain in January than Destin. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Destin receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Merida or Destin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Destin. Many travelers come to Merida for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Destin in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Merida is around the same temperature as Destin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Merida in April average around 21°C (70°F), and Destin averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Merida gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Merida usually receives more rain than Destin. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Destin receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Destin and Merida