A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Destin for Resorts, Couples, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Destin?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Destin? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a built-up, well-known, and vibrant city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Acapulco de Juarez travel costs.

Destin

Destin is a beautiful, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. Destin offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches. See Destin travel costs.

Acapulco de Juarez and Destin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Acapulco de Juarez or Destin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Acapulco de Juarez than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Acapulco de Juarez is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Destin is more popular for its impressive beauty. Acapulco de Juarez is well known for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is famous for the cliff divers of La Quebrada. Destin is well known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Destin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Destin?

Acapulco de Juarez is a moderate city for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Acapulco de Juarez offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Destin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Acapulco de Juarez and Destin can be an enjoyable experience.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Acapulco de Juarez area. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

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.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Destin Better for Nightlife?

Acapulco de Juarez is terrific for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Acapulco de Juarez is a must-see party destination. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa Beach.

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 Acapulco de Juarez or Destin Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez 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, Acapulco de Juarez is a perfect choice. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

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 Acapulco de Juarez or Destin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Destin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Destin Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Acapulco de Juarez and Destin are great choices.

Acapulco de Juarez is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Destin?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Destin and Acapulco de Juarez.

Many visitors go to Acapulco de Juarez to go shopping. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.

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.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Destin More Beautiful?

Destin is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Acapulco de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Destin offers plenty of beauty for visitors. With its powdery sand and the blue water of the Gulf of Mexico, this is a beautiful beach destination.

Acapulco de Juarez is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Destin Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Acapulco de Juarez or Destin.

Acapulco de Juarez is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

Destin is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Acapulco de Juarez or Destin Better for Couples?

Acapulco de Juarez 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, Acapulco de Juarez has plenty to offer. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

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

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

Acapulco de Juarez has a few public transit options. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

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 Acapulco de Juarez or Destin a more walkable city?

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

Acapulco de Juarez is somewhat walkable. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

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 Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Destin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Destin or Acapulco de Juarez?

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Destin?

Both Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Acapulco de Juarez, and 5-7 days is enough time in Destin.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez.

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Destin?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Acapulco de Juarez. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Destin. This beach town offers something for everyone. 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 Acapulco de Juarez or Destin?

Acapulco de Juarez is a great place to explore. Don't miss the nightlife, 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.

Destin is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful beach town of Destin. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Destin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Acapulco de Juarez. Don't miss the nightlife, 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Destin. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Destin has to offer.

A week in Acapulco de Juarez or Destin?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the well-known destination of Acapulco de Juarez. 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.

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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It offers something for everyone. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Acapulco de Juarez and Destin, we can see that Destin is more expensive. And not only is Acapulco de Juarez much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Acapulco de Juarez would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez.

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

Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Destin?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez or Destin?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Destin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Destin. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Acapulco de Juarez this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Destin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Destin averages at about 82°F (28°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Acapulco de Juarez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Destin. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Destin receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Destin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Destin. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Destin in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Acapulco de Juarez is generally a little warmer than Destin. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 28°C (83°F), and Destin fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets more rain in October than Destin. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Destin receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Destin in the Winter?

Both Destin and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Acapulco de Juarez is much warmer than Destin in the winter. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 26°C (79°F) in January, and Destin fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. In January, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Destin. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Destin receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Destin in the Spring?

Both Destin and Acapulco de Juarez during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Acapulco de Juarez is a little warmer than Destin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Destin averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in April than Destin. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Destin receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Destin and Acapulco de Juarez