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

Should you visit Destin or Albuquerque?

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

Destin

Destin is a relaxing, peaceful, and family-friendly beach town. Destin is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Destin travel costs.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is a outdoorsy, desert, and historic town. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Albuquerque travel costs.

Destin and Albuquerque: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Albuquerque?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Albuquerque. Although Destin and Albuquerque are both popular with visitors, Albuquerque has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Albuquerque is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Destin is known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Albuquerque and is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Albuquerque is popular for its adobe architecture, artisan shops, fascinating cultural venues, and surrounding desert landscapes. It is also home to The Old Town.

How is Destin different from Albuquerque?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Albuquerque specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The old town has a lot of history including the San Felipe de Neri Church. Also worth visiting is the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, Unser Racing Museum, and the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Albuquerque 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, Albuquerque makes for a great culinary experience. The city's local cuisine combines Native American and Spanish flavors to make a variety of unique specialties. You should try the green chili stew, breakfast burrito, sopaipillas, and blue corn pancakes.

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 Albuquerque Better for Nightlife?

Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque. Head downtown and to the Nob Hill neighborhood for wine bars, breweries, and billiard halls. These areas have the best nightlife scene and they're also compact enough to explore on foot.

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 Albuquerque Better for Resorts?

Destin is a great beach town for its luxury resorts. However, Albuquerque is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Destin to choose from. 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.

Albuquerque is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Albuquerque Better for Beaches?

Destin is a great beach town for its beaches. However, Albuquerque is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Destin for it's beautiful 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.

Albuquerque is not a beach destination.

Is Destin or Albuquerque Better for its Old Town?

Albuquerque is terrific for its historic old town. However, Destin does not have a historic old town.

Albuquerque has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. There is a wonderful old town where the city's first neighborhood was established. It dates back to the early 1700's and has its roots in Spanish colonial history. The area has many adobe houses, great local restaurants, and artisan shops.

Destin does not have a historic old town.

Is Destin or Albuquerque Better for Hiking?

Albuquerque is very good for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Albuquerque. The desert landscape is varied and beautiful. Popular trails in the area include Tree Spring Trail, Birdhouse Ridge, and West Ridge.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Albuquerque?

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

Albuquerque is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city's old town has many cultural artisan shops where you can buy local items. It's a fun and unique shopping experience, and though it sometimes feels a bit touristy, there are many local shops that offer an authentic experience.

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 Albuquerque More Beautiful?

Destin is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Albuquerque is not a destination known for its beauty.

Destin is a gorgeous place to visit. With its powdery sand and the blue water of the Gulf of Mexico, this is a beautiful beach destination.

Albuquerque is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Destin or Albuquerque Better for Families?

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

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

Albuquerque is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of nature centers as well as the Albuquerque BioPark Zoo. Outside of town there are many parks and natural areas to explore.

Is Destin or Albuquerque Better for Couples?

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

Albuquerque is a very popular place to visit for couples. Surrounded by natural beauty, and filled with culture and charm, this city makes a great romantic getaway. It's particularly wonderful during the famous International Balloon Fiesta.

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 Albuquerque Better for Students?

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

Albuquerque is a good town to visit for students. It offers a unique cultural environment that students can appreciate. There are also many outdoor recreational opportunities.

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

Albuquerque is a moderate town 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 Albuquerque. ABQ Ride is the bus system around town, but most visitors prefer to have their own car.

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 Albuquerque a more walkable city?

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

Albuquerque is somewhat walkable. Walkable areas include the old town, the area around the University of New Mexico, and the uptown area.

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 Albuquerque Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Albuquerque or Destin?

How long in Destin or Albuquerque?

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

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

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

One day in Destin or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the family-friendly beach town of Destin. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Albuquerque. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the peaceful destination of Destin. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Albuquerque 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 Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the family-friendly beach town of Destin. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

A week in Destin or Albuquerque?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Destin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach town.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Albuquerque. This town 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Albuquerque?

Albuquerque has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Albuquerque, 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.