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

Should you visit Destin or Avon?

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

Destin

Destin is a peaceful, family-friendly, and beautiful beach town. Destin is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Destin travel costs.

Avon

Avon is a outdoorsy, scenic, and active town. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food. See Avon travel costs.

Destin and Avon: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Destin or Avon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Avon. Although Destin and Avon are both popular with visitors, Avon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Avon is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, and hiking, while Destin is known for its resorts, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Destin is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Avon is popular for it's affordable accommodation options and its access to Beaver Creek Ski Resort. It is also home to Avon Recreation Center.

How is Destin different from Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Destin or Avon Better for Skiing?

Destin
Avon

Avon is notable for snow skiing. However, Destin is not a skiing destination.

Avon is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. Beaver Creek is the main ski area near town and it's about a mile away. The town of Avon is below Beaver Creek and is located beside an interstate.

Destin is not a skiing destination.


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

Destin
Avon

Avon is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While there aren't a ton of museums in the area, it's worth checking out the Walking Mountains Science Center.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Destin
Avon

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

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.

Avon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual eateries where you can grab a bite to eat, whether you're in the mood for Chinese, pizza, or burgers.

Is Destin or Avon Better for Nightlife?

Destin
Avon

Avon 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 Avon. It's a small town but there are some bars and lively pubs where you can enjoy cold drinks.

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 Avon Better for Resorts?

Destin
Avon

Destin is notable for its resorts. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Avon makes a nice vacation spot. There are the typical chain resort options, many with beautiful mountain views.

Is Destin or Avon Better for Beaches?

Destin
Avon

Destin is notable for its beaches. However, Avon 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.

Avon is not a beach destination.

Is Destin or Avon Better for Hiking?

Destin
Avon

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Avon. There are paved trails and recreational paths through town that are great for both hiking and biking. The main ones are Eagle Valley Trail and the trails in West Avon Preserve.

Destin is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Avon?

Destin
Avon

Destin is a good destination for shopping. However, Avon is a mediocre town for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Avon has some nice offerings. There aren't a ton of shopping opportunities in town, but there are enough shops around in case you need to pick up necessities or buy a gift.

Is Destin or Avon More Beautiful?

Destin
Avon

Destin is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Avon 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.

Avon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Destin or Avon Better for Families?

Destin
Avon

Destin is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Avon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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

Avon is a family-friendly beach town. There are parks and playgrounds around town and there's easy access to the Beaver Creek Ski Resort. There's also plenty of hiking in the area.


Is Destin or Avon Better for Couples?

Destin
Avon

Both Destin and Avon are good destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While avid skiers prefer to stay at nearby Beaver Creek, the town of Avon offers a good alternative.

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

Destin
Avon

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

Avon has a few public transit options. There are shuttles and buses that travel through town and to Beaver Creek.

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 Avon a more walkable city?

Destin
Avon

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

Avon is somewhat walkable. The town center is small and there are paved walking trails that you can use. It's possible to walk to restaurants or the recreation center, depending on where you're staying.

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 Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avon or Destin?

How long in Destin or Avon?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Destin or Avon? Ideal Length of Stay
    Destin 5-7 
    Avon 2-4

One day in Destin or Avon?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Destin. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Avon. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Avon?

Destin is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Avon 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 Avon?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the family-friendly destination of Destin. This beach town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing beach town of Destin. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Avon. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Avon or Destin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Destin Prices
    USA Prices
    Avon Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Destin $229
    Avon $326

The average daily cost (per person) in Destin is $229, while the average daily cost in Avon is $326. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Destin and Avon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Destin $111
    Avon $177
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Destin $222
    Avon $354
Compare Hotels in Destin and Avon

Looking for a hotel in Destin or Avon? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Destin


Hotels in Avon


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Destin Hotel Prices and Avon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Destin $50
    Avon $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Destin or Avon?

Prices for flights to both Avon and Destin change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Destin $89
    Avon $117

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.

  • Halloween Dinner Cruise & Costume Contest: $115
  • Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise with Sunset Views: $125
  • 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Destin $17
    Avon $48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:


  • 1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs
    $40

Tours and Activities in Destin

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:

  • The Palmetto Pioneers: A Self-Guided Monticello Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Party Cruise aboard the Soundside Cruiser: $19
  • Santa Cruise on the Sound: $25
  • Milton Splash and Dash Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30
  • Destin Dolphin Cruise: $30
  • Kayak Adventure in Destin and Fort Walton Beach : $33
  • Destin Harbor Sunset Eco Dolphin Cruise: $35
  • Sandestin Sunset Eco-Dolphin Cruise Aboard Sol y Luna: $35
  • Guided Sunset and Eco Tour Non Private in Destin, FL: $35
  • Dolphin and Sunset tour aboard the Hydro Rocket: $35
  • Hydro Rocket Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour from Destin: $35
  • Dolphin & Sunset Cruises in Destin FL aboard the Hydrojet : $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Destin $49
    Avon $38


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Destin and Avon, we can see that Avon 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 Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avon 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 Avon Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Destin or Avon?

Destin has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Avon. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Avon, 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.