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

Should you visit Destin or Blue Ridge?

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 Blue Ridge can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

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

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a historic, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Blue Ridge is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Destin and Blue Ridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Blue Ridge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Blue Ridge. Although Destin and Blue Ridge are both popular with visitors, Blue Ridge has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Blue Ridge is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Destin is known for its resorts and beaches. Destin is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Blue Ridge is popular for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere. It is also home to Chattahoochee National Forest.

How is Destin different from Blue Ridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Blue Ridge 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, Blue Ridge makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

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 Blue Ridge Better for Nightlife?

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

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 Blue Ridge Better for Resorts?

Destin is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Blue Ridge Better for Beaches?

Destin is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Destin or Blue Ridge Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin is not a hiking destination.

Blue Ridge is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Blue Ridge?

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

Blue Ridge is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

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 Blue Ridge More Beautiful?

Destin and Blue Ridge both are comparable with their good scenery and 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.

Blue Ridge is a beautiful place to visit, too. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

Is Destin or Blue Ridge Better for Families?

You'll find high quality kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Blue Ridge.

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, Blue Ridge is very family-friendly. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Is Destin or Blue Ridge Better for Couples?

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

Blue Ridge is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

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 Blue Ridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Neither Destin or Blue Ridge offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Destin or Blue Ridge a more walkable city?

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

Blue Ridge is somewhat walkable. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have 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 Blue Ridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Blue Ridge or Destin?

How long in Destin or Blue Ridge?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.

One day in Destin or Blue Ridge?

With shopping and food around the family-friendly 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.

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Blue Ridge?

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.

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge?

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 Blue Ridge. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Blue Ridge?

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.

Blue Ridge is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Blue Ridge, we can see that Destin is more expensive. And not only is Blue Ridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Blue Ridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Blue Ridge?

Destin has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Blue Ridge, 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 Blue Ridge?

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 Blue Ridge in the Summer?

Both Blue Ridge and Destin during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Destin in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Blue Ridge. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Blue Ridge in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Blue Ridge. Most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Destin is a little warmer than Blue Ridge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Blue Ridge averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Blue Ridge. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Blue Ridge in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Destin as well as Blue Ridge. The winter months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year.

It's quite cold in Blue Ridge in the winter. In January, Destin is generally much warmer than Blue Ridge. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. Destin receives a lot of rain in the winter. Destin usually gets less rain in January than Blue Ridge. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Blue Ridge in the Spring?

Both Blue Ridge and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Destin is a little warmer than Blue Ridge in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. In April, Destin usually receives less rain than Blue Ridge. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Blue Ridge and Destin