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

Should you visit Destin or Boone?

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

Destin

Destin is a relaxing, peaceful, and family-friendly beach town. Destin offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Destin travel costs.

Boone

Boone is a charming, relaxing, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Boone is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food. See Boone travel costs.

Destin and Boone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for students
  • 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 for students
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Blue Ridge Parkway


Is there more to do in Destin or Boone?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Boone than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Boone is better known for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Destin is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Destin is well known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Boone is well known for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm. Also, Boone is famous for the Blue Ridge Parkway.

How is Destin different from Boone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Destin or Boone Better for Skiing?

Destin
Boone

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

Boone is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Destin is not a skiing destination.


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

Destin
Boone

Boone is very good for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Boone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Destin
Boone

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

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.

Boone has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Is Destin or Boone Better for Nightlife?

Destin
Boone

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

Boone has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

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 Boone Better for Resorts?

Destin
Boone

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

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Destin. 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.

Boone is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Boone Better for Beaches?

Destin
Boone

Destin is a great beach town for the beach. However, Boone is not a beach destination.

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.

Boone is not a beach destination.

Is Destin or Boone Better for Hiking?

Destin
Boone

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

Boone is a popular spot for hiking. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Destin is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Boone?

Destin
Boone

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

Boone is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

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 Boone More Beautiful?

Destin
Boone

Boone is notable for its scenery and beauty. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

Boone is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The surrounding area is filled with great natural beauty and wonderful hikes.

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

Is Destin or Boone Better for Families?

Destin
Boone

You'll find very good kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Boone.

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, Boone is very family-friendly. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.


Is Destin or Boone Better for Couples?

Destin
Boone

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

Boone is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

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 Boone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Destin
Boone

Boone is very good for backpackers. However, Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Boone is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Destin or Boone Better for Students?

Destin
Boone

Boone is terrific for students. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Boone. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

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

Destin
Boone

Boone 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 Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

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 Boone a more walkable city?

Destin
Boone

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

Boone is very walkable. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

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 Boone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Boone or Destin?

How long in Destin or Boone?

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

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

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

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


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

One day in Destin or Boone?

In Destin, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Boone 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 Boone?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Destin. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Boone 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 Boone?

Destin is a fun place to experience. In Destin, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Boone. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Boone?

In Destin, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this relaxing destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Boone 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.


Which place is cheaper, Boone 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
    Boone Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Destin $229
    Boone $211

The average daily cost (per person) in Destin is $229, while the average daily cost in Boone is $211. 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 Boone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Destin $111
    Boone $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Destin $222
    Boone $182
Compare Hotels in Destin and Boone

Looking for a hotel in Destin or Boone? 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 Boone


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 Boone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Destin $50
    Boone $33

Is it cheaper to fly into Destin or Boone?

Prices for flights to both Boone 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
    Boone $91

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin

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

  • 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

Typical Food Prices in Boone

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Boone:


  • Restaurant Lunch for 2
    $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Destin $17
    Boone $53
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:

  • Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL : $37
  • 10-Hour Deep Sea Fishing Adventure: $224
  • 2-Stop Snorkeling and Dolphin Cruise from Destin: $50
  • 3 Hour Crab Island Sandbar Cruise : $89
  • 3 Hour Crab Island and Harbor Tour from Destin Non-Private: $70
  • 3 hour Crab Island Adventure with Cruise Destin Bay: $75
  • 5-Hour Deep Sea Family Fishing Adventure: $112
  • Buccaneer Pirate Cruise in Destin: $55
  • Clear Kayak Glow Tour Destin Ft. Walton Beach: $80
  • Crab Island Boat Tour – Half Day in Destin: $69
  • Crab Island Dolphin & Sunset Cruise – 3-Hour Tour: $65
  • Crab Island Dolphin Jet Ski Adventure : $227

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Destin $49
    Boone $26


When comparing the travel costs between Destin and Boone, we can see that Destin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Destin or Boone?

Boone has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Boone, 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.