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

Should you visit Destin or Charlotte?

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 Charlotte 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.

Charlotte

Charlotte is a up-and-coming, growing, and evolving city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Charlotte travel costs.

Destin and Charlotte: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Charlotte?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Charlotte than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Charlotte is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and big city activities, while Destin is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Charlotte and is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Charlotte is well known for its banking industry and growing Uptown area. Also, Charlotte is famous for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

How is Destin different from Charlotte?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Charlotte is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Mint Museum is a popular place to visit, as is the Gantt Center for African American Arts. Art enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art and sports enthusiasts will enjoy a stop at the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Charlotte has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The food scene continues to grow and change around town. You'll find the latest trendy restaurant changes regularly, but dishes often include upscale southern faire or classic American. There are also many international restaurants, particularly Mexican, Thai, and Chinese.

Is Destin or Charlotte Better for Nightlife?

Charlotte 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 Charlotte. Head Uptown for some of the best nightlife. The city has many bars and clubs that keep things fun late into the night.

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 Charlotte Better for Resorts?

Destin is great for its luxury resorts. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Charlotte Better for Beaches?

Destin is great for the beach. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Charlotte?

Both Destin and Charlotte are notable shopping destinations.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Charlotte. Shopping malls such as SouthPark Mall or Carolina Place offer all of the standard retailers. Concord Mills is another favorite mall in the area. Aside from the malls, there is no shortage of shopping centers around town.

Is Destin or Charlotte More Beautiful?

Destin is very good for its scenery and beauty. However, Charlotte 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.

Charlotte is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Destin or Charlotte Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Destin. 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

Charlotte is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a number of museums for kids, with one of the best being Discovery Place. It has many hands-on science based exhibits that kids will love. Another unique experience is a visit to the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Carowinds Amusement Park is also in the area as are many great parks, playgrounds, and natural areas.

Is Destin or Charlotte Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Charlotte are notable 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.

Charlotte makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are a number of date night activities around town, particularly Uptown. You can see a show or concert at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center or hit up one of the trendy bars or restaurants. There are also sporting events and other festivals that are fun to experience.

Is Destin or Charlotte Better for Students?

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

Charlotte is a good city to visit for students. There are a number of smaller colleges in town, but the biggest university is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

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

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

Charlotte has a few public transit options. There's a light rail system as well as buses that travel around town.

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 Charlotte a more walkable city?

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

Charlotte is somewhat walkable. The Uptown area is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Charlotte Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Charlotte or Destin?

How long in Destin or Charlotte?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Destin and Charlotte. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Destin than in Charlotte. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 1-3 days is enough time in Charlotte.

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

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

One day in Destin or Charlotte?

You'll find food and shopping around the beach town of Destin. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Charlotte. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Destin or Charlotte?

You'll find shopping and food around the family-friendly destination of Destin. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Charlotte 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 Charlotte?

You'll find food and shopping around the family-friendly beach town of Destin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

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

Destin is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Destin, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the growing destination of Charlotte. This city 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Destin and Charlotte, 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 Charlotte Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Charlotte?

Charlotte has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Charlotte, 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 Charlotte?

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 Charlotte in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Destin as well as Charlotte. The summer months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Charlotte this time of year.

In July, Destin is generally around the same temperature as Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite rainy in Charlotte. Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Charlotte. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Charlotte in the Autumn?

Both Charlotte and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Charlotte for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Destin is a little warmer than Charlotte in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Charlotte. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Charlotte in the Winter?

Both Charlotte and Destin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Charlotte in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Destin is much warmer than Charlotte. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Charlotte averages at about 42°F (6°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Charlotte. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Charlotte in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Charlotte. Many visitors come to Destin in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Charlotte for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Destin is generally a little warmer than Charlotte. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Charlotte fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In April, Destin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Charlotte. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Charlotte receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Charlotte and Destin