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

Should you visit Destin or Columbus?

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 Columbus 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.

Columbus

Columbus is a authentic, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Columbus travel costs.

Destin and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Columbus?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Destin. Although Destin and Columbus are both popular with visitors, Destin has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Destin is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Columbus is known for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Destin is more touristy than Columbus and is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. It is also home to Baytowne Wharf. Columbus is popular for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Destin different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Columbus is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Destin is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Destin. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Destin or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

Columbus 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 Columbus. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

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 Columbus Better for Resorts?

Destin is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Columbus is not a resort destination.

Destin is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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.

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Columbus Better for Beaches?

Destin is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Columbus is not a beach destination.

Destin is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Columbus?

Both Destin and Columbus are good 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 Columbus. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Is Destin or Columbus More Beautiful?

Destin is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Destin or Columbus Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Columbus.

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, Columbus is very family-friendly. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Is Destin or Columbus Better for Couples?

Destin is a popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Columbus is a moderate city 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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

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 Columbus a more walkable city?

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

Columbus is somewhat walkable. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, 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 Columbus Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Destin?

How long in Destin or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Destin or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Destin than Columbus because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbus.

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

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

One day in Destin or Columbus?

The beach town of Destin offers shopping and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Destin or Columbus?

Destin is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Columbus 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 Columbus?

Destin is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Destin, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Destin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Destin has to offer. This beach town offers something for everyone.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Columbus, 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 Columbus?

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 Columbus in the Summer?

Both Columbus and Destin during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Columbus because of the family-friendly experiences.

Destin is a little warmer than Columbus in the summer. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Columbus fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Columbus 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 Columbus. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Columbus in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Columbus. The autumn months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Columbus this time of year.

In the autumn, Destin is a little warmer than Columbus. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Columbus averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Columbus. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Columbus in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Destin as well as Columbus. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbus. In January, Destin is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the winter. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Columbus. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Columbus in the Spring?

Both Columbus and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Destin is much warmer than Columbus in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Columbus fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In April, Destin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbus. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbus and Destin