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

Should you visit Destin or Detroit?

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

Destin

Destin is a family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxing beach town. Destin is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and food. See Destin travel costs.

Detroit

Detroit is a under-rated, hardworking, and overlooked city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Detroit travel costs.

Destin and Detroit: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Detroit?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Detroit. Although Destin and Detroit are popular destinations, Detroit has more sights and attractions for tourists. Detroit is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Destin attracts visitors for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Detroit and is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Detroit is famous for its Motown music, blue collar atmosphere, and influential auto industry. It is also well known for the Henry Ford Experience.

How is Destin different from Detroit?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Detroit is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Popular museums around town include the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Michigan Science Center.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Detroit has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a local flavor to the food with a number of classic dishes that are popular like square pizza, Coney dogs, and corned beef egg rolls.

Is Destin or Detroit Better for Nightlife?

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

Detroit has plenty to do after the sun goes down. It's long history in music still influences the nightlife scene. You'll find bars, clubs, and other activities around town. Greektown and Midtown are both popular neighborhoods during the evening.

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 Detroit Better for Music?

Detroit is terrific for live music. However, Destin is not a live music destination.

Detroit is a world class music destination. Few cities have such an influential music industry. It's home to Motown and is well known for its soul music, jazz, blues, and rap.

Destin is not a live music destination.

Is Destin or Detroit Better for Resorts?

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

Destin is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

Detroit is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Detroit Better for Beaches?

Destin is a very popular place for the beach. However, Detroit is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Destin. 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.

Detroit is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Detroit?

Both Destin and Detroit are nice 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 Detroit. There are several shopping streets like Woodward Avenue. There are also outlet malls, shopping centers, and Eastern Market.

Is Destin or Detroit More Beautiful?

Destin is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Detroit is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Destin or Detroit Better for Families?

Destin is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Detroit is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Destin is very family-friendly. 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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Detroit. Head to the Detroit Zoo or check out one of the amusement parks in the area. Kids will enjoy a visit to Legoland and there's also the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. You could also spend some time visiting the unique museums in the area.

Is Destin or Detroit Better for Couples?

Destin is a nice place to visit for its romantic activities. However, Detroit is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Detroit is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's not a city that usually brings to mind romance, but if you find yourself here for a couple of days, there's a RiverWalk area and some interesting local neighborhoods.

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

Detroit 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 Detroit. There's a streetcar and bus system, but the car is still king in Motor City.

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 Detroit a more walkable city?

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

Detroit is somewhat walkable. There are parts of downtown Detroit that are walkable, but most people need a car to get around.

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 Detroit Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Detroit or Destin?

How long in Destin or Detroit?

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

Families should spend more time in Destin than Detroit. 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 Detroit. 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 Detroit 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 Detroit.

One day in Destin or Detroit?

In Destin, you'll find food and shopping. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Destin or Detroit?

In Destin, you'll find shopping and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Detroit is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Detroit?

Destin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Destin has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Detroit. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Detroit?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Destin. In Destin, you'll find shopping and food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the overlooked destination of Detroit. 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 Detroit, we can see that Destin is more expensive. And not only is Detroit much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Detroit would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Detroit 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 Detroit.

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Detroit?

Detroit has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Detroit, 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 Detroit?

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 Detroit in the Summer?

Both Detroit and Destin during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Detroit for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Destin is a little warmer than Detroit. Typically, the summer temperatures in Destin in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Detroit averages at about 74°F (24°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Detroit. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Detroit in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Detroit. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Detroit in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Destin is generally much warmer than Detroit. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 69°F (21°C), and Detroit fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Detroit. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Detroit in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Destin as well as Detroit. Many visitors come to Destin in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Detroit for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Detroit can be very cold during winter. Destin is much warmer than Detroit in the winter. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Detroit fluctuates around 25°F (-4°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the winter. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Detroit. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 2 inches (50 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Detroit in the Spring?

Both Detroit and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Detroit because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, Destin is much warmer than Detroit. Typically, the spring temperatures in Destin in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Detroit averages at about 49°F (9°C).

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Detroit. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Detroit receives 3.2 inches (80 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Detroit and Destin