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

Should you visit Destin or Durham?

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

Destin

Destin is a peaceful, family-friendly, and beautiful beach town. Destin offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches. See Destin travel costs.

Durham

Durham is a student-filled, sports oriented, and diverse city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Durham travel costs.

Destin and Durham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Durham?

Both Durham and Destin have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Destin is better known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Durham is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Destin is more touristy than Durham and is known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Durham is well known for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Destin different from Durham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Durham is notable for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Durham specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Durham has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

Is Destin or Durham Better for Nightlife?

Durham 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 Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

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 Durham Better for Resorts?

Destin is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Durham Better for Beaches?

Destin is a well-known place for the beach. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Durham?

Both Destin and Durham 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 Durham. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Is Destin or Durham More Beautiful?

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

Durham is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Destin or Durham Better for Families?

Destin is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Destin is known to be 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

Durham is a family-friendly beach town. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Destin or Durham Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Durham 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.

Durham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

Is Destin or Durham Better for Students?

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

Durham is very popular with students. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

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

Durham 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 Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

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 Durham a more walkable city?

Durham is a moderate city for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Durham is generally not very walkable. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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 Durham Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durham or Destin?

How long in Destin or Durham?

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

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

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

One day in Destin or Durham?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Destin. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Destin or Durham?

Destin is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Durham 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 Durham?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Destin. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Destin. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Durham?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Durham, 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 Durham?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Destin or Durham in the Summer?

Both Durham and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Durham this time of year.

In July, Destin is generally around the same temperature as Durham. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Durham fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Durham. It's quite rainy in Destin. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Durham. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Durham in the Autumn?

Both Durham and Destin during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Durham for the shopping scene.

Destin is a little warmer than Durham in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Durham fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Durham. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Durham in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Durham. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Durham in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Durham can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Destin is much warmer than Durham. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Durham averages at about 40°F (5°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Durham. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Durham in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Destin as well as Durham. Many visitors come to Destin in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Destin is generally a little warmer than Durham. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Durham fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

Destin usually gets more rain in April than Durham. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Durham and Destin