A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Destin vs. Nantucket for Food, Couples, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Destin or Nantucket?

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

Destin

Destin is a relaxing, peaceful, and family-friendly beach town. Destin is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping. See Destin travel costs.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a charming, serene, and peaceful island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. Nantucket is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Nantucket travel costs.

Destin and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Nantucket?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantucket. Although Destin and Nantucket are both popular with visitors, Nantucket has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Destin is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Nantucket is popular for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. It is also home to Great Point Lighthouse.

How is Destin different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantucket is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nantucket is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its restaurants.

Nantucket has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

Destin has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Is Destin or Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in 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 Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Destin and Nantucket.

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.

Nantucket is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

Is Destin or Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Destin and Nantucket are very good choices for a beach vacation.

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.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nantucket. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Is Destin or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is notable for its historic old town. However, Destin does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Destin does not have a historic old town.

Is Destin or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

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

Nantucket is a popular spot for hiking. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Nantucket?

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

Nantucket is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket More Beautiful?

Nantucket 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.

Nantucket is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

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 Nantucket Better for Families?

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

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, Nantucket is very family-friendly. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Is Destin or Nantucket Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Nantucket has plenty to offer. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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

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

Nantucket has a few public transit options. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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 Nantucket a more walkable city?

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

Nantucket is very walkable. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Destin?

How long in Destin or Nantucket?

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

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

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

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

One day in Destin or Nantucket?

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.

Nantucket 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 Nantucket?

You'll find shopping and food around the peaceful 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.

Nantucket is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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 Nantucket?

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxing 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 Nantucket. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Nantucket?

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.

Nantucket is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Destin and Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket is more expensive. And not only is Destin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Destin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Destin 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket than you might in Destin.

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Nantucket?

Nantucket has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Nantucket, 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 Nantucket?

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 Nantucket in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Destin as well as Nantucket. The summer months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

Destin is a little warmer than Nantucket in the summer. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Nantucket fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Nantucket. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Nantucket in the Autumn?

Both Nantucket 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 Nantucket for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Destin is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Destin in October average around 69°F (21°C), and Nantucket averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantucket. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Nantucket in the Winter?

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

Nantucket can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Destin is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 50°F (10°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Nantucket 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 January than Nantucket. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Nantucket in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Nantucket. Many visitors come to Destin in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nantucket for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Destin is much warmer than Nantucket in the spring. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 68°F (20°C) in April, and Nantucket fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Destin usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Destin