A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Destin vs. Ottawa for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Destin or Ottawa?

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

Destin

Destin is a family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxing beach town. Destin offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Destin travel costs.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a cultural, friendly, and welcoming city. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Ottawa travel costs.

Destin and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Ottawa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Destin than Ottawa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Destin is better known for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Ottawa is more popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Destin is more touristy than Ottawa and is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Also, Destin is famous for Baytowne Wharf. Ottawa is well known for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Destin different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Ottawa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Ottawa has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.

Is Destin or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Ottawa is a moderate city for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to Ottawa specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars 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 Ottawa Better for Resorts?

Destin is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Ottawa 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.

Ottawa is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Ottawa Better for Beaches?

Destin is a very popular place for the beach. However, Ottawa 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.

Ottawa is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Ottawa?

Both Destin and Ottawa 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 Ottawa. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.

Is Destin or Ottawa More Beautiful?

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

Ottawa is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Destin or Ottawa Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ottawa. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.

Is Destin or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Ottawa 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.

Ottawa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.

Is Destin or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ottawa is very good for backpackers. However, Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Ottawa is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Destin or Ottawa Better for Students?

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

Ottawa is a good city to visit for students. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

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

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

Ottawa has a few public transit options. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

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 Ottawa a more walkable city?

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

Ottawa is somewhat walkable. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.

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 Ottawa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Destin?

How long in Destin or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Destin and Ottawa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Destin than in Ottawa. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

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

One day in Destin or Ottawa?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Ottawa. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Ottawa?

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.

Ottawa 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 Ottawa?

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 Ottawa. 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 Ottawa?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful 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 cultural destination of Ottawa. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?

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 Ottawa in the Summer?

Both Ottawa 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 Ottawa because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Destin is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 21°C (71°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Ottawa. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Ottawa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Ottawa. 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 Ottawa this time of year.

Destin is much warmer than Ottawa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Ottawa in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ottawa. In the winter, Destin is much warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Ottawa averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the winter. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Ottawa. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Ottawa in the Spring?

Both Ottawa 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.

In April, Destin is generally much warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Ottawa fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Ottawa. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Destin