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

Should you visit Destin or Quebec City?

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 Quebec City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a beautiful, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. Destin is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping. See Destin travel costs.

Quebec City

Quebec City is a historical, cultural, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Quebec City is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Quebec City travel costs.

Destin and Quebec City: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Destin or Quebec City?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Quebec City. Although Destin and Quebec City are both popular with visitors, Quebec City has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Quebec City is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Destin is known for its resorts and beaches. Destin is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Quebec City is popular for its charming streets and classic Old Town. It is also home to Château Frontenac.

How is Destin different from Quebec City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Destin
Quebec City

Quebec City is terrific for its sights and museums. However, Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Quebec City that are not to be missed. Historic sites include La Citadelle de Québec and Quebec National Historic Site. There are many iconic buildings in town as well like the Parliament Building and Château Frontenac. Also make sure you visit the Musée de la Civilisation and the stunning Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Destin
Quebec City

Quebec City 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.

Quebec City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city offers a mix of Canadian favorites and French dishes with a local twist. Favorite dishes that you must try include tourtières, pâté chinois, pea soup, and fèves au lard. There are also many local desserts to sample. You'll find some of the best French Canadian cuisine in the Old Town.

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 Quebec City Better for Nightlife?

Destin
Quebec City

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

Quebec City has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene consists mainly of bars and pubs that you'll find along Rue Saint-Jean and in the Saint-Jean-Baptiste neighborhood. You'll also find clubs in Saint-Roch along Rue du Parvis and Avenue Saint-Joseph.

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 Quebec City Better for Resorts?

Destin
Quebec City

Destin is a great destination for its resorts. However, Quebec City 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.

Quebec City is not a resort destination.


Is Destin or Quebec City Better for Beaches?

Destin
Quebec City

Destin is a great destination for its beaches. However, Quebec City 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.

Quebec City is not a beach destination.

Is Destin or Quebec City Better for its Old Town?

Destin
Quebec City

Quebec City is terrific for its historic old town. However, Destin does not have a historic old town.

Quebec City has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The walled Old Town has fortifications that date back to the 17th century. It has a European charm with cobblestone streets, charming restaurants, beautiful squares, and historic architecture. Many visitors feel like they've stepped into old world Europe.

Destin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Quebec City?

Destin
Quebec City

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

Quebec City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The Old Town has many local boutiques and artisan shops that are fun for browsing. There are many shopping streets in town like Petit-Champlain Street, Rue Saint-Joseph, and Avenue Cartier.

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 Quebec City More Beautiful?

Destin
Quebec City

Quebec City 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.

Quebec City is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The European atmosphere gives the city a unique beauty with architecture and cobblestone streets that create a fairytale setting.

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 Quebec City Better for Families?

Destin
Quebec City

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Destin or Quebec City.

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, Quebec City is very family-friendly. There are tons of kid-friendly activities like visiting the Aquarium du Québec, having an adventure at Terrasse Dufferin, or exploring Chute de Montmorency.

Is Destin or Quebec City Better for Couples?

Destin
Quebec City

Quebec City 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, Quebec City has plenty to offer. It's one of the most European city's in North America, and it's filled with romance. Couples can enjoy exploring the Old Town by carriage or taking a boat ride on the Saint Lawrence River. For a truly romantic evening, enjoy a French meal at the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, but for many couples, simply exploring and soaking up the city's charm offers the simple romance that they're looking for.

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 Quebec City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Destin
Quebec City

Quebec City is notable for backpackers. However, Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Quebec City. There are a decent number of hostels around town and backpackers consider this a favorite destination in the area.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Destin or Quebec City Better for Students?

Destin
Quebec City

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

Quebec City is a good city to visit for students. It's a beautiful and charming city that is fun for international students.

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

Destin
Quebec City

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

Quebec City has a few public transit options. There are buses and ferries around town.

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 Quebec City a more walkable city?

Destin
Quebec City

Quebec City is terrific for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Quebec City on foot. The Old Town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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 Quebec City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Quebec City or Destin?

How long in Destin or Quebec City?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Quebec City 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 Quebec City.


  • How many days in Destin or Quebec City? Ideal Length of Stay
    Destin 5-7 
    Quebec City 2-4

One day in Destin or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the family-friendly beach town of Destin. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Quebec City. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Destin. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Quebec City 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 Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the family-friendly beach town of Destin. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Quebec City. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Quebec City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Destin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach town.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Quebec City. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Canada, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Canada.


Which place is cheaper, Quebec City or Destin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Destin Prices
    USA Prices
    Quebec City Prices
    Canada Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Destin $229
    Quebec City $152

The average daily cost (per person) in Destin is $229, while the average daily cost in Quebec City is $152. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Destin and Quebec City in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Destin $111
    Quebec City $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Destin $222
    Quebec City $146
Compare Hotels in Destin and Quebec City

Looking for a hotel in Destin or Quebec City? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Destin


Hotels in Quebec City


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Destin Hotel Prices and Quebec City Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Destin $50
    Quebec City $16

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Quebec City

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Quebec City are as follows:


  • Parking in Quebec City
    $3.63

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Quebec City

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Quebec City:

  • Le Terminal Quebec Cruise Port to Quebec - Arrival Private Transfer: $75
  • Private Transfer from Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) to Québec City: $96
  • Private Transfer from Québec City to Jean Lesage Airport (YQB): $96
  • From Grosse Île Tour & Cruise + Bus Transfer: $104
  • Quebec city private transfer: $105
  • Québec city to Québec Jean Lesage Airport (YQB) - Departure Private Transfer: $106
  • From Quebec City : Cruise & Visit to Grosse-Ile with bus transfer: $107
  • YQB Quebec City Airport Cruise Terminal Train Station Transfer: $108
  • YQB Airport Transfer: $111
  • Private Transfer from Quebec City to YQB airport: $111
  • Quebec Airport (YQB) to Downtown private transfer: $115
  • Private transfer from YQB (QUEBEC) Airport to downtown: $122

Is it cheaper to fly into Destin or Quebec City?

Prices for flights to both Quebec City and Destin change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Destin $89
    Quebec City $63

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Destin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Destin.

  • Murder Mystery Dinner Cruise with Sunset Views: $125
  • 3 Hour Sunset Dinner Cruise by Solaris Yacht in Miramar Beach: $128
  • Sunset Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $128

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Quebec City

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Quebec City.

  • Quebecois Aperitif Food Tour in Quebec City: $61
  • Québec City: 3 or 5-Course Dinner Cruise with DJ & Dancing: $129
  • Progressive Dinner on Grande-Allée and History Tour: $202
  • Old Quebec 5-Course Gourmet Food Tour: $202
  • Combo Historical and Food Tour of the Old Quebec City: $208
  • 5-course Progressive Dinner on Grande-Allée and History Tour: $208
  • Evening Gourmet Tour 5 Course Dinner - History and Food in Old Quebec City: $208
  • Private Food Tour in Quebec With A Local Guide : $265

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Destin $17
    Quebec City $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Destin

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Destin are as follows:


  • 1 Day Rental Umbrella and Chairs
    $40

Tours and Activities in Destin

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Destin are as follows:

  • Party Cruise aboard the Soundside Cruiser: $19
  • Santa Cruise on the Sound: $25
  • Milton Splash and Dash Tour & Scavenger Hunt: $30
  • Destin Dolphin Cruise: $30
  • Kayak Adventure in Destin and Fort Walton Beach : $33
  • Destin Harbor Sunset Eco Dolphin Cruise: $35
  • Sandestin Sunset Eco-Dolphin Cruise Aboard Sol y Luna: $35
  • Hydro Rocket Dolphin Sightseeing Boat Tour from Destin: $35
  • Dolphin Cruise in Destin FL : $37
  • Spectacular Sunset Cruise: $38
  • The Maximum Magic Show Ticket: $39
  • Destin Family Friendly Dolphin Watching Adventure: $40

Tours and Activities in Quebec City

Here are a few actual costs in Quebec City for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • APP Self-Guided Tours Quebec with Audioguide: $9.62
  • Observatoire de la Capitale Entry Ticket: $11
  • MNBAQ National Fine Arts Museum Entry Ticket: $11
  • Québec: Fortifications-of-Québec Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Old Quebec Walking Tour with a Certified Local Guide: $15
  • Quebec: La Citadelle de Québec Ticket and Guided Tour: $16
  • Guided Tour of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac: $18
  • Quebec : Death in New-France Animated Walking tour: $19
  • Quebec: Crimes of New France Animated Walking Tour: $20
  • Animated Crime Walking Tour in Old Quebec: $20
  • Guided tour from the bee to the bottle and tasting - French: $21
  • Guided Tour of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City: $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Destin $49
    Quebec City $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Quebec City

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Quebec City:

  • Honey and Distillery Tour with Tasting: $21
  • Craft Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour: $50
  • Island of Orleans Wine Tour: $94
  • Wine Tasting on Ile d'Orleans: $96
  • Montmorency Falls and Microbrewery eBike Tour: $107


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

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


Which is Bigger, Destin or Quebec City?

Quebec City has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Quebec City, 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.