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

Should you visit Destin or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

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

San Francisco

San Francisco is a quirky, eccentric, and one-of-a-kind coastal city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty in San Francisco as well. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See San Francisco travel costs.

Destin and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or San Francisco?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Francisco than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Francisco is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Destin is more popular for its resorts. San Francisco is more touristy than Destin and is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. Also, San Francisco is famous for The Golden Gate Bridge. Destin is well known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants.

How is Destin different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco 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 San Francisco that are not to be missed. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Destin or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is very good for theatre. However, Destin is not a theatre destination.

San Francisco offers a number of shows and performances. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Destin is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco 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.

San Francisco has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around 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 San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

San Francisco 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 San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

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 San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is very good for live music. However, Destin is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Destin is not a live music destination.

Is Destin or San Francisco Better for Resorts?

Destin is a great beach town for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

Destin and San Francisco are excellent 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 San Francisco. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Is Destin or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Destin is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit San Francisco specifically for its hiking. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or San Francisco?

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

San Francisco is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for 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 San Francisco More Beautiful?

San Francisco is terrific 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.

You'll find world class beauty in San Francisco as well. With its dramatic Golden Gate Bridge, and the many beautiful hills with striking views of the city and bay, San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States.

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 San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

San Francisco is one of the most popular family destinations. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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

Is Destin or San Francisco Better for Couples?

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

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

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 San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco is notable for backpackers. However, Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit San Francisco. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Destin or San Francisco Better for Students?

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

San Francisco is very popular with students. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

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

San Francisco is terrific for its public transit. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of San Francisco can take you anywhere. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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 San Francisco a more walkable city?

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

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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 San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Destin?

How long in Destin or San Francisco?

Both Destin and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, San Francisco has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in San Francisco than Destin. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in Destin or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Destin. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

San Francisco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Destin. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

San Francisco 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.

Five days in Destin or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful destination of Destin. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Francisco. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Destin or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the beach town of Destin. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in 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.

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 comparing the travel costs between Destin and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Destin as well as San Francisco. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Destin is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Destin is a little warmer than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco and Destin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Destin in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Destin is around the same temperature as San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than San Francisco. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and San Francisco. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Destin is generally a little warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Destin