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

Should you visit Destin or Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a peaceful, family-friendly, and beautiful beach town. Destin is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and food. See Destin travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a active, lively, and funfilled town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Destin and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Santa Monica?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Destin and Santa Monica are popular destinations, Santa Monica has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Monica is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Destin attracts visitors for its resorts and impressive beauty. Santa Monica is more touristy than Destin and is known for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also well known for the Santa Monica Pier. Destin is famous for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants.

How is Destin different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santa Monica is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Santa Monica makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is notable for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Santa Monica has plenty to do after the sun goes down. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

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 Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

Destin is notable for its resorts. However, Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is terrific for its beaches. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for the beach.

With world-famous beaches, Santa Monica is a very popular vacation destination. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Santa Monica?

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

Santa Monica is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best 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 Santa Monica More Beautiful?

Destin is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

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.

Santa Monica is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Destin or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Santa Monica 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.

Santa Monica is one of the most popular family destinations. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

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 Santa Monica Better for Couples?

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

Santa Monica is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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 Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Santa Monica is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Destin or Santa Monica Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Monica is notable for its public transit. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Santa Monica. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

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 Santa Monica a more walkable city?

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

Santa Monica is very walkable. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy 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 Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Destin?

How long in Destin or Santa Monica?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica.

One day in Destin or Santa Monica?

In Destin, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this relaxing beach town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Santa Monica. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Destin or Santa Monica?

Destin is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Santa Monica is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the beaches, 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 Santa Monica?

In Destin, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this relaxing destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Santa Monica. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Santa Monica?

Destin is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Santa Monica. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 comparing the travel costs between Destin and Santa Monica, we can see that Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Destin or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Destin is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the summer temperatures in Destin in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

Both Santa Monica and Destin during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In October, Destin is generally around the same temperature as Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 69°F (21°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Santa Monica. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Santa Monica. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Monica for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Destin is cooler than Santa Monica in the winter. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 50°F (10°C) in January, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Santa Monica in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Destin as well as Santa Monica. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Destin is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the spring temperatures in Destin in April average around 68°F (20°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Destin usually gets more rain in April than Santa Monica. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Destin