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

Should you visit Destin or Vernon?

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

Destin

Destin is a peaceful, family-friendly, and beautiful beach town. Destin offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches. See Destin travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a peaceful, relaxing, and quiet town. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Vernon travel costs.

Destin and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Vernon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Vernon than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Vernon is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and hiking, while Destin is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Vernon and is known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Vernon is well known for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails. Also, Vernon is famous for Davison Orchards Country Village.

How is Destin different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Vernon is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Vernon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

Is Destin or Vernon Better for Nightlife?

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

Most people don't head to Vernon specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

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 Vernon Better for Resorts?

Destin is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Vernon Better for Beaches?

Destin is a well-known place for the beach. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a beach destination.

Is Destin or Vernon Better for Hiking?

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

Vernon is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Vernon?

Both Destin and Vernon 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 Vernon. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Is Destin or Vernon More Beautiful?

Destin is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Destin or Vernon Better for Families?

Destin is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Destin is known to be 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

Vernon is a family-friendly beach town. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Destin or Vernon Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Vernon 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.

Vernon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

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 Vernon a more walkable city?

Vernon is a moderate town for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Vernon is generally not very walkable. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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 Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Destin?

How long in Destin or Vernon?

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

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

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

One day in Destin or Vernon?

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 Vernon. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Destin or Vernon?

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.

Vernon 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 Vernon?

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 Vernon. 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 Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing 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 quiet destination of Vernon. This town 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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Vernon, 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 Vernon?

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 Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Destin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Vernon for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Destin is generally a little warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite rainy in Destin. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Vernon. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Vernon in the Autumn?

Both Vernon and Destin during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Destin for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vernon in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Destin is much warmer than Vernon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Vernon fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Vernon. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Vernon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Vernon. Many visitors come to Destin in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Vernon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vernon can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Destin is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Vernon averages at about -3°C (27°F).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Vernon. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Vernon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Destin as well as Vernon. Most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Destin is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Destin usually gets more rain in April than Vernon. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Destin