A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Destin vs. Winston-Salem for Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Destin or Winston-Salem?

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 Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is a under-rated, welcoming, and friendly city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Winston-Salem travel costs.

Destin and Winston-Salem: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Winston-Salem?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Winston-Salem than Destin, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Winston-Salem is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, and historical sights, while Destin is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Destin is more touristy than Winston-Salem and is known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Winston-Salem is well known for it's southern character and quaint college campuses. Also, Winston-Salem is famous for Old Salem.

How is Destin different from Winston-Salem?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?

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

Winston-Salem is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Old Salem has a nice concentration of museums and gardens. Outside of the old town you'll find several art museums like the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Destin or Winston-Salem? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Destin and Winston-Salem.

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.

Winston-Salem has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. North Carolina barbecue is popular around town. The city is also the birthplace of Krispy Kreme donuts and during the holiday season you should sample the local Moravian Cookies.

Is Destin or Winston-Salem Better for Nightlife?

Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem. Local breweries are popping up around town. You'll also find active nightlife venues near the colleges and universities.

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 Winston-Salem Better for Resorts?

Destin is notable for its resorts. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a resort destination.

Is Destin or Winston-Salem Better for Beaches?

Destin is notable for the beach. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a beach destination.

Is Destin or Winston-Salem Better for its Old Town?

Winston-Salem is very good for its historic old town. However, Destin does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Winston-Salem to see the historical old town. Nearby Old Salem is filled with historic museums, gardens, and restaurants. A ticket is required for most of the venues, but the atmosphere and architecture are charming.

Destin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Winston-Salem?

Both Destin and Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem. You'll find a mix of larger shopping malls, retail outlets, and shopping centers around town.

Is Destin or Winston-Salem More Beautiful?

Destin is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Winston-Salem 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.

Winston-Salem is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Destin or Winston-Salem Better for Families?

Destin is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Winston-Salem is not as famous, but is still a good city 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

Winston-Salem is a family-friendly beach town. There are interactive museums like the Kaleideum science museums. There are also outdoor parks and playgrounds, kid-friendly restaurants, and a children's theater.

Is Destin or Winston-Salem Better for Couples?

Destin is a popular place for couples. However, Winston-Salem is a mediocre city for romance.

Destin is a good beach town for couples to visit. 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.

Winston-Salem is not the best destination for a couple to visit. There are restaurants and movie theaters that make for a nice date night. There are also parks and walks that will get you outdoors.

Is Destin or Winston-Salem Better for Students?

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

Winston-Salem is a good city to visit for students. Wake Forest University as well as colleges such as Salem College give parts of the city a collegiate vibe.

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 Winston-Salem Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Winston-Salem is a moderate city 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 Winston-Salem. There are bus routes, but they are limited in their frequency and convenience, making a car essential for most visitors.

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 Winston-Salem a more walkable city?

Winston-Salem is a moderate city for its walkability. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for its high level of walkability.

Winston-Salem is generally not very walkable. The downtown area is the most pedestrian-friendly part of town, but most of the city requires a car.

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 Winston-Salem Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Winston-Salem or Destin?

How long in Destin or Winston-Salem?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Destin or Winston-Salem to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Destin than Winston-Salem because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Destin, and 1-2 days is enough time in Winston-Salem.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem.

One day in Destin or Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Winston-Salem. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Destin or Winston-Salem?

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.

Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful 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 Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Winston-Salem. 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, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Winston-Salem?

Winston-Salem has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Winston-Salem, 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 Winston-Salem?

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 Winston-Salem in the Summer?

Both Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Destin is generally around the same temperature as Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Winston-Salem. It's quite rainy in Destin. In July, Destin usually receives more rain than Winston-Salem. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Destin or Winston-Salem in the Autumn?

Both Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem this time of year.

Destin is a little warmer than Winston-Salem in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in October than Winston-Salem. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Winston-Salem in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Winston-Salem. In the winter, Destin is much warmer than Winston-Salem. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Winston-Salem averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Destin usually receives more rain than Winston-Salem. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Destin or Winston-Salem in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Destin as well as Winston-Salem. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Destin is generally a little warmer than Winston-Salem. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Winston-Salem fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

Destin usually gets more rain in April than Winston-Salem. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Winston-Salem receives 3.1 inches (80 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Winston-Salem and Destin