A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Destin for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Tulum or Destin?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Destin can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a lively, ancient, and archeological town. Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and museums. See Tulum travel costs.

Destin

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

Tulum and Destin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Destin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tulum. Although Tulum and Destin are both popular with visitors, Tulum has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tulum is more touristy than Destin and is known for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. It is also home to the Tulum archeological ruins. Destin is popular for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants.

How is Tulum different from Destin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Destin and Tulum. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tulum or Destin?

Tulum 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 Tulum that are not to be missed. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

Destin does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Tulum 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, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

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 Tulum or Destin Better for Nightlife?

Tulum is terrific for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Tulum is a must-see party destination. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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 Tulum or Destin Better for Resorts?

Tulum is terrific for its resorts. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Tulum is a perfect choice. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

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.

Is Tulum or Destin Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum is terrific for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Destin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Tulum is not to be missed. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Destin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Destin Better for Beaches?

Tulum 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, Tulum is a very popular vacation destination. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

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 Tulum or Destin Better for Hiking?

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

Tulum is a popular spot for hiking. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Destin is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Destin?

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

Tulum is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

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 Tulum or Destin More Beautiful?

Tulum 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.

Tulum is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

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 Tulum or Destin Better for Families?

Both Tulum and Destin are superb to visit with kids.

Tulum is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

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 Tulum or Destin Better for Couples?

Tulum 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, Tulum has plenty to offer. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

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 Tulum or Destin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

Destin is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

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

Tulum has a few public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

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 Tulum or Destin a more walkable city?

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

Tulum is very walkable. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

Destin is not a very walkable 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 Tulum Worth Visiting? and Is Destin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Destin or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Destin?

Both Tulum and Destin have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Destin than in Tulum. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 5-7 days is enough time in Destin.

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

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

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

One day in Tulum or Destin?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Tulum. 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.

In Destin, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Destin?

Tulum 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Destin. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Destin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tulum. 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.

Destin is a fun place to experience. In Destin, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tulum or Destin?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Tulum. 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.

In Destin, many people enjoy the shopping and food that this relaxing destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours in Mexico, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United States of America, and The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Destin?

Destin has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum and Destin, 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 Tulum or Destin?

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 Tulum or Destin in the Summer?

Both Destin and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tulum in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Tulum is around the same temperature as Destin in the summer. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Destin fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. It's quite rainy in Tulum. In July, Tulum usually receives less rain than Destin. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Destin receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Tulum or Destin in the Autumn?

Both Destin and Tulum during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Destin because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Tulum is a little warmer than Destin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tulum in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Destin averages at about 69°F (21°C).

Destin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets more rain in October than Destin. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Destin receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain this time of the year. November to April is the dry season in Tulum. June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. Also, the hurricane season in Tulum is June to October.

Should I visit Tulum or Destin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Destin. The winter months attract visitors to Tulum because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Destin this time of year.

In January, Tulum is generally much warmer than Destin. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 23°C (74°F), and Destin fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Destin receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Tulum usually receives less rain than Destin. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Destin receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Tulum or Destin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Destin. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Tulum is a little warmer than Destin in the spring. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Destin fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Tulum usually gets less rain in April than Destin. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Destin receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, November to April in Tulum is the dry season. June to October in Tulum is the rainy season. Keep in mind that June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum.

Typical Weather for Destin and Tulum