Which would be better for a vacation- Destin or Fort Lauderdale?
Both places have their pros and cons, but hopefully, this post will help you decide which is the best place for you.
If you’re looking for some good beaches, fantastic fishing spots & world-class Golf courses, then Destin is definitely your place. But if you’re looking for lively and sophisticated nightlife with plenty of activities, then Fort Lauderdale might be better for you.
Keep reading to find out more!
| Parameters | Destin | Fort Lauderdale |
| The average cost of a 7-day trip 💵 | $3317 (For couples) | $2911 (For couples) |
| Known for 👍 | Fishing, Family-friendly vibe, soft white sandy beaches, Water sports & fishing festivals | Lively vibe, World-class Golf courses, Riverfront, Yachting, Arts, Culture |
| Beaches 🏖 | Soft white sandy beaches with Emerald blue-green waters | Pristine white sandy beaches with lively vibe and luxurious oceanfront high-rises |
| Popular Tourist Attractions 🏛 | Destin Harbor Boardwalk, Henderson State Park, Miramar Beach, Big Kahuna, Crab island | Fort Lauderdale Beach, Las Olas Boulevard, FL Riverwalk, Museum of Discovery & Science, Flamingo Gardens |
Destin vs Fort Lauderdale
Beaches 🏖
Destin
The Emerald Coast on the Florida Panhandle is home to some of the best beach cities in the world and Destin is well and truly the gem of the Emerald Coast.
The soft powdery-white sand, crystal-clear water, and plenty of sunshine make it a paradise for beach lovers and also makes it one of the most visited places on the Emerald Coast.
Destin is home to some of the most amazing beaches in the US most of which are located along highway 30A, so when you are visiting Destin you might be wondering which beaches are the best for you.
Henderson Beach State Park is a terrific alternative for you and your family if you want to break away from the claustrophobic vacation crowd and spend a peaceful time enjoying the seaside serenity.
The James Lee Park in Destin offers a more traditional beach experience. Located in the heart of Destin, this beach offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and features all the amenities you would expect from a beach, including showers, restrooms, a picnic area, concessions, and a parking space.
Last but not least is the gorgeous Miramar Beach. Located just a few miles away from Destin Harbor, Miramar Beach is considered one of the best beaches in the world owing to its immaculate powdery white sand and azure blue-green waters. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
If you decide to visit only one beach in Destin, then make it this one.
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Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is a paradise for beach lovers offering the best white sand beaches with crystal blue waters in Florida.
Owing to its popularity as the ‘Yachting Capital of the World’, you can experience some of the best Yachting excursions in the US enjoying the breathtaking view of the Gulf and spotting local marine life.
Talking about the best beaches, Fort Lauderdale Beach is the most popular and loved beach by locals and tourists alike known for its soft sugary sands and calm turquoise blue waters, and amazing activities to enjoy on the beach.
Owing to its popularity, the beach exudes a lively vibe throughout the year with a family-friendly environment with amenities like lifeguards on duty, outdoor showers, playground areas, designated pet areas, and plenty of activities to enjoy on the beach.
If you love more secluded and less commercialized beauty that exudes true natural charm then a little further along the FL’s coast you would find some lesser-known but underrated beaches like Hollywood beach and Deerfield beach, both of which offer a relaxed atmosphere.
Who has the best nightlife? 🍻
Destin
The fun in Destin doesn’t end with sunset. As the sun goes down in the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” that’s when the fun is just getting started!
Whether you’re looking for a vibrant nightlife scene or just spending your time stargazing on the powdery beaches of Destin, there are plenty of things to do in Destin at night.
For fantastic sunset cocktails and live music head to Clayton’s Beach Bar & Grill or The Landing for an amazing night of live music alongside an outdoor deck with a stunning view of the harbor.
If you’re looking to dance the night away, then head to Fat Tuesdays and Club LA.
Destin offers plenty of bars and restaurants with picturesque outdoor seating and a spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico for those looking to just unwind and enjoy the seaside bliss.
🏖 Related post: 11 Best Things to do in Destin at Night with Family
Fort Lauderdale
The party doesn’t end in Fort Lauderdale with the sun, in fact as the sun sets on this beautiful coastal city, streets come alive with the bustle of tourists enjoying dinner and dancing to the tunes of live music at nightclubs, bars, and restaurants.
One of the most popular spots in FL for great nightlife is Las Olas Boulevard, this iconic street is home to hundreds of amazing restaurants, bars, and nightclubs located along the river offering stunning views of the skyline.
If live music is your thing then head to one of the many concert venues in the city, such as the Revolution Live or the Broward Center for the performing arts.
And who doesn’t love to end their night with some laughter? At Florida’s improv comedy club, Dania Improv you can catch some of the best comedy gigs performed by local and renowned comedians.
If you are looking for lively nightlife where the party lasts till the wee of the morning with a fantastic range of fine restaurants, bars, and nightclubs to choose from along with a romantic Gondola ride, then Fort Lauderdale is a haven for you.
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Activities and Best Things to do 🏄🏼♂️
Destin
Owing to its popularity as the “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village“, Destin is renowned for fishing, boating, and plenty of activities on the beach making it one of the most loved places on the Emerald Coast for a family vacation.
The crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming and enjoying the Florida sunshine. And speaking of sunshine, the beaches in Destin are some of the best places to soak up some rays.
The first stop for many visitors to Destin is the Destin Harborwalk, where you can find charter boats for fishing and dolphin-watching. You can also rent jet skis or take a ride on a pontoon boat.
The Destin Harborwalk also boasts many amazing restaurants and outdoor cafes with mouth-watering cuisines and spectacular views of the Harbor.
Another popular activity in Destin is visiting the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park. Here you can see penguins, alligators, sea lions, and other marine life up close.
The park also has a stingray touch pool and an amazing dolphin show.
For those who want to experience the natural beauty of Destin, Henderson State Park is a must-see. The park has miles of hiking and biking trails as well as an observation tower with panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Need a break from the beach?
Destin is home to some of the best adventure and theme parks in Florida like the Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park, a unique and amazing park featuring plenty of things for kids and adults alike.
If you are tired of the rush of the outside world, head to Thrills Laser Tag and Arcade to enjoy thrilling indoor games with your kids.
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Fort Lauderdale
If you’re looking for a beautiful city to relax in, surrounded by white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters, then you should visit Fort Lauderdale.
Located in southern Florida, Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America” because of its canals and waterways.
The best way to see the city is by taking a boat tour, which will allow you to see the architecture of the homes lining the canals and get a taste of the lifestyle of the wealthy residents.
You can also visit the Museum of Art, which has a collection of both modern and classical art or take a walk through the Historic Downtown district, where you can see restored buildings from the early 1900s.
And of course, no trip to Fort Lauderdale would be complete without spending some time on the beach – whether you’re sunbathing, swimming, or just enjoying the view, you’re sure to have a great time.
Fort Lauderdale is known for its beaches, arts, culture, and events.
If you are tired of driving in the busy traffic of Fort Lauderdale then take a water taxi ride, and go to Las Olas Boulevard where you can enjoy the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.
For those who enjoy being outdoors, there are also numerous parks and golf courses in the city. Whatever your interests may be, you’re sure to find something to do in Fort Lauderdale that suits you!
Conclusion 👍
If you love a more lively beach vacation experience with soft sandy quartz beaches and bright and warm turquoise blue waters of the Gulf centered around an amazing fishing experience, fascinating maritime history, and a more family-friendly vibe, then Destin is a better choice for a vacation.
If you are looking for a more sophisticated and laid-back beach vibe with a more luxurious vacation experience including romantic Gondola rides, private Yachtying excursions, and a vibrant but classy nightlife scene, then Fort Lauderdale is your cloud nine.
No matter which place you choose, both these coastal gems offer everything one would desire in an unforgettable beach experience.
