Destin is undoubtedly one of the top travel destinations in Florida. It is renowned for its soft white sand beaches, crystal blue waters, and the wide range of activities it has to offer.
There is no doubt Destin is truly a perfect vacation destination for backpackers, families, and couples alike. But what about a budget?
Is Destin a budget vacation destination? or is it an expensive travel destination like Key west and Miami beach? What is the average cost of a trip to Destin? If you have any of these questions, then you have come to the right place.
In this article, we have given the average cost of a trip to Destin, as well as our top money-saving tips for the city, so that you may plan your next trip to Destin without breaking the bank.
How Much Does A Trip To Destin Cost in 2023?
Is Destin, Florida Expensive to Visit? How much does a vacation to Destin cost?
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Florida, Destin is certainly an expensive destination to vacation.
An average traveler should budget at least $240-280 per day while vacationing in Destin, Florida. On average, a 7-day trip to Destin would cost $1789 for a solo traveler, $3527 for a couple, and $6429 for a family of four, including everything from Accommodation, airfare, and food to some common activities.
These are, of course, estimates based on travelers who prefer mid-range hotels and mid-range restaurants. In other words, if you prefer luxury over mid-range options, you can spend a lot more than this, and if you choose budget options, you can spend much less.
Average vacation costs for Destin for budget, average, and luxury travelers
| Type of Traveler | Average Trip | Budget Trip | Luxury Trip |
| Solo Traveler | $1789 | $1069 | $6179 |
| Couple | $3527 | $1896 | $8437 |
| Family (4 people) | $6429 | $3812 | $13848 |
In the above table, you can clearly see that the cost of a vacation to Destin depends on your travel style. Overall, however, you can say that Destin is a relatively expensive vacation destination.
The good news is that, while Destin is not a cheap holiday location, it is also not as pricey as Key West and Miami Beach. So, if you prepare ahead of time, prefer budget options, and avoid luxury ones, you can significantly lower the cost of your Destin vacation.
One of the best ways to significantly lower the cost of your Destin vacation is to visit Destin between the months of December to March.
This is known as an off-season in Destin. As a result, airfare, hotels, and attraction prices fall dramatically during this time period. Also, because it is the off-season, there will be fewer people in Destin at this time of year.
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How much is the food and accommodation in Destin, Florida?
When it comes to Destin, the average cost of food per person per day is $45. However, keep in mind that this estimation is based on mid-range restaurants.
When it comes to Accommodation, is undoubtedly the most important parameter while planning our trip to Destin.
It is important to do proper research on this parameter before planning your trip to Destin as most of the time accommodation takes the biggest chunk of travel expenditure. So, how much is the accommodation in Destin, Florida?
The accommodation prices in Destin usually range from $80 to $280. If the location doesnβt matter to you then you can find a good hotel in the range of $130 to $150.
However, if you are looking for beachfront hotels, you will have to pay above $180 most of the time. On the other hand, if you visit Destin in the off-season when hotel prices drop significantly, you can find hotels in the range of $80 to $100.
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The cost of activities in Destin, Florida
Destin is a popular travel destination that offers a wide range of activities to explore. It doesnβt matter what kind of traveler you are there is something for everyone in Destin to keep you busy throughout your vacation.
Here are some of the most popular activities that visitors like to explore in Destin.
Dolphin Cruise ($30 to $50 per adult)
A Dolphin cruise is undoubtedly one of the most popular activities in Destin. This is a wonderful opportunity to see these amazing creatures while playing in the azure waters of Destin. This is especially one of the most fun and exciting activities in Destin for families with little kids.
Crab Island Boat Tour ($50 to $90 per person)
Crab island is one of the most popular attractions in Destin. Whether you want to explore some water activities, or just relax and soak up the sun, this is a place to go.
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park ($28.95 for adults, $20.95 for children)
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is another must-see attraction for ages in Destin. It is one of the few places where you can learn about and interact with exotic marine animals like dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and others.
Private Sunset Cruise ( about $350 per group)
There is no better way to end a busy day in Destin than by taking a relaxing sunset cruise. It is a great way to enjoy the stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and spend some quality time with your loved ones.
Parasailing (starting from $40 per person)
Parasailing is one of the most popular water sports activities in Destin.
Obviously, these are just a few activities that you can do on Destin. There are still a lot of things that you can do in Destin if they fit into your budget. Now take a look at our money-saving tips for Destin.
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Our Top Money-saving Tips for Destin, Florida
Visit Destin in the off-season
As I explained earlier, visiting Destin in the off-season is the best way to travel to Destin on a budget. If travel to Destin in the off-season, everything will always be cheaper.
The period between December to March is the off-season in Destin, Florida. During this period hotels, airfare and attractions drop their prices significantly. Also, you will find fewer crowds during this period.
However, keep in mind that this is winter period, so swimming in the ocean may be a little unpleasant.
Book hotels and flights as early as possible
For both flights and hotels, the earlier you book, the more money you will save. Airfare and accommodation make up the majority of your travel expenses.
Therefore, if you save money on lodging and airfare, you will drastically cut your travel expenses.
Prefer to do free activities
Destin is a very popular and big tourist destination. Even though the most of activities in Destin are expensive, there are still many free activities in Destin.
In fact, most of the beaches in Destin are free. Also, you can explore the famous Destin harbor boardwalk or explore scenic 98.
Stay away from the beach
Hotels in Destin that are located closer to the beach are typically more expensive. Therefore, avoid staying near the shore and book accommodation away from the beach.
So, is Destin expensive?
The average daily budget for a trip to Destin is $240-$280. In other words, a 7-day trip to Destin would cost $1789 for a solo traveler, $3527 for a couple, and $6429 for a family of four. So, clearly, Destin is not a budget vacation destination.
However, if you are open and ready to travel to Destin during the off-season (December to March) and if you book your hotel and airline tickets in advance, you can significantly reduce your travel expenses to Destin.
