Skip to Content

Destin vs Gulf Shores: Which is Your Perfect Vacation Spot?

Thinking about a vacation to the Gulf Coast? With it’s pristine white beaches and plenty of things to do, you’re going to have a great time. But in the battle of Destin vs Gulf Shores – who wins?

destin vs gulf shores beach with dunes and grasses wooden fence with teal water and blue sky
Beautiful teal waters off the Gulf Coast😍

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my disclosures.

It’s a really great question! What’s the best spot for vacation along the Gulf Coast? Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, group (hello bachelorette parties) or solo, there’s lots to consider!

I’ve vacationed at the Gulf Coast many times and honestly, I love both the Destin area and the Gulf Shores area! It’s one of my favorite spots in the USA to vacation, so you really can’t go wrong.

And as a bonus – both destinations are great any time of the year. In fact, it makes the top of the list for the best warm winter vacations in the US!

But for the sake of it, someone’s gotta win in the battle Destin vs Gulf Shores…..right?!

Gulf Shores vs Destin

most beautiful beach in the usa
Gorgeous white sand beaches in Gulf Shores

I’m breaking this comparison guide into categories. Each category below will have a winner, just like in the battle of Maui vs. Kauai. And the areas that matter most to you will help you decide where to vacation!

Let’s get to it!

Best Gulf Beaches

Alright you cannot talk about the Gulf Coast without the crisp, white sand beaches. So let’s start there. Destin and Gulf Shores both have pillow-soft, white sand. It’s the kind dreams are made of…honestly.

And better yet, they go for miles! So take your long walks on the beach literally and have fun exploring the area!

So for this category, it’s a tie!!

Pro tip: when visiting Gulf Shores or Destin Florida beaches, or any beach for that matter, make sure to pack ocean-safe sunscreen. This one is my favorite reef-safe sunblock and bonus – it smells awesome, too.


Gulf Shores vs Destin – comparing on price

destin or gulf shores
Beachy vacation rental in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Next, because I love to find a good deal on travel (who doesn’t?), let’s rate each destination based on price. There’s good news and bad news with this one….both destinations can be pricey!

You’ll find luxurious accommodations in both cities. Destin and the surrounding area is larger and therefore has more accommodations in general, so you might have more luck finding a more affordable option if that’s what you’re looking for.

But honestly, you can still find affordable accommodations in Gulf Shores and surrounding area, too.

Related: Best Budget Travel Tips You Need in Your Life

To find the best deal on accommodations in any spot along the Gulf Coast, consider these tips:

  • Look further inland. Beach views come at a premium.
  • Find accommodations with a kitchen or kitchenette. Grab a few, quick meals at the store to keep costs down.
  • Travel during the off-season. Memorial Day through Labor Day will naturally cost more for almost any destination!

Gulf Coast vacation price comparison

Still more to compare for price here!

kayaking-destin-florida
Activities along the boardwalk in Destin

As far as activities go, I think Destin tends to be more pricey. It seems like the businesses know it’s a tourist destination, so they price accordingly. However, Gulf Shores or Destin both have activities that are free – like beach days! And there are a ton of entertainment choices that will cost ya.

For food, both destinations seem to be pretty even. You’ll be able to find amazing restaurants with views of the water that are priced at a premium. Or you can find local good eats off the main tourist strip for a deal. It’s nice to have options, isn’t it?

Related: 12 Fun Places to Eat in Gulf Shores

Okay, so Gulf Shores vs Destin… in this category I think Destin is slightly more expensive. So if you’re looking for an affordable spot…Gulf Shores wins!

Destin or Gulf Shores – who wins??

desint or gulf shores
Watching the waves in Destin, Florida

Eeeek! I’m so excited for you to go to either destination. Start preparing yourself now for those gorgeous turquoise waters!

Destin nightlife vs Gulf Shores nightlife

It’s easy to vacation in the Gulf Coast and close the bars down. Or bring your bachelor/bachelorette party to Gulf Shores or Destin. My first few trips down to the area were definitely more lively than the last couple with kids in tow!

Anyway, because the Destin area is larger than the Gulf Shores area, there’s simply more options. There’s also more bars closer together in Destin along the main strip than Gulf Shores.

While you can definitely have a good time at both Destin and Gulf Shores at night, Destin wins this one!

Which destination is more family-friendly?

gulf shores vs destin
Kids enjoying the waves in Gulf Shores, AL

Let’s go on the flip side and evaluate each destination for families. I’ve visited both areas with my family, and both are truly amazing locations to create tons of memories!

With lots of kid-friendly things to do in Gulf Shores and Destin, either spot is fun for families. From free beach activities, arcades, mini golf, zip lining, dolphin tours, literally anything for families!

lulus destin
Delicious food and activities for families at Lulu’s in Destin

One of my favorite things I’ve done on the gulf coast with my family is go to Lulu’s. It’s a restaurant owned by Lucy Buffett, Jimmy Buffett’s sister. It’s a great time for kids and adults, complete with tons of adventure activities.

And the best part is there’s a Lulu’s in both Gulf Shores and Destin!

Another giggle-inducing time for both kids and adults is go-karting at The Track. My family had so much fun here, and it’s a perfect way to take a break from the beach!

Same thing is true – The Track is located in both Destin and Gulf Shores!

go karts at the track
Go-karting at The Track, Gulf Shores

Here are a few more of my favorite family-friendly activities in Destin:

And if you’re in the area, don’t forget to check out the family-friendly beaches in 30A!

And a few of my favorite family-friendly activities in Gulf Shores:

So I think in this battle of Destin vs Gulf Shores, we’ve determined that both destinations are family-friendly at this point. However, I lean towards Gulf Shores because it still has that small-town feel and there just seems to be fewer people doing crazy things. And as a parent, local culture and less negative influence is better in my opinion.

So for families, Gulf Shores wins!

By the way, if you love family-friendly beaches, check out the 25 best things to do in Anna Maria Island! It’s another really fun beach vacation spot.

Best shopping along the Gulf Coast

the wharf orange beach
Shopping and entertainment The Wharf at Orange Beach, near Gulf Shores

Okay, so what if one of the activities you want to do is go shopping during your vacation to the Gulf? Well, you’re in luck because both Destin and Gulf Shores have great shopping options.

If you’re looking for shopping and entertainment in Destin, you need to go to Harbor Walk Village. In addition to boutique stores and awesome restaurants, you’ll find zip lining, rock climbing and many other carnival-style games.

For your shopping and entertainment combo in the Gulf Shores area, head over to The Wharf at Orange Beach. Fun shops and water-view dining are just the start – you’ll find a Ferris Wheel, light show, live music and so much more.

To wrap up this category, let’s talk for a second about the outlet mall in Destin, Florida. It’s one of the largest outlet malls in the Southeast, with over 100 stores.

Because of the outlet mall, I’d say Destin wins this category.

Destin vs Gulf Shores: ease to travel to

destin or gulf shores
Sand dunes approaching the beach in Gulf Shores

In an article comparing Destin or Gulf Shores, this category clearly depends on the location you’re traveling from and how you’re getting there. The city of Pensacola has a pretty good sized airport, so if you’re flying in you’ll likely end up there.

Bonus – the Pensacola airport is located right between the two cities so it’s easy to either city.

If you’re traveling via car, the ease of getting into Gulf Shores or Destin obviously depends on the proximity and direction you’re traveling from. However, both are about the same in terms of nearby highways and interstates.

So for this category of Destin vs Gulf Shores, it’s a tie!

Oh, and by the way, if you’re looking for any spot to vacation along the Gulf Coast, check out these 26 fantastic Gulf Coast beaches for a huge list of options!

Traffic along the Gulf Coast

gulf shores vs destin beaches
White sand beach in Destin, Florida

Okay let’s talk about one of the least favorite parts of vacation…traffic! In many vacation hot spots in the USA, you’re bound to experience some traffic. But let me tell ya:

Gulf Shores wins this category.

Here’s why: The traffic in and out of Destin, Florida is insane. It can take absolutely forever to drive 10 miles. So unless you’re staying right on the beach and within walking distance of everything you need, you’re going to experience Destin’s traffic.

Alternatively, Gulf Shores does have some traffic, especially along the main strips. Truth is, there are very few road options because it’s a tiny strip of land connected to the mainland by bridges. (The same is actually true for Destin too.)

With limited roads, you’re forcing all the traffic heading to the best Gulf beaches…or hotels/condos with beach views in the same general area. So the traffic isn’t fun at either location. But, is traffic ever fun??

The good news is that the roads in and out of Destin are being expanded so hopefully that helps the congestion in the future. 🙂

Destin vs Gulf Shores – who wins?

best gulf beach city
Getting ready for a spectacular sunset along the coast in Destin

Alright so have you decided which amazing destination ‘’wins’ in your opinion?

To be honest, you really can’t go wrong!! Both Gulf Shores and Destin have amazing food, accommodations, activities and of course – beaches!

I hope this article helped you to decide and that you have a fabulous trip, regardless of the destination! 🙂


More content you might like:
Gulf State Park: 14 Things to Do Plus Best Beaches, Camping & More

35 Swoon-worthy Beach Destinations You Need to See
21 Cheapest Island Vacations that are Surprisingly Affordable
Miami to Key West Road Trip: 22 Awesome Activities You Need to Do
2 Days in San Diego: Your Perfect San Diego Itinerary

Exactly What to Pack for a Beach Vacation

Find this article helpful? Save it for later or share it on social media.

Destin vs Gulf Shores - which is your perfect Gulf Coast vacation spot?

Melissa

Thursday 6th of July 2023

Thoughts on this area for late December-early January? Weather , NYE crowds, etc…

Nikki

Friday 7th of July 2023

Hmmm well I personally haven't been. Based on popularity, I'd say Destin would be more busy than Gulf Shores, although it may have more parties and nightlife too if that's what you're looking for. The weather will be cool - but still warm compared to many spots in the US. For sure too cold to swim. I bet it would be a good time!!

Dave Goren

Tuesday 31st of January 2023

We moved to Foley, AL last year, the next town up from Gulf Shores. Both Destin and Gulf Shores/Orange Beach have equally beautiful beaches. You can have a great vacation in either spot. I would go to Gulf Shores with younger children and perhaps Destin for teens and young adults. A little larger, a few more restaurants and bars. A little livelier. Take a side trip to Pensacola. Gulf Shores is a little closer by about 15 miles. The entire area is beautiful.

Nikki

Wednesday 1st of February 2023

Thanks so much for your comment Dave! I drove through Foley on my way to Gulf Shores on my first visit - looks like a great town to call home. ❤️ So much insight here. I think one thing is clear: they're both ripe for an awesome getaway!

Jamie Sharpe

Sunday 14th of February 2021

I have to give it to Gulf Shores, just based on the sand. But I do need to spend more time in Destin! Thanks for sharing.

Nikki

Sunday 14th of February 2021

Fun, Jamie! Love your reasoning :)

Planet Hopper Gril

Sunday 14th of February 2021

Vow very nice. I have never been to Gulf coast much. Is the house in Alabama so because it floods there or so?

Nikki

Sunday 14th of February 2021

Oh you'd love the Gulf Coast! Yes, the houses are on stilts near the coast for hurricanes and tropical storms. Less damage and cleanup if the houses are up high :)

Kristina

Sunday 14th of February 2021

The Gulf Coast is so beautiful! I have only been to Panama City Beach but Destin and the Orange Coast in Alabama on high on my list of a domestic beach getaway. Definitely saving this post for future reference.

Nikki

Sunday 14th of February 2021

Yes Kristina! Both locations are fabulous!!