Have you wondered the ideal destination to take your family to during any vacation?
When it comes to visiting Florida, we have numerous beaches I may want you to visit.
For instance, I recommend Pensacola and Destin to friends for many reasons.
Is Destin or Pensacola better for families?
I will talk about these two destinations and give you my thoughts.
Keep reading to know the differences between the two towns.
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Get Your Japan Guide NowDestin vs. Pensacola
Pensacola and Destin are both remarkable beaches.
They both have the same emerald green water the Florida Panhandle is known for.
We are going to look at their major differences which are the beaches, activities available, nightlife, climate, atmosphere, and accommodation.
This will guide you as you decide which of the beach towns you will like to visit.
Emerald Coast of Florida has features that will make families that visit it for their vacation want to come back again.
There are two beautiful destinations along this spectacular coast.
They are Destin and Pensacola Beach.
The two beaches have seaside views, cuisine, and attractions good enough to make you think of not going back home.
Considering the features of both beaches, you may find it difficult to choose one against the other.
This is the reason we went all out to get detailed information about both beaches to aid you in making a choice on which will be the best for you and your family.
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When I first landed in Tokyo, I thought I was prepared. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
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🎯 Grab Your Copy Now!Both Beaches at a Glance
A lot of people visit Destin beach because of its features.
It has an all-out adventure, and glittering waters.
The beach has lots of attractions, varieties of foods, and an atmosphere perfect for family vacations.
Pensacola Beach is located at the northwestern edge of the Florida panhandle.
The beach has a lot of natural attractions, white sugary sand, and emerald waters.
The crowd here is less compared to the crowd at Destin beach.
It has a few restaurants and attractions at cheap prices.
Overall Pricing
Your budget may be a bit higher if you are planning to take your family to the West Coast of Florida on vacation.
Your choice will be between Destin beach and Pensacola Beach.
Given lots of activities to do, and tourist destinations to visit, you then need to know the average cost of everything.
These are the average costs per day or week on Destin beach.
If you intend to take your entire family of about four, budget to spend $5,000 in a week.
The size of luxury you want determines the cost of accommodation you will get.
There are accommodations good for families which you will get for $89 a night from AirBnBs, and there are other places you get for $600 a night.
You should consider the cost of exciting activities into your budget if your family will like to do other things like dolphin cruises or parasailing, apart from swimming in the crystal clear waters, and soft playing on the sand.
It will cost you about $80 per person.
Love This Post? You’ll Love My Book!
I wasted THOUSANDS on travel mistakes you can EASILY AVOID. ✨ My book shares every lesson I learned the hard way in Japan—so you can have the smooth, amazing trip you deserve without the stress and extra cost.
Get Your Japan Guide NowPrivacy & Safety
At Emerald Coast, you will have beautiful views, a lot of adventures, and delicious delicacies no one can resist.
One significant thing you will notice about Destin and Pensacola is the security concerning privacy and crowding.
Destin has both sunny skies and sparkling waters, no wonder a lot of visitors like to go there.
Its family-friendly atmosphere and safe waters keep it outstanding.
It is the second best among the family-friendly beaches in Florida, and it is the number one beach in Florida.
There is no risk for children who go swimming on the gulf coast because the wave there is calm unlike what it is on the eastern side of Florida.
You see sea turtles and fish out in the water, but you will not see sharks all the time.
Visit the city’s website every day to have updates on the flag conditions before you go to the beach.
Going to Pensacola beach will take you about one hour.
It is one of the beach cities that offer good security for visitors.
You face no danger when you are on the waters along Pensacola’s beach.
You will be there to watch rip currents and rougher waves coming in before and after tropical storms.
Always visit your weather app.
You will have enough privacy because the beach town has not had much crowd.
🗾 I Wrote a Book About My BIGGEST Japan Travel Mistakes!
When I first landed in Tokyo, I thought I was prepared. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅
💸 I brought a suitcase that was WAY TOO BIG for the tiny hotel rooms and train aisles. I completely missed the last train because I didn’t understand the schedule. I spent HUNDREDS extra on things I could’ve gotten for cheap. Sound familiar?
“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my stressful mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, NO-NONSENSE tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.
🎯 Grab Your Copy Now!My Thoughts
The crime rate in Pensacola is comparatively higher than it is in Destin.
However, there are pickpockets in both cities.
Get your properties locked away and apply some security consciousness, you and your family will not get into trouble as you enjoy your vacation.
The crowd in Pensacola Beach is less compared to the crowd in Destin beach.
This is why it is a good beach for families on vacation looking for a good place to kick back and where enjoy the sun, sand, and waves.
Families coming to this beach should expect to spend about $5,000 a week as they will do at Destin beach.
Although there are not many restaurateurs in Destin beach yet it will cost a family an average of $40 per person every day for food.
A family of 4 or 5 will spend between $79 to $200 or more a night in hotel accommodation.
A resort located closer to the beach will give you a full tropical experience, but be ready to part with between $100 to $600 a night.
Within April and September every year, the number of visitors to the Emerald Coast is few.
This is the best time to visit the beach because the cost of things goes down drastically.
FAQs
Love This Post? You’ll Love My Book!
I wasted THOUSANDS on travel mistakes you can EASILY AVOID. ✨ My book shares every lesson I learned the hard way in Japan—so you can have the smooth, amazing trip you deserve without the stress and extra cost.
Get Your Japan Guide NowIs Destin or Pensacola better for families?
Going to the beaches of Pensacola is going close to nature.
The beaches of Pensacola are protected beaches.
Any day you spend on any of the beaches is a day spent with nature as you snorkel in the water.
Destin beach, although crowded is a perfect destination for families on vacation.
The kids have a lot to do, you have wonderful places to shop, and there are family-friendly vibes for the entire family to feel.
Is Pensacola family-friendly?
Pensacola beach is among the best naturally- preserved coastlines in America.
It is full of cheap family fun.
This is the reason Southern Living magazine ranked it among the top family-friendly destinations in the country.
Is Pensacola Beach safe for kids?
Pensacola Beach has a lot of soft white sand, emerald-hued waters, and a very vacation-friendly atmosphere.
The beach has a long outstanding record of being a favorite, family-friendly beach destination that both locals and visitors alike.
