A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Destin vs. Key Largo for Families, Resorts, Beaches, and Food

Should you visit Destin or Key Largo?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Destin and Key Largo can help you decide which place is right for you.

Destin

Destin is a relaxing, peaceful, and family-friendly beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a beautiful, relaxed, and peaceful island. It's a quaint destination. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Destin and Key Largo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Destin or Key Largo?

Both Key Largo and Destin have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Destin is better known for its food, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Key Largo is more popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and quaint atmosphere. Destin is well known for its powdery sand and turquoise water, its kid-friendly environment, and its local waterfront seafood restaurants. Key Largo is well known for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove.

How is Destin different from Key Largo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Destin is a beach town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Destin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Key Largo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known for its Key Lime pie and seafood. You'll find a great selection of restaurants that serve seafood dishes and options for the land-loving crew. There are even a few international restaurants to choose from.

Is Destin or Key Largo Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo is a moderate island for nightlife. However, Destin is a mediocre beach town for nightlife and partying.

Most people don't head to Key Largo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

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 Destin or Key Largo Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Destin and Key Largo.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Destin. 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.

Key Largo is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Is Destin or Key Largo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Destin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Key Largo. Near this island you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are private tours that head out to the reef for either snorkeling or diving. There are also shipwrecks and other fascinating spots to explore.

Destin is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Destin or Key Largo Better for Beaches?

Destin is great for the beach. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

The beaches at Destin attract visitors from all over. 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.

Key Largo offers a nice beach destination. Many of the beaches around Key Largo are man-made, but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water. The water is turquoise, although not as striking as further south.

Is the Shopping Better in Destin or Key Largo?

Destin is a beach town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Destin has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Destin or Key Largo Better for Families?

Key Largo is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Destin is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Key Largo is one of the most popular family destinations. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There's also several places where your kids can interact with dolphins or experience wildlife. If you want to get out on the water, there's kayaking, sunset cruises, and glass bottom boats, all of which are great for the whole family.

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 Destin or Key Largo Better for Couples?

Both Destin and Key Largo are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Destin is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Key Largo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. You'll also find kayaking and sunset cruises that leave from the area.

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

Neither Destin or Key Largo offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Key Largo. There's no real public transit around the island and you must have a car to get around.

Is Destin or Key Largo a more walkable city?

Neither Destin or Key Largo are walkable places.

Destin is not a walkable beach town. The area is very spread out and not walkable so you'll need a car to access restaurants and most forms of entertainment.

Key Largo is not a very walkable beach town. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Destin Worth Visiting? and Is Key Largo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Key Largo or Destin?

How long in Destin or Key Largo?

Both Destin and Key Largo have a number of activities to choose from. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 5-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Key Largo 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 Key Largo.

One day in Destin or Key Largo?

You'll find food and shopping around the beach town of Destin. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Key Largo. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Destin or Key Largo?

You'll find shopping and food around the beautiful destination of Destin. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Key Largo 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.

Five days in Destin or Key Largo?

You'll find food and shopping around the family-friendly beach town of Destin. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key Largo. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Destin or Key Largo?

Destin is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Destin, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the relaxed destination of Key Largo. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Destin and Key Largo, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Destin or Key Largo?

Key Largo has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Destin. When comparing the sizes of Destin and Key Largo, 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 Destin or Key Largo?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Destin or Key Largo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Destin as well as Key Largo. Many travelers come to Destin for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Key Largo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Destin is generally around the same temperature as Key Largo. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 82°F (28°C), and Key Largo fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. Destin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Destin usually gets more rain in July than Key Largo. Destin gets 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Key Largo in the Autumn?

Both Key Largo and Destin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Destin in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Destin is cooler than Key Largo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Destin averages around 69°F (21°C) in October, and Key Largo fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. It's quite rainy in Destin. In October, Destin usually receives less rain than Key Largo. Destin gets 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Destin or Key Largo in the Winter?

Both Key Largo and Destin during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Destin for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the cuisine.

In the winter, Destin is much colder than Key Largo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Destin in January average around 50°F (10°C), and Key Largo averages at about 67°F (19°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Destin. Destin usually gets more rain in January than Key Largo. Destin gets 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain, while Key Largo receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Destin or Key Largo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Destin and Key Largo. The spring months attract visitors to Destin because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year.

In April, Destin is generally cooler than Key Largo. Daily temperatures in Destin average around 68°F (20°C), and Key Largo fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

In April, Destin usually receives more rain than Key Largo. Destin gets 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain, while Key Largo receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Key Largo and Destin