A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Everglades National Park vs. Islamorada for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Everglades National Park or Islamorada?

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 Everglades National Park and Islamorada can help you decide which place is right for you.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a unique, natural, and wild national park. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a tropical, adventurous, and relaxing village. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Everglades National Park and Islamorada: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Everglades National Park or Islamorada?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Islamorada than Everglades National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Islamorada is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Everglades National Park is more popular for its hiking. Everglades National Park is well known for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees. Islamorada is well known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. Also, Islamorada is famous for Theater of the Sea.

How is Everglades National Park different from Islamorada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Islamorada and Everglades National Park. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Everglades National Park or Islamorada?

Everglades National Park
Islamorada

Islamorada is very good for its historical sights. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Islamorada. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.


Is the Food Better in Everglades National Park or Islamorada? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Everglades National Park
Islamorada

Islamorada is a great village for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Islamorada has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Everglades National Park or Islamorada Better for Nightlife?

Everglades National Park
Islamorada

Islamorada is very good for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Islamorada has a few options to choose from. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

People don't go to Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Islamorada Better for Resorts?

Everglades National Park
Islamorada

Islamorada is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Everglades National Park is not a resort destination.

Islamorada has a few great resort options. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Everglades National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Everglades National Park or Islamorada Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Everglades National Park
Islamorada

Islamorada is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Everglades National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Islamorada. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

Everglades National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Islamorada Better for Beaches?

Everglades National Park
Islamorada

Islamorada is a great village for the beach. However, Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Islamorada is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Everglades National Park or Islamorada Better for Hiking?

Everglades National Park
Islamorada

Everglades National Park is a great national park for hiking. However, Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Everglades National Park for the hiking trails. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Islamorada is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Everglades National Park or Islamorada?

Everglades National Park
Islamorada

Islamorada is very good for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

Islamorada has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.

Is Everglades National Park or Islamorada Better for Families?

Everglades National Park
Islamorada

Islamorada is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-friendly activities.

Islamorada is one of the most popular family destinations. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

Everglades National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.

Is Everglades National Park or Islamorada Better for Couples?

Everglades National Park
Islamorada

Islamorada is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Islamorada has plenty to offer. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

Everglades National Park is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.


Is Everglades National Park or Islamorada Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Everglades National Park
Islamorada

Everglades National Park is a great national park for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Islamorada is not known for backpackers.

Everglades National Park is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

Islamorada is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels on this key and prices in general can be a bit high so backpackers will find it a bit challenging.

Is Everglades National Park or Islamorada Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Everglades National Park
Islamorada

Neither Everglades National Park or Islamorada offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Is Everglades National Park or Islamorada a more walkable city?

Everglades National Park
Islamorada

Everglades National Park is adequate for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

Everglades National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

Islamorada is not a walkable national park. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.


For even more information, also check out Is Everglades National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Islamorada Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Islamorada or Everglades National Park?

How long in Everglades National Park or Islamorada?

Both Everglades National Park and Islamorada have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Islamorada than in Everglades National Park. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Everglades National Park, and 4-7 days is enough time in Islamorada.

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

Couples should spend more time in Islamorada than Everglades National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Islamorada that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.


  • How many days in Everglades National Park or Islamorada? Ideal Length of Stay
    Everglades National Park 2-3 
    Islamorada 4-7

One day in Everglades National Park or Islamorada?

With around the wild national park of Everglades National Park, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

With nightlife and food around the adventurous village of Islamorada, there's plenty to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A weekend in Everglades National Park or Islamorada?

With around the destination of Everglades National Park, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this national park.

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the tropical destination of Islamorada, there's plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Five days in Everglades National Park or Islamorada?

Everglades National Park, a popular national park, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the relaxing village of Islamorada, there's plenty to do. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A week in Everglades National Park or Islamorada?

Everglades National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Islamorada is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America, The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Islamorada or Everglades National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Everglades National Park is $146, while the average daily cost in Islamorada is $145. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Everglades National Park and Islamorada in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Everglades National Park $80
    Islamorada $79
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Everglades National Park $160
    Islamorada $158
Compare Hotels in Everglades National Park and Islamorada

Looking for a hotel in Everglades National Park or Islamorada? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Everglades National Park


Hotels in Islamorada


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Islamorada Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Everglades National Park $56
    Islamorada $28

Is it cheaper to fly into Everglades National Park or Islamorada?

Prices for flights to both Islamorada and Everglades National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Everglades National Park $31
    Islamorada $47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Everglades National Park $28
    Islamorada $19

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • 2 Hour Chokoloskee Island Kayak Tour: $80
  • 4 Hour Everglades Kayak Tour: $120
  • 6 Hour Everglades Mangroves Kayak Tour: $200
  • Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 hours): $120
  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $48
  • Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour: $120

Tours and Activities in Islamorada

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamorada.

  • 1.5 Hour (20 miles) Waverunner Tour. See Mangrove Tunnels, 20 Islands & SandBar: $225
  • Day Tour Glass Bottom Boat In Islamorada: $80
  • From Miami: Key Largo & Islamorada Private Open-Top Bus Tour: $1,515
  • Islamorada Florida Keys Sunset Sightseeing Cruise Music : $86
  • 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure on Pontoon : $80
  • Guided Tour with Local Highlights: $95
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip: $130
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip from Cheeca Spa: $140
  • Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $150
  • Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $160
  • Snorkeling Experience : $80
  • Snorkeling and Beach Adventure: $90

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Everglades National Park $7.86
    Islamorada $15


When comparing the travel costs between Everglades National Park and Islamorada, we can see that Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park Expensive? and Is Islamorada Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Everglades National Park or Islamorada?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Islamorada in the Summer?

Both Islamorada and Everglades National Park are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Islamorada for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Everglades National Park is around the same temperature as Islamorada. Typically, the summer temperatures in Everglades National Park in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Islamorada averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Islamorada during summer. Everglades National Park gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Everglades National Park. In July, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Islamorada. Everglades National Park gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C) 
    Islamorada 84°F (29°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Islamorada in the Autumn?

Both Islamorada and Everglades National Park during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Everglades National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Islamorada in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Everglades National Park is generally around the same temperature as Islamorada. Daily temperatures in Everglades National Park average around 78°F (26°C), and Islamorada fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Everglades National Park. In the autumn, Everglades National Park often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Islamorada. Everglades National Park gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 258 hours of full sun.

Islamorada gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in October than Islamorada. Everglades National Park gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Everglades National Park is the hurricane season. Also, June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C) 
    Islamorada 80°F (27°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Islamorada in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Everglades National Park and Islamorada. Many visitors come to Everglades National Park in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Islamorada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Everglades National Park is around the same temperature as Islamorada in the winter. The daily temperature in Everglades National Park averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Islamorada fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In Everglades National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Everglades National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Islamorada during winter. Everglades National Park gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Everglades National Park usually receives more rain than Islamorada. Everglades National Park gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C) 
    Islamorada 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Everglades National Park or Islamorada in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Everglades National Park as well as Islamorada. Most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Everglades National Park is around the same temperature as Islamorada. Typically, the spring temperatures in Everglades National Park in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Islamorada averages at about 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Everglades National Park this time of the year. In the spring, Everglades National Park often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. Everglades National Park gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 326 hours of full sun.

Everglades National Park usually gets more rain in April than Islamorada. Everglades National Park gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November. Also, the hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C) 
    Islamorada 77°F (25°C)

Typical Weather for Islamorada and Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park Islamorada
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm)