A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Gainesville vs. Islamorada for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Gainesville or Islamorada?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Gainesville or Islamorada, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Gainesville

Gainesville is a active, vibrant, and high energy city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a adventurous, relaxing, and tropical village. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Gainesville and Islamorada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Gainesville or Islamorada?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Islamorada. Although Gainesville and Islamorada are both popular with visitors, Islamorada has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Islamorada is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Gainesville is known for its museums and nightlife. Islamorada is more touristy than Gainesville and is popular for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. It is also home to Theater of the Sea. Gainesville is popular for being the home of the University of Florida

How is Gainesville different from Islamorada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Gainesville or Islamorada?

Gainesville is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Gainesville can be an interesting and educational experience. There's a surprising number of museums around town such as the Florida Museum of Natural History, the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, and the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention. Also fascinating is the Historic Haile Homestead, the Butterfly Rainforest, and the city's planetarium.

Islamorada offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Is the Food Better in Gainesville or Islamorada? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Islamorada is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Islamorada makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Gainesville has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Casual eateries are popular around town, particularly with the student population. There are grills, diners, and bistros that serve local dishes at affordable prices.

Is Gainesville or Islamorada Better for Nightlife?

Gainesville is a great city for nightlife. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Gainesville has something for everybody. The nightlife centers around the student population. The two main party areas are Midtown and Downtown. Midtown is between Northwest 17th Street and Northwest 18th Street and it's convenient for students who live on campus. The area has a great stretch of bars and clubs. The Downtown area has many of the city's top clubs, and it's popular with upperclassmen and students who live off campus.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Islamorada. 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.

Is Gainesville or Islamorada Better for Resorts?

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Gainesville is not a resort destination.

Islamorada has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Gainesville is not a resort destination.

Is Gainesville or Islamorada Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Gainesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Islamorada has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Gainesville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Gainesville or Islamorada Better for Beaches?

Islamorada is notable for its beaches. However, Gainesville is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Islamorada. 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.

Gainesville is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Gainesville or Islamorada?

Both Gainesville and Islamorada are good shopping destinations.

Gainesville is a great destination for shopping. You'll find all of the standard shopping options around town such as malls, shopping centers, and retail outlets. Two popular areas are the Neighborhoods at Butler and Celebration Pointe.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Islamorada. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

Is Gainesville or Islamorada Better for Families?

Islamorada is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Islamorada is an amazing family-friendly village to visit. 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.

Gainesville is a family-friendly city. You'll find outdoor activities, nature parks, and a couple of museums that will appeal to all ages. Highlights for families include A. Quinn Jones Museum and Cultural Center, the Adventure Outpost, and Alfred A. Ring Park.

Is Gainesville or Islamorada Better for Couples?

Islamorada is very popular for romance. Also, Gainesville is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Islamorada has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Gainesville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy wine tasting and fine dining or enjoying the city's many outdoor activities. Go on a picnic or explore one of the museums in Downtown Gainesville.

Is Gainesville or Islamorada Better for Students?

Gainesville is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Islamorada is not popular with students.

Gainesville is a great city to visit as a student. As the location of the University of Florida, you'll find many students around town. This keeps the energy high with plenty of evening activities and affordable entertainment options.

Islamorada is not popular with students.

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

Gainesville is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada is not known for its public transit.

While Gainesville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system that's free to students and employees of the university.

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 Gainesville or Islamorada a more walkable city?

Gainesville is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

Gainesville is somewhat walkable. Biking is actually a popular way to get around town and some areas are pedestrian-friendly.

Islamorada is not a walkable city. 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 Gainesville Worth Visiting? and Is Islamorada Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Islamorada or Gainesville?

How long in Gainesville or Islamorada?

Both Gainesville 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 Gainesville. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Gainesville, and 4-7 days is enough time in Islamorada.

Families should spend more time in Islamorada than Gainesville. 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 Gainesville. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Gainesville than Islamorada 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 Gainesville.

One day in Gainesville or Islamorada?

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant city of Gainesville, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Gainesville, one day is sufficent for most.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the adventurous village of Islamorada. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Gainesville or Islamorada?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Gainesville, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the tropical destination of Islamorada. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This village offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Gainesville or Islamorada?

Gainesville, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the adventurous village of Islamorada. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Gainesville or Islamorada?

Gainesville 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Islamorada. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this village.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Gainesville and Islamorada, we can see that Gainesville is more expensive. And not only is Islamorada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Islamorada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamorada and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Gainesville would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gainesville than you might in Islamorada.

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

Which is Bigger, Gainesville or Islamorada?

Gainesville has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Gainesville and Islamorada, 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 Gainesville or Islamorada?

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 Gainesville or Islamorada in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Gainesville as well as Islamorada. The summer months attract visitors to Gainesville because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

Gainesville is around the same temperature as Islamorada in the summer. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Islamorada fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

Gainesville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Gainesville usually gets more rain in July than Islamorada. Gainesville gets 6.8 inches (174 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gainesville or Islamorada in the Autumn?

Both Islamorada and Gainesville are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene are the main draw to Gainesville this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Gainesville is cooler than Islamorada. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Gainesville in October average around 71°F (22°C), and Islamorada averages at about 80°F (27°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. In October, Gainesville usually receives less rain than Islamorada. Gainesville gets 2 inches (51 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Gainesville is the hurricane season. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Gainesville or Islamorada in the Winter?

Both Islamorada and Gainesville during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Gainesville for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Islamorada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Gainesville is generally much colder than Islamorada. Daily temperatures in Gainesville average around 54°F (12°C), and Islamorada fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

Gainesville usually gets more rain in January than Islamorada. Gainesville gets 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Gainesville or Islamorada in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Gainesville and Islamorada. Furthermore, most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Gainesville is cooler than Islamorada in the spring. The daily temperature in Gainesville averages around 69°F (20°C) in April, and Islamorada fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In April, Gainesville usually receives more rain than Islamorada. Gainesville gets 2 inches (50 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Gainesville is June to November. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Typical Weather for Islamorada and Gainesville