A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Islamorada vs. Baltimore for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Islamorada or Baltimore?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada or Baltimore, 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.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a relaxing, tropical, and adventurous village. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a historic, vibrant, and diverse city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Islamorada and Baltimore: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Islamorada or Baltimore?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Baltimore. Although Islamorada and Baltimore are popular destinations, Baltimore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Baltimore is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Islamorada attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Islamorada is famous for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. Baltimore is famous for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also well known for the National Aquarium.

How is Islamorada different from Baltimore?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Islamorada
Baltimore

Baltimore 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 Baltimore can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

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 Islamorada or Baltimore? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Islamorada
Baltimore

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Islamorada and Baltimore.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Islamorada. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Baltimore. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Is Islamorada or Baltimore Better for Nightlife?

Islamorada
Baltimore

Baltimore 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 Baltimore has something for everybody. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

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 Islamorada or Baltimore Better for Resorts?

Islamorada
Baltimore

Islamorada is very good for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Islamorada makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.


Is Islamorada or Baltimore Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada
Baltimore

Islamorada is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Baltimore Better for Beaches?

Islamorada
Baltimore

Islamorada is well known for the beache. However, Baltimore 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.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Baltimore?

Islamorada
Baltimore

Baltimore is a great city for shopping. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Baltimore. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Islamorada offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.


Is Islamorada or Baltimore Better for Families?

Islamorada
Baltimore

Islamorada is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Baltimore. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

Is Islamorada or Baltimore Better for Couples?

Islamorada
Baltimore

Islamorada is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Baltimore is a good village for couples to visit. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Is Islamorada or Baltimore Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Islamorada
Baltimore

Baltimore is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Islamorada is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Baltimore. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

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

Islamorada
Baltimore

Baltimore is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada is not known for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Baltimore. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

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 Islamorada or Baltimore a more walkable city?

Islamorada
Baltimore

Baltimore is a great city for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

Baltimore is very walkable. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Islamorada is not a walkable village. 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 Islamorada Worth Visiting? and Is Baltimore Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Baltimore or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Baltimore?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Islamorada and Baltimore. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Islamorada than in Baltimore. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 2-3 days is enough time in Baltimore.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Baltimore 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 Baltimore.


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

One day in Islamorada or Baltimore?

You'll find nightlife and food around the village of Islamorada. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the diverse city of Baltimore, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Islamorada or Baltimore?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxing destination of Islamorada. 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 village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Baltimore, 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.

Five days in Islamorada or Baltimore?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the adventurous village of Islamorada. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this village makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer.

Baltimore, 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.

A week in Islamorada or Baltimore?

Islamorada is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Islamorada, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Baltimore 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Baltimore or Islamorada?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamorada is $145, while the average daily cost in Baltimore is $184. 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 Islamorada and Baltimore in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamorada $79
    Baltimore $93
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamorada $158
    Baltimore $186
Compare Hotels in Islamorada and Baltimore

Looking for a hotel in Islamorada or Baltimore? 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 Islamorada


Hotels in Baltimore


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 and Baltimore Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamorada $28
    Baltimore $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Baltimore

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Baltimore:

  • Airport Transfer Baltimore/Washington International Airport BWI to Washington,DC: $240
  • Private transfer To or Form Bethesda and Dulles International Airport: $209
  • Airport transfer to or from Silver Spring, MD & Reagan Airport(DCA): $200
  • Airport Transfer BWI Airport to Baltimore Downtown Area Only: $160
  • Private Transfer to BWI or Washington DC/Airports: $160
  • BWI Airport: Transfer to Baltimore or Washington DC: $150
  • Departure Private Transfer Baltimore to Baltimore Airport BWI - Business Vehicle: $111
  • Arrival Private Transfer Baltimore Airport BWI to Baltimore by Business Vehicle: $111
  • Baltimore Washington Airport (BWI) to Washington - Arrival Private Transfer: $93
  • Baltimore City to Washington City - Private Car Transfer: $63
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Baltimore Washington Airport BWI: $60
  • Oakland to San Francisco Airport (SFO)-Departure Private Transfer: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamorada or Baltimore?

Prices for flights to both Baltimore and Islamorada 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
    Islamorada $47
    Baltimore $46

Typical Food Prices in Baltimore

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Baltimore:


  • Seafood Dinner (for 2) in Fells Point
    $76

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Baltimore

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Baltimore.

  • Inner Harbor Buffet Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner: $67
  • Federal Hill Food Tour: $71
  • Little Italy and Jonestown Food Tour: $73
  • Fells Point Food Tour in Baltimore: $74
  • Christmas Eve Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Christmas Day Gourmet Brunch or Dinner Cruise: $84
  • Baltimore Signature Dinner Cruise: $101
  • Baltimore Buffet Dinner/Dance Cruise of the Inner Harbor: $119
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Dinner Cruise : $126
  • Baltimore New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner Cruise: $251

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamorada $19
    Baltimore $18

Tours and Activities in Islamorada

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

  • Snorkeling Experience : $80
  • 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure on Pontoon : $80
  • Day Tour Glass Bottom Boat In Islamorada: $80
  • Night Tour Glass Bottom Boat in Islamorada: $80
  • Islamorada Florida Keys Sunset Sightseeing Cruise Music : $86
  • Snorkeling Adventure in Islamorada : $90
  • Snorkeling and Beach Adventure from Cheeca Spa: $90
  • Snorkeling and Beach Adventure: $90
  • Guided Tour with Local Highlights: $95
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip: $130
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip from Cheeca Spa: $140
  • Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $150

Tours and Activities in Baltimore

Here are a few actual costs in Baltimore for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Antietam National Battlefield Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
  • Assateague Island Cruise Departs from Ocean Pines: $45
  • Baltimore Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
  • Baltimore Father's Day Buffet Brunch Cruise Tour: $105
  • Baltimore Ghosts By US Ghost Adventures: $24
  • Baltimore Harbor Tour: $28
  • Baltimore Indoor Skydiving Experience with 2 Flights & Personalized Certificate: $92
  • Baltimore Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
  • Baltimore Signature Lunch Cruise: $76
  • Baltimore Walking Foodie Tour in Fells Point: $99
  • Baltimore's Cruise ship Tour-shuttle service: $25
  • Baltimore's Historical Sightseeing Tour: $41

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamorada $15
    Baltimore $17

Sample the Local Flavors in Baltimore

Also in Baltimore, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Fells Point Haunted Pub Tour by Baltimore Ghost Tours: $33
  • Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • From Patapsco Region Wine Tour with Lunch: $175


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamorada and Baltimore, we can see that Baltimore 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 Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore 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 Islamorada Expensive? and Is Baltimore Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Baltimore?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada and Baltimore, 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 Islamorada or Baltimore?

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 Islamorada or Baltimore in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Baltimore. Most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Islamorada is a little warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamorada in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Baltimore averages at about 78°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the summer, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Baltimore. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 283 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Baltimore. Islamorada usually gets less rain in July than Baltimore. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamorada 84°F (29°C) 
    Baltimore 78°F (25°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Baltimore in the Autumn?

Both Baltimore and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year.

In October, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Baltimore. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 80°F (27°C), and Baltimore fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during autumn. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Islamorada. In October, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Baltimore. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamorada 80°F (27°C) 
    Baltimore 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Baltimore in the Winter?

Both Baltimore and Islamorada during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Baltimore for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Baltimore. Islamorada is much warmer than Baltimore in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Baltimore fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the winter, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Baltimore. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baltimore receives 153 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Baltimore. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamorada 70°F (21°C) 
    Baltimore 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Baltimore in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Baltimore. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Baltimore in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Islamorada is much warmer than Baltimore. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamorada in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Baltimore averages at about 54°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Baltimore during spring. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Baltimore receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Baltimore. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Baltimore receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamorada 77°F (25°C) 
    Baltimore 54°F (12°C)

Typical Weather for Baltimore and Islamorada

Islamorada Baltimore
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 32°F (0°C) 2.9 inches (74 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 35°F (2°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 45°F (7°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 73°F (23°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 78°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 76°F (25°C) 4.2 inches (107 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 47°F (9°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 37°F (3°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)