A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Islamorada vs. Bar Harbor for Families, Couples, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Islamorada or Bar Harbor?

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

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

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a picturesque, relaxed, and quaint coastal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches.

Islamorada and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Bar Harbor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Islamorada. Although Islamorada and Bar Harbor are both popular with visitors, Islamorada has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Islamorada is more popular for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Bar Harbor is known for its hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Islamorada is popular for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. It is also home to Theater of the Sea. Bar Harbor is popular for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Islamorada different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bar Harbor 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 Bar Harbor?

Islamorada is a village with good options for its sights and museums. However, Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

Islamorada is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Bar Harbor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Islamorada and Bar Harbor.

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 Bar Harbor. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Is Islamorada or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Islamorada is a village with good options for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Islamorada or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, good resorts can be found in both Islamorada and Bar Harbor.

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

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Is Islamorada or Bar Harbor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is a village with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life 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.

Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Islamorada is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for the beache.

The beaches at Islamorada attract visitors from all over. 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.

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Is Islamorada or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Bar Harbor has hiking trails worth exploring. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town 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 Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

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 Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Islamorada is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Islamorada is an extremely popular village to visit for families. 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.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly village. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Islamorada or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

Islamorada is terrific for romance. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its romantic activities.

Islamorada is a great village for couples, as it 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.

Bar Harbor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

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

Bar Harbor is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada is not known for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

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 Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

Bar Harbor is very walkable. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

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 Bar Harbor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Bar Harbor?

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

Families should spend more time in Islamorada than Bar Harbor. 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 Bar Harbor. 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 Islamorada than Bar Harbor 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 Islamorada.

One day in Islamorada or Bar Harbor?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the adventurous village of Islamorada, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bar Harbor might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Bar Harbor?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Islamorada, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Islamorada or Bar Harbor?

Islamorada, a popular village, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this village. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bar Harbor, a popular coastal town, 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 Bar Harbor?

Islamorada is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this village makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bar Harbor 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Bar Harbor?

Islamorada has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada and Bar Harbor, 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 Bar Harbor?

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 Bar Harbor in the Summer?

Both Bar Harbor and Islamorada during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Islamorada is a little warmer than Bar Harbor in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Islamorada usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bar Harbor. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Bar Harbor. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Islamorada is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamorada in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 48°F (9°C).

Islamorada gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Islamorada or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Bar Harbor. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Bar Harbor can be very cold during winter. In January, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 70°F (21°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Bar Harbor. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Islamorada is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Islamorada