A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Islamorada vs. Carmel-by-the-Sea for Families, Couples, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 tropical, adventurous, and relaxing village. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a charming, picturesque, and quaint 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Islamorada and Carmel-by-the-Sea: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Islamorada than Carmel-by-the-Sea, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Islamorada is better known for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Carmel-by-the-Sea is more popular for its shopping and small town charm. Islamorada is well known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. Also, Islamorada is famous for Theater of the Sea. Carmel-by-the-Sea is well known for its storybook architecture, its opulent setting, and its popularity with golf enthusiasts.

How is Islamorada different from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Carmel Mission is a beautiful and fascinating Spanish mission that dates back to 1770. It's also well worth visiting the nearby Pebble Beach Golf Course. There are also a few fairytale style cottages in the area with some of the most notable being the Hansel cottage, the Gretel cottage, and the Tuck Box cottage.

Is the Food Better in Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Islamorada and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. For such a small town there is a huge number of bistros and local cafes. Seafood is popular, but you'll also find international restaurants and more casual eateries.

Is Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Nightlife?

Islamorada is a village with good options for its evening party scene. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's not a late night town, but there are a couple of bars and some decent Happy Hours around town.

Is Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Resorts?

Islamorada is a village with good options for its resorts. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a resort destination.

Is Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is a village with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Beaches?

Both Islamorada and Carmel-by-the-Sea have high quality beaches worth visiting.

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.

The beaches at Carmel-by-the-Sea attract visitors from all over. It's easy to walk to the beach from the village center. Just head down Ocean Avenue and you'll be at a beautiful beach with great scenery, surfing, and fun activities.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. It's easy to walk around the heart of town and pop in the many shops and galleries. The highest concentration of shops is found around the Carmel Plaza which has upscale brands as well as local items.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Families?

Islamorada is renowned for its family-friendly activities. However, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not a good town 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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is not always a place people visit with their families. Carmel is a good place to let the kids stretch their legs. There are also some good kid-friendly walks in the area.

Is Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Couples?

Islamorada is renowned for couples. Also, Carmel-by-the-Sea is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a charming town with a beautiful coastline and plenty of cute hotels that makes for a great romantic getaway. There's wonderful shopping and many great restaurants where you can enjoy a local meal.

Is Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. There are a couple of buses, but you can't really depend on them to get around.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea a more walkable city?

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a great town for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is very walkable. The village center is very walkable so it's easy to park you car and shop or walk to the beach.

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carmel-by-the-Sea or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Islamorada and Carmel-by-the-Sea. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Islamorada than in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 1-3 days is enough time in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Families should spend more time in Islamorada than Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea.

One day in Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Islamorada, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Carmel-by-the-Sea might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Carmel-by-the-Sea, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With museums and nightlife around the tropical village of Islamorada, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Carmel-by-the-Sea is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

With nightlife and food around the adventurous destination of Islamorada, there's plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have five days, this village makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Islamorada is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week here is typical. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea, we can see that Islamorada is more expensive. And not only is Carmel-by-the-Sea much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Carmel-by-the-Sea would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Islamorada would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Islamorada than you might in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

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

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Islamorada has a larger population, and is about 76% larger than the population of Carmel-by-the-Sea. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada and Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea?

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 Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Summer?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 84°F (29°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Islamorada usually gets more rain in July than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Islamorada is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Islamorada gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Should I visit Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Islamorada is much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamorada in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Carmel-by-the-Sea in the Spring?

Both Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 Carmel-by-the-Sea because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 77°F (25°C), and Carmel-by-the-Sea fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In April, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Carmel-by-the-Sea. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Carmel-by-the-Sea receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Typical Weather for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Islamorada