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

Should you visit Islamorada or Durham?

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

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

Durham

Durham is a student-filled, sports oriented, and diverse city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Islamorada and Durham: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Durham?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Islamorada than Durham, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Islamorada is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Durham is more popular for its museums. Islamorada is more touristy than Durham and is popular for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. Also, Islamorada is famous for Theater of the Sea. Durham is well known for its college town vibe as well as being the home of the famous Blue Devil basketball team.

How is Islamorada different from Durham?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Durham 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 Durham can be an interesting and educational experience. Duke University is one of the most popular destinations in town. There are several museums on campus as well as the famous Duke Chapel. Elsewhere in Durham there's the Durham Museum of Life and Science.

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 Durham? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Islamorada is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Islamorada is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Durham. Barbecue is a favorite around town. You'll also find plenty of restaurants that cater to the student population, particularly along Nineth Street near Duke's campus.

Is Islamorada or Durham Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Islamorada and Durham.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Durham. The younger population tends to hang out near campus and along Nineth Street. If you're looking for something less student oriented, head to downtown Durham.

Is Islamorada or Durham Better for Resorts?

Islamorada is very good for its resorts. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a resort destination.

Is Islamorada or Durham Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Durham Better for Beaches?

Islamorada is a well-known place for the beach. However, Durham 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.

Durham is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Durham?

If you're looking to go shopping, Islamorada and Durham both offer plenty of notable spots.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Islamorada. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

Durham offers some nice shopping areas. The Streets of Southpoint is the best mall in the area. Other shopping areas include Brightleaf Square and Nineth Street.

Is Islamorada or Durham Better for Families?

Islamorada is an amazing village to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Durham is a family-friendly village. A highlight for kids is a visit to the Durham Museum of Life and Science. It has both an indoor and an outdoor section and brings science to life for families. There's also an impressive playground and climbing area. Other activities in town include the Notasium and Eno River State Park. If you plan ahead you could also organize a trip to the Duke Lemur Center.

Is Islamorada or Durham Better for Couples?

Islamorada is an amazing village to visit for couples. Also, Durham is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Durham is a nice destination for couples. Have a picnic at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens or spend the day hiking at Eno River State Park. In the evening there's a wonderful selection of restaurants around town. Then you can check out a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center or see a Durham Bulls game.

Is Islamorada or Durham Better for Students?

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

Durham is a great city to visit as a student. Duke University has a stunning campus with a world class garden. There's also nearby Nineth Street, which has shops, restaurants, and bars that are geared toward the student population.

Islamorada is not popular with students.

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

Durham 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 Durham. There are buses around town, but you really need a car to explore the area.

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 Durham a more walkable city?

Durham is adequate for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

Durham is generally not a very walkable city. Downtown Durham and a few areas near Duke University are the most walkable areas.

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 Durham Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durham or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Durham?

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

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

One day in Islamorada or Durham?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Islamorada. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Islamorada or Durham?

Islamorada is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Durham, 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 Durham?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Islamorada. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Durham, 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 Durham?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing destination of Islamorada. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Durham 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 comparing the travel costs between Islamorada and Durham, we can see that Durham 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 Islamorada Expensive? and Is Durham Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Durham?

Durham has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada and Durham, 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 Durham?

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 Durham in the Summer?

Both Durham and Islamorada during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Durham because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Islamorada is generally a little warmer than Durham. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 84°F (29°C), and Durham fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Durham, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the summer, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Durham. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 259 hours of full sun.

Durham gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamorada usually gets less rain in July than Durham. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Durham in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Durham. The autumn months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Durham this time of year.

Islamorada is much warmer than Durham in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Durham fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Durham this time of the year. In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Durham during autumn. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Islamorada gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Durham. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Should I visit Islamorada or Durham in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Durham. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Durham for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Durham. In the winter, Islamorada is much warmer than Durham. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamorada in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Durham averages at about 40°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the winter, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Durham. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Durham receives 162 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Durham. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Durham receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Durham in the Spring?

Both Durham and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Durham. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 77°F (25°C), and Durham fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

It's quite sunny in Durham. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Durham during spring. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Durham receives 251 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Durham and Islamorada