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

Should you visit Islamorada or Lancaster?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada or Lancaster, 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Lancaster

Lancaster is a scenic, traditional, and picturesque town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Islamorada and Lancaster: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Lancaster?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Islamorada than Lancaster, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Islamorada is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Lancaster is more popular for its museums and shopping. Islamorada is more touristy than Lancaster and is known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. Also, Islamorada is famous for Theater of the Sea. Lancaster is well known for its history and long running Amish community.

How is Islamorada different from Lancaster?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lancaster is a great town 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 Lancaster can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history and local culture, there are many educational opportunities in the area where you can learn about Amish traditions. The Amish Village has tours and unique experiences. The town also has James Buchanan's Wheatland, the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the National Toy Train Museum, the Ephrata Cloister, and the National Watch & Clock Museum, among many others.

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 Lancaster? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Islamorada is a great village for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Islamorada has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Lancaster offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You can sample authentic Pennsylvania Dutch dishes at one of the Amish restaurants in the area. Many places serve food family-style and dishes include chicken pot pie, ham balls, and pork and sauerkraut. Whoopie pies also originated in the area.

Is Islamorada or Lancaster Better for Nightlife?

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Lancaster is not known for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Lancaster specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town, but you'll still find local pubs and cozy bars where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back atmosphere.

Is Islamorada or Lancaster Better for Resorts?

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a resort destination.

Is Islamorada or Lancaster Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Lancaster Better for Beaches?

Islamorada is a great village for the beach. However, Lancaster 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.

Lancaster is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Lancaster?

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. Many visitors pick up hand-crafted Amish items while they're in town. Furniture and Amish quilts are particularly popular. Farmers markets and antique shopping are both unique in the area and there are also art galleries and several outlet stores that you can visit.

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 Lancaster Better for Families?

Islamorada is an amazing village to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-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.

Lancaster is a very family-friendly place to visit. In you area you'll find farms and petting zoos, amusement parks, and train rides. They can learn about a unique lifestyle at the Amish Experience or soak up the local beauty and farmland in the surrounding countryside.

Is Islamorada or Lancaster Better for Couples?

Islamorada is an amazing village to visit for couples. Also, Lancaster is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

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.

Lancaster is a very popular place to visit for couples. This region is known for it's local beauty and serene farmland, making it a relaxing and peaceful destination for couples. There are walking trails, outdoor activities, buggy rides, and a variety of dining experiences. You can also stay at a bed and breakfast or local inn.

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

Lancaster 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 Lancaster. The city has buses and several transportation options, but once you're outside of the urban core, your options are limited.

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 Lancaster a more walkable city?

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

Lancaster is generally not a very walkable town. While the city itself has walkable areas, most visitors want to get out and explore the countryside, which requires a car.

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 Lancaster Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lancaster or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Lancaster?

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

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

One day in Islamorada or Lancaster?

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 food around the scenic town of Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

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 food and shopping around the destination of Lancaster, 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 town.

Five days in Islamorada or Lancaster?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the tropical 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.

Lancaster, a popular 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 Lancaster?

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.

Lancaster 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 Lancaster, we can see that Lancaster 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 Lancaster would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lancaster 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 Lancaster Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Lancaster?

Lancaster has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada and Lancaster, 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 Lancaster?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Islamorada or Lancaster in the Summer?

Both Lancaster and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lancaster this time of year.

In July, Islamorada is generally a little warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 84°F (29°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

It's quite sunny in Lancaster. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lancaster during summer. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 310 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.6 inches (91 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Islamorada or Lancaster in the Autumn?

Both Lancaster and Islamorada during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lancaster for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Islamorada is much warmer than Lancaster in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Lancaster fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the autumn, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 194 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually gets more rain in October than Lancaster. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.9 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Should I visit Islamorada or Lancaster in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Lancaster. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Lancaster in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lancaster can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Islamorada is much warmer than Lancaster. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamorada in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Lancaster averages at about 30°F (-1°C).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Lancaster during winter. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Lancaster receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Lancaster. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Islamorada or Lancaster in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Lancaster. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Lancaster for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Lancaster. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 77°F (25°C), and Lancaster fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lancaster. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the spring, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Lancaster. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lancaster receives 237 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets less rain in April than Lancaster. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Lancaster receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Lancaster and Islamorada