A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Islamorada vs. Orlando for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Islamorada or Orlando?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada or Orlando, 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Orlando

Orlando is a family-friendly, entertaining, and active city. Other reasons to visit include theater, nightlife, and food.

Islamorada and Orlando: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Orlando?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Orlando. Although Islamorada and Orlando are both popular with visitors, Orlando has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Orlando is more popular for its theatre productions, resorts, and shopping, while Islamorada is known for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Orlando is more touristy than Islamorada and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. It is also home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Islamorada is popular for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe.

How is Islamorada different from Orlando?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Islamorada is a popular place for its historical sights. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Islamorada or Orlando Better for Theater?

Orlando is a nice place to visit for theatre. However, Islamorada is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Islamorada is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Islamorada and Orlando.

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 Orlando. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Is Islamorada or Orlando Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Orlando. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Islamorada or Orlando Better for Resorts?

Orlando is renowned for its luxury resorts. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its resorts.

Orlando offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

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.

Is Islamorada or Orlando Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Orlando is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Islamorada has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Orlando is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Orlando Better for Beaches?

Islamorada is great for its beaches. However, Orlando is not a beach destination.

Islamorada is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Orlando?

Orlando 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 Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando Better for Christmas?

Orlando is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Islamorada does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Orlando. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Islamorada does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Islamorada or Orlando Better for Families?

Islamorada and Orlando are both fantastic destinations for the whole family.

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.

Orlando is an extremely popular village to visit for families. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Is Islamorada or Orlando Better for Couples?

Islamorada is renowned for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Islamorada makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Islamorada or Orlando Better for Students?

Orlando is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Islamorada is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Islamorada is not popular with students.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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 Orlando a more walkable city?

Neither Islamorada or Orlando are walkable places.

Islamorada is not a very walkable village. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

Orlando is not a walkable village. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Islamorada Worth Visiting? and Is Orlando Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Orlando or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Orlando?

Both Islamorada and Orlando have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Orlando has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Orlando than Islamorada. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 7 days is enough time in Orlando.

Families should spend more time in Islamorada than Orlando. 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 Orlando. 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 Orlando?

In Islamorada, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This village offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

With theater and nightlife around the entertaining city of Orlando, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Islamorada or Orlando?

In Islamorada, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Orlando, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Islamorada or Orlando?

Islamorada is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Islamorada has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Orlando, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Islamorada or Orlando?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Islamorada. In Islamorada, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Orlando is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. 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 Orlando, we can see that Orlando 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando 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 Orlando Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Orlando?

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

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 Orlando in the Summer?

Both Orlando and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Islamorada is around the same temperature as Orlando in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Orlando fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. In July, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Orlando. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Islamorada or Orlando in the Autumn?

Both Orlando and Islamorada during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Orlando because of the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Islamorada is a little warmer than Orlando. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamorada in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Orlando averages at about 75°F (24°C).

Orlando gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually gets more rain in October than Orlando. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Should I visit Islamorada or Orlando in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Orlando. The winter months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Orlando this time of year.

In January, Islamorada is generally a little warmer than Orlando. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 70°F (21°C), and Orlando fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In January, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Orlando. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Islamorada or Orlando in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Orlando. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

Islamorada is a little warmer than Orlando in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Orlando fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Islamorada usually gets less rain in April than Orlando. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Typical Weather for Orlando and Islamorada