A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Islamorada vs. Panama City for Families, Couples, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Islamorada or Panama City?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada or Panama City, 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 relaxing, tropical, and adventurous village. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Panama City

Panama City is a fun-filled, active, and cosmopolitan beach town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Islamorada and Panama City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Panama City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Islamorada. Although Islamorada and Panama City are popular destinations, Islamorada has more sights and attractions for tourists. Islamorada is very popular for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while Panama City attracts visitors for its nightlife and music. Panama City is more touristy than Islamorada and is popular for its watersports, sandy beaches, and year-round beach weather. Islamorada is famous for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. It is also well known for Theater of the Sea.

How is Islamorada different from Panama City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Panama City does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Islamorada is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Panama City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are many waterfront restaurants that serve freshly caught seafood. Head to town for a charming atmosphere or grab a bite at a casual eatery. Fried seafood is popular when eating out but you'll also find plenty of options for land-lovers. Most restaurants also have kid-friendly menus.

Is Islamorada or Panama City Better for Nightlife?

Panama City is a great beach town for nightlife. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Panama City has something for everybody. The nightlife is particular crazy during spring break, when the town fills with students. Head to the famous Club La Vela or Spinnaker for music and fun at night.

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.

Is Islamorada or Panama City Better for Music?

Panama City is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Islamorada is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Panama City active and fun. A popular way to enjoy music in the area is to find a restaurant with a lounge where local musicians perform.

Islamorada is not a live music destination.

Is Islamorada or Panama City Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, nice resorts can be found in both Islamorada and Panama City.

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, Panama City makes a nice vacation spot. Most people stay in condos that are VRBO's or Airbnbs, but there are resorts in the area as well.

Is Islamorada or Panama City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Panama City 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.

Panama City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Panama City Better for Beaches?

Both Islamorada and Panama City have superb 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 Panama City attract visitors from all over. With miles of long white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters, this area's beaches offer a beautiful escape. Head to the area's state parks for the most natural experience. These include St. Andrews State Park and Camp Helen State Park. A day trip to Shell Island is also popular.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Panama City?

If you're looking to go shopping, Islamorada and Panama City both offer plenty of nice 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.

Panama City offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of malls and shopping centers in the area.

Is Islamorada or Panama City Better for Families?

Islamorada and Panama City are both amazing 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.

Panama City is an extremely popular village to visit for families. This area has large sandy beaches, waterparks, amusement parks, and marine parks. Kids will enjoy playing around at WonderWorks, cooling off at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and learning about marine life at Gulf World Marine Park. There are also many watersports and water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Is Islamorada or Panama City Better for Couples?

Islamorada is an amazing village to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Panama City is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Panama City is a great village if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful beaches and romantic restaurants make for a great romantic getaway. This is the perfect place to take sunset walks along the beach and sample freshly caught local seafood.

Is Islamorada or Panama City Better for Students?

Panama City is a great beach town for its student-friendly activities. However, Islamorada is not popular with students.

Panama City is a great beach town to visit as a student. It's not the spring break destination that it once was, but you'll still find students hanging out around the spring holidays.

Islamorada is not popular with students.

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

Panama City 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 Panama City. Most people need a car in Panama City but there is a trolley service that connects major tourist areas.

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 Panama City a more walkable city?

Neither Islamorada or Panama City 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.

Panama City is not a walkable village. There's often construction and the streets aren't designed for pedestrians.

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

Should I spend more time in Panama City or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Panama City?

Both Islamorada and Panama City have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Islamorada has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Islamorada than Panama City. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 3-7 days is enough time in Panama City.

Families should spend more time in Islamorada than Panama City. 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 Panama City. 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 Panama City 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 Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the adventurous village of Islamorada. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With shopping and nightlife around the active beach town of Panama City, 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.

A weekend in Islamorada or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adventurous destination of Islamorada. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This village offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

With nightlife and live music around the destination of Panama City, 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.

Five days in Islamorada or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the relaxing village of Islamorada. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Panama City, a popular beach town, 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 beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Islamorada or Panama City?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Islamorada. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this village.

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

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Panama City?

Panama City has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada and Panama City, 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 Panama City?

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 Panama City in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Panama City. The summer months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Panama City this time of year.

In the summer, Islamorada is around the same temperature as Panama City. Typically, the summer temperatures in Islamorada in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Panama City averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Panama City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the summer, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Panama City. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 283 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Panama City. Islamorada usually gets less rain in July than Panama City. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 7.3 inches (184 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Panama City in the Autumn?

Both Panama City and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Panama City for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Islamorada is generally a little warmer than Panama City. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 80°F (27°C), and Panama City fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite sunny in Panama City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Panama City during autumn. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 256 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Islamorada. In October, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Panama City. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Should I visit Islamorada or Panama City in the Winter?

Both Panama City and Islamorada during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Panama City in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Islamorada is much warmer than Panama City in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Panama City fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the winter, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Panama City. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Panama City receives 185 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Panama City. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Panama City in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Panama City. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Panama City for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Islamorada is a little warmer than Panama City. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamorada in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Panama City averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Panama City this time of the year. In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Panama City during spring. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Panama City receives 295 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Panama City. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Panama City receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Panama City and Islamorada