A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Islamorada vs. Saint Petersburg for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Islamorada or Saint Petersburg?

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

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

Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a relaxed, fun-filled, and underrated coastal city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Islamorada and Saint Petersburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Saint Petersburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Islamorada. Although Islamorada and Saint Petersburg are both popular with visitors, Islamorada has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Islamorada is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and impressive beauty, while Saint Petersburg is known for its museums and beaches. Islamorada is popular for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. It is also home to Theater of the Sea. Saint Petersburg is popular for its warm weather, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities.

How is Islamorada different from Saint Petersburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint Petersburg is a great coastal 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 Saint Petersburg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a variety of history, science, and art museums in the area. The Dalí Museum, Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, The Florida Holocaust Museum, and Imagine Museum of Contemporary Glass Art are some of the favorites.

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 Saint Petersburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Islamorada and Saint Petersburg.

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 Saint Petersburg. It's location on the Gulf Coast means that seafood is everywhere. You'll enjoy fresh oysters, fried calamari, grilled fish, and fried shrimp on many menus. Casual restaurants and local eateries are common around town.

Is Islamorada or Saint Petersburg Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Saint Petersburg. There are beachside bars, rooftop restaurants, and dance clubs around town for those looking for a night out.

Is Islamorada or Saint Petersburg Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, good resorts can be found in both Islamorada and Saint Petersburg.

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, Saint Petersburg makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find most of the resorts near the beach. Many have pools and they range in style and budget level.

Is Islamorada or Saint Petersburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Petersburg 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.

Saint Petersburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Saint Petersburg Better for Beaches?

Saint Petersburg is renowned for its beaches. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for the beache.

The beaches in Saint Petersburg are among the best in the world. You'll find great sandy beaches with calm blue water and a relaxed atmosphere. Some of the best beaches include Egmont Key, Fort DeSoto Beach, Maximo Beach, and St. Pete's Municipal Beach.

The beaches at Islamorada attract visitors from all over. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Saint Petersburg?

If you're looking to go shopping, Islamorada and Saint Petersburg both offer plenty of good 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.

Saint Petersburg offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find plenty of shopping malls and shopping centers around town. Along the boardwalk and in John's Pass Village there are also restaurants and souvenir stores.

Is Islamorada or Saint Petersburg Better for Families?

Islamorada is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-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.

Saint Petersburg is a very kid-friendly village. The beaches, waterparks, nature reserves, and entertainment centers all offer plenty of activities for families. There are plenty of places to play, laugh, and act silly around town so the whole family can have a good time. There's also the Great Explorations Children’s Museum and other educational opportunities for the young ones.

Is Islamorada or Saint Petersburg Better for Couples?

Islamorada is terrific for romance. Also, Saint Petersburg is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its romantic activities.

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.

Saint Petersburg is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are sunset cruises, long sandy beaches, nice restaurants, and many other romantic activities around town. You can wander down the boardwalk or enjoy nature at the gardens and nature parks around town.

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

Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg. There's a bus system, but most people rely on their own car 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 Saint Petersburg a more walkable city?

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

Saint Petersburg is generally not a very walkable coastal city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of town, but you really need a car to access most places.

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 Saint Petersburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Petersburg or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Saint Petersburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Islamorada or Saint Petersburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Islamorada due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saint Petersburg.

Families should spend more time in Islamorada than Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg.

One day in Islamorada or Saint Petersburg?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the relaxing destination of Islamorada. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With museums and nightlife around the underrated coastal city of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 Saint Petersburg?

You'll find shopping and museums around the adventurous village of Islamorada. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Saint Petersburg, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city.

Five days in Islamorada or Saint Petersburg?

Islamorada is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Saint Petersburg, a popular coastal city, 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 Saint Petersburg?

Islamorada is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It is common to spend one week here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Saint Petersburg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the beaches. 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 Saint Petersburg, we can see that Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Saint Petersburg?

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

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 Saint Petersburg in the Summer?

Both Saint Petersburg and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Saint Petersburg because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Saint Petersburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during summer. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 265 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. In July, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 8.4 inches (214 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Islamorada or Saint Petersburg in the Autumn?

Both Saint Petersburg and Islamorada during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Saint Petersburg this time of year.

In the autumn, Islamorada is around the same temperature as Saint Petersburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamorada in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Saint Petersburg averages at about 76°F (24°C).

In Saint Petersburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the autumn, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 234 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually gets more rain in October than Saint Petersburg. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.6 inches (65 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November. Also, the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg is June to November.

Should I visit Islamorada or Saint Petersburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Saint Petersburg. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint Petersburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Petersburg this time of the year. In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Saint Petersburg during winter. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Petersburg receives 200 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Saint Petersburg. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.3 inches (59 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Islamorada or Saint Petersburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Saint Petersburg. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Saint Petersburg in the spring for the beaches.

Islamorada is a little warmer than Saint Petersburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Saint Petersburg fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Petersburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the spring, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Saint Petersburg. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Petersburg receives 299 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets less rain in April than Saint Petersburg. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Saint Petersburg receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Saint Petersburg.

Typical Weather for Saint Petersburg and Islamorada