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

Should you visit Islamorada or Williamsburg?

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

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

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a well-preserved, historic, and charming town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Islamorada and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Islamorada or Williamsburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Islamorada than Williamsburg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Islamorada is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Williamsburg is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Islamorada is well known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. Also, Islamorada is famous for Theater of the Sea. Williamsburg is well known for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments.

How is Islamorada different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Islamorada
Williamsburg

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg can be an interesting and educational experience. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

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 Williamsburg? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Islamorada
Williamsburg

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Islamorada and Williamsburg.

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 Williamsburg. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Is Islamorada or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Islamorada
Williamsburg

Islamorada is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

Islamorada has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Islamorada or Williamsburg Better for Resorts?

Islamorada
Williamsburg

Islamorada is a good destination for its resorts. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.


Is Islamorada or Williamsburg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada
Williamsburg

Islamorada is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Williamsburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Williamsburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Williamsburg Better for Beaches?

Islamorada
Williamsburg

Islamorada is a great destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Islamorada for it's beautiful 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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Islamorada or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Islamorada
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is renowned for its historic old town. However, Islamorada does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Williamsburg is one of the most recognized in the world. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Islamorada does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Williamsburg?

Islamorada
Williamsburg

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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 Williamsburg Better for Families?

Islamorada
Williamsburg

Islamorada and Williamsburg are both world-class 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.

Williamsburg is an extremely popular village to visit for families. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

Is Islamorada or Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Islamorada
Williamsburg

Islamorada is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Islamorada is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Williamsburg is a great village if you're traveling as a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.


Is Islamorada or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Islamorada
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Islamorada is not popular with students.

Williamsburg is a great destination for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Islamorada is not popular with students.

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

Islamorada
Williamsburg

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

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 Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Islamorada
Williamsburg

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

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need 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 Williamsburg Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Islamorada or Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg.

Couples should spend more time in Islamorada than Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg.


  • How many days in Islamorada or Williamsburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Islamorada 4-7 
    Williamsburg 2-4

One day in Islamorada or Williamsburg?

In Islamorada, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxing village offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and food around the charming town of Williamsburg, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Islamorada or Williamsburg?

Islamorada is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

With food and shopping around the destination of Williamsburg, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Williamsburg?

In Islamorada, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this tropical destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Williamsburg, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Williamsburg?

Islamorada is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Williamsburg 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.


Which place is cheaper, Williamsburg or Islamorada?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Islamorada is $145, while the average daily cost in Williamsburg is $112. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Islamorada and Williamsburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Islamorada $79
    Williamsburg $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Islamorada $158
    Williamsburg $132
Compare Hotels in Islamorada and Williamsburg

Looking for a hotel in Islamorada or Williamsburg? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Islamorada


Hotels in Williamsburg


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Islamorada Hotel Prices and Williamsburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Islamorada $28
    Williamsburg $11

Is it cheaper to fly into Islamorada or Williamsburg?

Prices for flights to both Williamsburg and Islamorada change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Islamorada $47
    Williamsburg $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Williamsburg

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Williamsburg.

  • Taste of Williamsburg Food Tour by Junket: $79
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $84

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Islamorada $19
    Williamsburg $34

Tours and Activities in Islamorada

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Islamorada.

  • Snorkeling Experience : $80
  • 2-Hour Snorkeling Adventure on Pontoon : $80
  • Day Tour Glass Bottom Boat In Islamorada: $80
  • Night Tour Glass Bottom Boat in Islamorada: $80
  • Islamorada Florida Keys Sunset Sightseeing Cruise Music : $86
  • Snorkeling Adventure in Islamorada : $90
  • Snorkeling and Beach Adventure from Cheeca Spa: $90
  • Snorkeling and Beach Adventure: $90
  • Guided Tour with Local Highlights: $95
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip: $130
  • Snorkel Adventure & Sandbar Trip from Cheeca Spa: $140
  • Snorkel adventure & Sandbar Trip : $150

Tours and Activities in Williamsburg

Here are a few actual costs in Williamsburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Stories and Walking Tour: $25
  • 1 Hour Christmastide Walking Tour in Virginia Past and Present : $25
  • 2-Hour Private Guided The best of Williamsburg Walking Tour: $175
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg Admission Ticket: $62
  • Colonial Ghosts Tour By US Ghost Adventures: $30
  • Colonial Ghosts Ultimate Dead of Night Haunted Ghost Tour: $35
  • Colonial History Tour in Williamsburg Virginia: $25
  • Colonial Williamsburg & Yorktown Self-Guided Audio Tour Bundle: $25
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $15
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $20
  • Colonial Colonial History Guided Walking Tour: $25
  • Colonial Self-Guided Walking Tour: $15

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Islamorada $15
    Williamsburg -

Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Williamsburg:

  • Colonial Ghosts Boos and Brews Haunted Pub Crawl : $35
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamorada and Williamsburg, we can see that Islamorada is more expensive. And not only is Williamsburg much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Williamsburg would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Williamsburg 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 Islamorada would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Islamorada than you might in Williamsburg.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Islamorada Expensive? and Is Williamsburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Williamsburg?

Williamsburg has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada and Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Williamsburg. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Islamorada is generally a little warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 84°F (29°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the summer, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Williamsburg. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Williamsburg. Islamorada usually gets less rain in July than Williamsburg. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Islamorada 84°F (29°C) 
    Williamsburg 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

Both Williamsburg and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

It's quite sunny in Williamsburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Williamsburg during autumn. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Islamorada. In October, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Williamsburg. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Islamorada 80°F (27°C) 
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Williamsburg in the Winter?

Both Williamsburg and Islamorada during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Islamorada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Williamsburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Williamsburg can be very cold. In the winter, Islamorada is much warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamorada in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 38°F (4°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the winter, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Williamsburg. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Williamsburg. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Islamorada 70°F (21°C) 
    Williamsburg 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Islamorada or Williamsburg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Williamsburg. The spring months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

In April, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 77°F (25°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Williamsburg during spring. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Williamsburg. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Islamorada 77°F (25°C) 
    Williamsburg 57°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Islamorada

Islamorada Williamsburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 70°F (21°C) 1.7 inches (43 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm)
Feb 71°F (21°C) 1.4 inches (36 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 74°F (23°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm) 49°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 77°F (25°C) 0.8 inches (21 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
May 81°F (27°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm) 66°F (19°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jun 83°F (28°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 84°F (29°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm) 78°F (26°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Aug 84°F (29°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm) 78°F (25°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Sep 83°F (29°C) 5.7 inches (144 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm)
Oct 80°F (27°C) 5.1 inches (129 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 76°F (24°C) 2 inches (50 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 72°F (22°C) 1.4 inches (35 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)