A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Aspen for Food, Families, Nightlife, and Resorts

Should you visit Key Largo or Aspen?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Key Largo and Aspen can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a peaceful, family-friendly, and beautiful island. It's a quaint destination. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Aspen

Aspen is a outdoorsy, authentic, and charming ski town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Key Largo and Aspen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Aspen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aspen. Although Key Largo and Aspen are popular destinations, Aspen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aspen is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, music, hiking, shopping, christmas markets, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Key Largo attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Key Largo is famous for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. Aspen is famous for its world-class skiing, many food, film, and music festivals, and its stunning mountain hikes. It is also well known for The Maroon Bells.

How is Key Largo different from Aspen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aspen and Key Largo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Key Largo or Aspen Better for Skiing?

Aspen is an unbeatable place for skiing. However, Key Largo is not a skiing destination.

Visitors will find world class skiing in Aspen. Near the town, there are 4 separate ski resorts. In town you'll find Aspen Mountain, which is known for it's black-diamond runs. Aspen Highlands, a couple miles away, has a mix of slopes and is less crowded. Buttermilk attracts many freestyle skiers and Aspen Snowmass is considered one of the best family-friendly ski areas.

Key Largo is not a skiing destination.

Is the Food Better in Key Largo or Aspen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aspen is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Aspen have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town hosts many food festivals and there is a growing selection of diverse restaurants. In town you'll find cafes and restaurants that cater to both the local crowd and the travelers who flock to the area during peak seasons.

Key Largo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known for its Key Lime pie and seafood. You'll find a great selection of restaurants that serve seafood dishes and options for the land-loving crew. There are even a few international restaurants to choose from.

Is Key Largo or Aspen Better for Nightlife?

Aspen is great for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Aspen for the nightlife scene. The people in Aspen know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene includes craft beer, live music, and dancing. There's a local vibe, particularly during the off-season times when the tourist crowds are less.

Most people don't head to Key Largo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Is Key Largo or Aspen Better for Music?

Aspen is great for its music scene. However, Key Largo is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Aspen draws a good crowd. Popular music venues in town include Silver City Mountain Saloon and Belly Up Aspen.

Key Largo is not a live music destination.

Is Key Largo or Aspen Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Key Largo and Aspen have great options.

In Key Largo, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

There are plenty of resorts in Aspen to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, and St. Regis Aspen.

Is Key Largo or Aspen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aspen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Key Largo is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Near this island you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are private tours that head out to the reef for either snorkeling or diving. There are also shipwrecks and other fascinating spots to explore.

Aspen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Aspen Better for Beaches?

Key Largo is a island with good options for the beach. However, Aspen is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Key Largo. Many of the beaches around Key Largo are man-made, but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water. The water is turquoise, although not as striking as further south.

Aspen is not a beach destination.

Is Key Largo or Aspen Better for Hiking?

Aspen is great for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Aspen for the hiking trails. During the summer and fall seasons, hiking is a great way to explore Aspen's nearby beauty. Popular trails include the Ute Trail, the Lost Man Trail, and the famous Maroon Bells Scenic Trail.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Aspen?

Aspen is great for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Aspen. There are many great local shops and art galleries where you can pick interesting items or fine art.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Aspen Better for Christmas?

Aspen is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Key Largo does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Aspen is a top place to visit during Christmas. There are a number of beautiful activities that will bring the holiday season to life in the town.

Key Largo does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Key Largo or Aspen Better for Christmas Markets?

Aspen is great for visiting Christmas markets. However, Key Largo does not offer Christmas markets.

Aspen has a large number of Christmas markets. The town has a charming Christmas market that is fun to explore and has around 40 vendors.

Key Largo does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Key Largo or Aspen Better for Families?

Key Largo is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aspen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Key Largo is an extremely popular island to visit for families. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There's also several places where your kids can interact with dolphins or experience wildlife. If you want to get out on the water, there's kayaking, sunset cruises, and glass bottom boats, all of which are great for the whole family.

Aspen offers lots of family activities. Families that enjoy skiing together, hiking, rock climbing, and having adventures will enjoy a visit to this town. Aspen Mountain is not a great option for beginning skiers, but further away, Aspen Snowmass offers good beginner slopes.

Is Key Largo or Aspen Better for Couples?

Aspen is great for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Aspen is a great ski town if you're traveling as a couple. Aspen is both a popular ski destination as well as an established town. There are many great restaurants and activities that couples can enjoy and the setting is cute and very scenic, making it a beautiful and romantic destination.

Key Largo is a nice destination for couples. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. You'll also find kayaking and sunset cruises that leave from the area.

Is Key Largo or Aspen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aspen is a ski town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Aspen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are several shuttle buses around the town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Key Largo. There's no real public transit around the island and you must have a car to get around.

Is Key Largo or Aspen a more walkable city?

Aspen is great for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

Aspen is a very walkable destination. The town is compact enough that it can be explored on foot. If you're planning to head into the mountains to hike, you'll likely need a car.

Key Largo is not a walkable island. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Key Largo Worth Visiting? and Is Aspen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aspen or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Aspen?

In either Key Largo or Aspen, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo than Aspen because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 3-5 days is enough time in Aspen.

Families should spend more time in Key Largo than Aspen. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Key Largo, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Aspen than Key Largo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Aspen that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aspen than Key Largo 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 Aspen.

One day in Key Largo or Aspen?

In Key Largo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling that this peaceful destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Aspen is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

A weekend in Key Largo or Aspen?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key Largo. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Aspen is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This ski town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Aspen?

Key Largo is a fun place to experience. In Key Largo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Aspen is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this ski town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this ski town has to offer.

A week in Key Largo or Aspen?

In Key Largo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Aspen is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Aspen?

Key Largo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Aspen. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Aspen, 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.