A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Bar Harbor for Families, Food, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Key Largo or Bar Harbor?

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 Bar Harbor 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 beautiful, relaxed, and peaceful island. It's a quaint destination. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a picturesque, relaxed, and quaint coastal town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, Bar Harbor attracts visitors from all around. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Bar Harbor travel costs.

Key Largo and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Bar Harbor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bar Harbor than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bar Harbor is better known for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Key Largo is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Key Largo is well known for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. Bar Harbor is well known for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park. Also, Bar Harbor is famous for Acadia National Park.

How is Key Largo different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Bar Harbor is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Bar Harbor has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

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 Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo is a moderate island for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Key Largo or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Key Largo is a well-known place for its resorts. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Is Key Largo or Bar Harbor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bar Harbor 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.

Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Both Key Largo and Bar Harbor are considered to be notable beach destinations.

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.

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Is Key Largo or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor is a coastal town with good options for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Bar Harbor. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Bar Harbor?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bar Harbor. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Bar Harbor More Beautiful?

Bar Harbor is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Bar Harbor attracts visitors from all around. Surrounded by the water and beautiful landscaping, the town offers visitors plenty of beauty.

Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key Largo or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Key Largo is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit 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.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly island. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Key Largo or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

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

Bar Harbor is a great coastal town if you're traveling as a couple. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

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 Bar Harbor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bar Harbor is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

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 Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

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

Bar Harbor is a very walkable destination. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

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 Bar Harbor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Bar Harbor?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Key Largo and Bar Harbor. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo than in Bar Harbor. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Bar Harbor.

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

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

One day in Key Largo or Bar Harbor?

With scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxed island of Key Largo, 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.

Even though Bar Harbor is a small town, it has plenty 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Key Largo or Bar Harbor?

With scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Key Largo, 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.

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Bar Harbor?

Key Largo, a popular island, 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 island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bar Harbor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Bar Harbor?

Key Largo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bar Harbor is a popular choice for travelers. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When comparing the travel costs between Key Largo and Bar Harbor, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Bar Harbor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Bar Harbor?

Key Largo has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Bar Harbor, 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 Key Largo or Bar Harbor?

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 Key Largo or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

Both Bar Harbor and Key Largo during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

In the summer, Key Largo is a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key Largo in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 69°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Bar Harbor. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Bar Harbor. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 78°F (26°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Bar Harbor. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Key Largo or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Bar Harbor. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Bar Harbor in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Bar Harbor can get quite cold in the winter. Key Largo is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the winter. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

Key Largo usually gets less rain in January than Bar Harbor. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

Both Bar Harbor and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Key Largo is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key Largo in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 43°F (6°C).

In April, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Key Largo