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

Should you visit Key Largo or Beaver Creek?

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 Beaver Creek 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 family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxed island. As it is a quaint destination, it has a nice vibe. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a adventurous, charming, and active town. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and food.

Key Largo and Beaver Creek: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Beaver Creek?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beaver Creek than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beaver Creek is better known for its skiing, theatre productions, food, hiking, and shopping, while Key Largo is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. Beaver Creek is more touristy than Key Largo and is known for its skiing and charming atmosphere Also, Beaver Creek is famous for Beaver Creek Golf Club. 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.

How is Key Largo different from Beaver Creek?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Key Largo or Beaver Creek Better for Skiing?

Key Largo
Beaver Creek

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

Visitors will find world class skiing in Beaver Creek. Beaver Creek Ski Resort is a top ski destination with 26 lifts and 149 different trails. It climbs to an elevation of 11,440 feet and the village is filled with ski-in/ski-out accommodation. There's also an excellent ski school.

Key Largo is not a skiing destination.


Is Key Largo or Beaver Creek Better for Theater?

Key Largo
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is mediocre for its shows and theatre. However, Key Largo is not a theatre destination.

While not known for its theater, you might be able to find something in Beaver Creek while you're in town. There are a couple of art galleries around town.

Key Largo is not a theatre destination.

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

Key Largo
Beaver Creek

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

Beaver Creek has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many great dining options where you can enjoy a meal after working up an appetite on the slopes. The cuisine has many mountain classics as well as fine dining and more casual restaurants.

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 Beaver Creek Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Beaver Creek

The vibe at night is respectable in both Key Largo and Beaver Creek.

Key Largo doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Most people don't head to Beaver Creek specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. You won't find a wild nightlife scene, but most of the activities center around the Vilar Performing Arts Center.


Is Key Largo or Beaver Creek Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Beaver Creek

Key Largo is a great island for its luxury resorts. Also, Beaver Creek is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Key Largo is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

With a selection of resorts, Beaver Creek makes a nice vacation spot. There are many resorts in the area including the Westin and the Hyatt.

Is Key Largo or Beaver Creek Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo
Beaver Creek

Key Largo is a great island for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Beaver Creek is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Key Largo to enjoy 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.

Beaver Creek is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Beaver Creek Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Beaver Creek

Key Largo is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.

Key Largo has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Beaver Creek is not a beach destination.


Is Key Largo or Beaver Creek Better for Hiking?

Key Largo
Beaver Creek

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

Many visitors go to Beaver Creek for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with trails that take you through flowered meadows, along scenic ridgelines, and to the top of dramatic peaks. During the warmer months, hiking is a wonderful way to enjoy the area.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Beaver Creek?

Key Largo
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Beaver Creek has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The village has pedestrian streets that are lined with fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, sporting equipment stores, and art galleries.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Beaver Creek Better for Families?

Key Largo
Beaver Creek

Both Key Largo and Beaver Creek are first-rate to visit with kids.

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.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Beaver Creek is very family-friendly. This is one of the most kid-friendly ski resorts in the country. There's a ski and snowboard school where kids can enjoy private or group lessons as well as other fun activities for kids. There are also many family-friendly restaurants in the area.


Is Key Largo or Beaver Creek Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Beaver Creek

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

Beaver Creek is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic resorts nearby as well as great adventure sports, skiing, snowboarding, and a beautiful setting.

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 Beaver Creek Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Key Largo
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a 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 Beaver Creek offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There free transportation that's offered by Village Transportation.

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 Beaver Creek a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

Beaver Creek is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a quaint little village that is very walkable.

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 Beaver Creek Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaver Creek or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Beaver Creek?

Both Key Largo and Beaver Creek have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Beaver Creek has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Beaver Creek than Key Largo. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 3-7 days is enough time in Beaver Creek.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek.


  • How many days in Key Largo or Beaver Creek? Ideal Length of Stay
    Key Largo 5-7 
    Beaver Creek 3-7

One day in Key Largo or Beaver Creek?

In Key Largo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling that this relaxed island offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Beaver Creek. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Beaver Creek?

Key Largo is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the active destination of Beaver Creek. 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 town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Beaver Creek?

In Key Largo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling that this family-friendly destination offers. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find skiing and food around the charming town of Beaver Creek. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the skiing. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.


A week in Key Largo or Beaver Creek?

Key Largo is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

Beaver Creek is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beaver Creek, one week is sufficent for most. 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 Los Angeles, 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.


Which place is cheaper, Beaver Creek or Key Largo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Key Largo is $212, while the average daily cost in Beaver Creek is $316. 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 Key Largo and Beaver Creek in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Beaver Creek $203
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Beaver Creek $406
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Beaver Creek

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Beaver Creek? 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 Key Largo


Hotels in Beaver Creek


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: Key Largo Hotel Prices and Beaver Creek Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Beaver Creek $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key Largo

Also for Key Largo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Key Largo Private Transfers (up to 14 passengers): $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Key Largo or Beaver Creek?

Prices for flights to both Beaver Creek and Key Largo 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
    Key Largo $60
    Beaver Creek $85

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Beaver Creek $53

Tours and Activities in Key Largo

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

  • 1.5 Hour Bay Side Key Largo Sunset Cruise on a Spacious Catamaran: $69
  • 2 Location Snorkel Tour - Gear Included, 65 minutes per location: $79
  • Cruisin' Tikis Key Largo - Sunset Cruise: $99
  • Florida Key West Self-Driving Tour (Overseas Highway, 7 Mile Bridge): $17
  • Florida Keys Mangrove Eco Tour of Manatee Bay: $75
  • Guided Tour Explore Key Largo on Jet Ski : $185
  • Half-Day Florida Keys Catamaran Snorkel Adventure: $79
  • Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
  • Key Largo Boat Charter Day Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
  • Key Largo Snorkeling Tour - rental mask, fins and vest INCLUDED: $70
  • Key Largo Two Reef Snorkel Tour - All Snorkel Equipment Included!: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Beaver Creek $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key Largo and Beaver Creek, we can see that Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaver Creek 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 Beaver Creek Expensive?.