A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a active, beautiful, and peaceful recreation area. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Key Largo and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Although Key Largo and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are popular destinations, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is very popular for its museums, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Key Largo attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. 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. Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is famous for its beautiful views and fun outdoor activities. It is also well known for Lake Lure Beach Park.

How is Key Largo different from Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Key Largo
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is adequate for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There's a museum in Chimney Rock State Park, but most visitors spend their time taking advantage of the outdoor activities.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Key Largo
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Dining out at restaurants in both Key Largo and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure can be an enjoyable experience.

Key Largo may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Within Chimney Rock Park there's a deli and a cafe. Nearby you'll also find casual eateries with pizza or classic American dishes.

Is Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

The vibe at night is reasonable in both Key Largo and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Most people head into nearby Asheville for the best nightlife.

Is Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Key Largo is a great destination for its resorts. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.

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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a resort destination.


Is Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Key Largo is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Key Largo is a island with good options for the beach. However, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a beach destination.

Is Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Hiking?

Key Largo
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is great for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure for the hiking trails. One of the most popular trails in Chimney Rock State Park is The Exclamation Point Trail , which leads to many viewpoints. During the summer and fall seasons the trail can get very crowded. The obvious highlight in the park is Chimney Rock, which is a rock outcropping that offers spectacular views.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Key Largo
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers in the area, but for the best shopping, head over to Asheville.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Families?

Key Largo
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Key Largo is an amazing island to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of outdoor activities in the area. Head to sliding rock for a fun afternoon. There's also tubing, kayaking, and river rafting nearby. Horseback riding is a fun way to explore a trail, or simply hiking on one of the many paths in the area. You'll also find ziplining and plenty of water activities at the lake.

Is Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is great for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a great recreation area if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic hotels as well as bed and breakfasts that make for a romantic retreat. Couples who enjoy beautiful outdoor settings and fun adventures will enjoy a weekend trip to the area. There are also local restaurants and a few wineries to explore.

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Key Largo
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There are several great campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails that make this a nice budget or backpacker getaway.

Key Largo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This area is a bit more affordable than the more southern keys so it appeals to budget travelers and backpackers.

Is Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Key Largo
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Neither Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure offer decent public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. There is limited public transit in the area.

Is Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Neither Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are walkable places.

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

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is not a walkable island. The trails and parks in the region are spread out and require a car to access.


For even more information, also check out Is Key Largo Worth Visiting? and Is Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Key Largo and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo than in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 1-3 days is enough time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure.


  • How many days in Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? Ideal Length of Stay
    Key Largo 5-7 
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 1-3

One day in Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Key Largo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find around the recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chimney Rock and Lake Lure has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Key Largo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find around the active destination of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this recreation area has to offer. This recreation area offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

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 is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This island offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the peaceful recreation area of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

In Key Largo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling that this island offers. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure is $196. 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $117
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $234
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure? 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $35

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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Prices for flights to both Chimney Rock and Lake Lure 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
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $52

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $34

Tours and Activities in Key Largo

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

  • Florida Key West Self-Driving Tour (Overseas Highway, 7 Mile Bridge): $17
  • Sunset Pontoon Boat Tour Around Key Largo: $36
  • Ultimate Florida Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle: $40
  • Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
  • Small Group Florida Keys Eco Tour by Boat: $60
  • Sunset Cruise on the Florida Bay: $60
  • Mangroves and Manatees - Guided Kayak Eco Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Boat Charter Day Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
  • Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure in Key Largo: $68
  • 1.5 Hour Bay Side Key Largo Sunset Cruise on a Spacious Catamaran: $69
  • Key Largo Snorkeling Tour - rental mask, fins and vest INCLUDED: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Chimney Rock and Lake Lure $21


When comparing the travel costs between Key Largo and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, 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 Chimney Rock and Lake Lure Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Chimney Rock and Lake Lure?

Key Largo has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Chimney Rock and Lake Lure. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, 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.