A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Death Valley National Park for Families, Backpackers, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Key Largo or Death Valley National Park?

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 Death Valley National Park 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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Key Largo and Death Valley National Park: 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 with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Not as many resort options


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Key Largo. Although Key Largo and Death Valley National Park are popular destinations, Key Largo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Key Largo is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. 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. It is also well known for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Death Valley National Park is famous for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Key Largo different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park?

Key Largo
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is adequate for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Key Largo or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Key Largo
Death Valley National Park

Dining out at restaurants in both Key Largo and Death Valley National Park 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.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Key Largo or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Death Valley National Park

Key Largo is a moderate island for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

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.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Key Largo or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Death Valley National Park

Key Largo is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its luxury resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Key Largo. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.


Is Key Largo or Death Valley National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo
Death Valley National Park

Key Largo is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Death Valley National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Key Largo. 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Death Valley National Park Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Death Valley National Park

Key Largo is very good for the beach. However, Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Key Largo to enjoy the beach. 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Key Largo or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Key Largo
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is great for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Death Valley National Park for the hiking trails. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Death Valley National Park?

Key Largo
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is mediocre for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Key Largo
Death Valley National Park

Key Largo is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Death Valley National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Key Largo is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Death Valley National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Is Key Largo or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is great for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Death Valley National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.

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 Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Key Largo
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Death Valley National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

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 Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Key Largo
Death Valley National Park

Neither Key Largo or Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Key Largo or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Death Valley National Park

Neither Key Largo or Death Valley National Park 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a walkable island. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.


For even more information, also check out Is Key Largo Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Key Largo or Death Valley National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Key Largo due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Death Valley National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park.


  • How many days in Key Largo or Death Valley National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Key Largo 5-7 
    Death Valley National Park 2-4

One day in Key Largo or Death Valley National Park?

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 national park of Death Valley National Park. 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 Death Valley National Park?

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 vast destination of Death Valley National Park. 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 national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Death Valley National Park?

In Key Largo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling that this beautiful 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 vast national park of Death Valley National Park. 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 Death Valley National Park?

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.

Death Valley National Park 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, Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park is $87. 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 Death Valley National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Death Valley National Park $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Death Valley National Park $74
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Death Valley National Park

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Death Valley National Park? 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 Death Valley National Park


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
    Death Valley National Park $41

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 Death Valley National Park?

Prices for flights to both Death Valley National Park 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
    Death Valley National Park $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Death Valley National Park $36

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

Tours and Activities in Death Valley National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Death Valley National Park are as follows:

  • Death Valley Self Guided Audio Driving Tour: $15
  • Death Valley on Mojave Desert VIP Small Group Tour from Las Vegas: $219

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Death Valley National Park $8.57


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

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 Death Valley National Park Expensive?.