A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Durango for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Key Largo or Durango?

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

Durango

Durango is a scenic, nature-filled, and historic small town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the hiking and museums.

Key Largo and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Durango?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Durango than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Durango is better known for its skiing, museums, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Key Largo is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Key Largo is more touristy than Durango and is 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. Durango is well known for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities. Also, Durango is famous for The Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad.

How is Key Largo different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Key Largo or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is adequate for skiing. However, Key Largo is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Durango for snow skiing. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Key Largo is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key Largo or Durango?

Durango is a small town with good options for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Durango. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Key Largo and Durango 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.

Durango offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Key Largo or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Key Largo. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Key Largo or Durango Better for Resorts?

Key Largo is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Durango is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Key Largo to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Durango is not a resort destination.

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

Key Largo is a very popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Durango is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near 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.

Durango is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Durango Better for Beaches?

Key Largo is a good destination for its beaches. However, Durango is not a beach destination.

Key Largo offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Durango is not a beach destination.

Is Key Largo or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a small town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Key Largo does not have a historic old town.

Durango has an old town worth visiting. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Key Largo does not have a historic old town.

Is Key Largo or Durango Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Durango for the hiking trails. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Durango?

Durango is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Durango has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Durango Better for Christmas?

Durango is a small town with good options for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Key Largo does not offer Christmas activities.

Durango worth visiting during the Christmas season. It is a great Christmas town where you can meet Santa, go skiing, and even take the Polar Express.

Key Largo does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Key Largo or Durango Better for Families?

Key Largo is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Key Largo is very family-friendly. 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.

Durango is a very kid-friendly island. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Key Largo or Durango Better for Couples?

Key Largo is a good destination for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Key Largo or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango is a small town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for backpackers.

Durango is a good small town to visit for backpackers. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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

Neither Key Largo or Durango 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 Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Key Largo or Durango a more walkable city?

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

Durango is generally not a very walkable small town. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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 Durango Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durango or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Durango?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Durango 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 Durango.

One day in Key Largo or Durango?

In Key Largo, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Durango?

In Key Largo, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Durango is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums. 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 small town has to offer. This small town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Durango?

Key Largo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Key Largo has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Durango 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. 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 Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key Largo. In Key Largo, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Durango 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key Largo and Durango, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. And not only is Durango much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Durango would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Durango 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 Durango.

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 Durango Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Durango?

Durango has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Durango, 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.