A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Gatlinburg for Nightlife, Resorts, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Key Largo or Gatlinburg?

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 Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. It's also popular because of the skiing, nightlife, and hiking.

Key Largo and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Gatlinburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, museums, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Key Largo is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Key Largo and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also, Gatlinburg is famous for the Gatlinburg Strip. 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 Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Key Largo or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for skiing. However, Key Largo is not a skiing destination.

Head to Gatlinburg for some great skiing and other winter activities. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Key Largo is not a skiing destination.

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

Gatlinburg is a city 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 Gatlinburg. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Key Largo and Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Key Largo or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

Gatlinburg is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

The nightlife in Gatlinburg is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

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.

Is Key Largo or Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Key Largo and Gatlinburg have superb options.

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.

There are plenty of resorts in Gatlinburg to choose from. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

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

Key Largo is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

Key Largo is very good for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Key Largo or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Gatlinburg?

Gatlinburg is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Gatlinburg has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Key Largo is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

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.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Key Largo or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

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

Gatlinburg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

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

Gatlinburg is a city 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 Gatlinburg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

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 Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

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

Gatlinburg is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

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 Gatlinburg Worth Visiting?.

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 comparing the travel costs between Key Largo and Gatlinburg, 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 Gatlinburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Gatlinburg?

Key Largo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Gatlinburg, 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 Gatlinburg?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Key Largo or Gatlinburg in the Summer?

Both Gatlinburg and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking during these months.

In the summer, Key Largo is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key Largo in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Gatlinburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gatlinburg during summer. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 294 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In July, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Gatlinburg. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key Largo or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

Both Gatlinburg and Key Largo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Gatlinburg because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 78°F (26°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In Gatlinburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the autumn, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 213 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in October than Gatlinburg. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Gatlinburg. The winter months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Gatlinburg this time of year.

It's quite cold in Gatlinburg in the winter. Key Largo is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Gatlinburg during winter. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Gatlinburg receives 134 hours of full sun in the winter.

Gatlinburg receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key Largo or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Gatlinburg. The beaches are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year.

In the spring, Key Largo is a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key Largo in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 62°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the spring, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Gatlinburg. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gatlinburg receives 263 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets less rain in April than Gatlinburg. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Key Largo