A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Hilton Head Island for Families, Resorts, Beaches, and Food

Should you visit Key Largo or Hilton Head Island?

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 Hilton Head Island 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. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a resort-filled, family-friendly, and relaxing coastal town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Key Largo and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Hilton Head Island?

Both Hilton Head Island and Key Largo have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Key Largo is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and quaint atmosphere, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its food, beaches, 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. Hilton Head Island is famous for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is Key Largo different from Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Key Largo or Hilton Head Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hilton Head Island is a coastal town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Hilton Head Island is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

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 Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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 Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Key Largo or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Key Largo and Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island to choose from. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

Is Key Largo or Hilton Head Island Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Hilton Head Island is great for the beach. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

The beaches at Hilton Head Island attract visitors from all over. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Hilton Head Island?

Hilton Head Island is a coastal town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Hilton Head Island has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Both Key Largo and Hilton Head Island are amazing 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, Hilton Head Island is very family-friendly. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

Is Key Largo or Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

Both Key Largo and Hilton Head Island are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Key Largo is a good island for couples to visit. 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.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

Is Key Largo or Hilton Head Island Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Key Largo or Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Key Largo or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

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

Hilton Head Island is generally not a very walkable coastal town. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

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 Hilton Head Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Hilton Head Island?

Both Key Largo and Hilton Head Island have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Hilton Head Island has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hilton Head Island than Key Largo. However, 5-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Hilton Head Island than Key Largo. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Hilton Head Island, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Key Largo than Hilton Head Island 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 Key Largo.

One day in Key Largo or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the peaceful destination of Key Largo. This island offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal town of Hilton Head Island. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Hilton Head Island?

Key Largo is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the peaceful island of Key Largo. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and food around the beautiful destination of Hilton Head Island. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Key Largo. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Key Largo has to offer.

You'll find food and shopping around the peaceful coastal town of Hilton Head Island. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal town has to offer.

A week in Key Largo or Hilton Head Island?

Key Largo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It offers something for everyone. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Hilton Head Island is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hilton Head Island, 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 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 Hilton Head Island, we can see that Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Hilton Head Island?

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

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 Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Hilton Head Island. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Key Largo is around the same temperature as Hilton Head Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hilton Head Island this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Hilton Head Island during summer. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

Hilton Head Island receives a lot of rain in the summer. Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key Largo or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Hilton Head Island. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Key Largo is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key Largo in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the autumn, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 223 hours of full sun.

Key Largo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key Largo usually gets more rain in October than Hilton Head Island. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

Both Hilton Head Island and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

In January, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 67°F (19°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Hilton Head Island during winter. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Hilton Head Island receives 176 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key Largo or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

Both Hilton Head Island and Key Largo during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hilton Head Island for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Key Largo is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In Hilton Head Island, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the spring, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Hilton Head Island. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hilton Head Island receives 275 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hilton Head Island. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hilton Head Island and Key Largo