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

Should you visit Key Largo or Hood River?

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 Hood River 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. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Hood River

Hood River is a scenic, charming, and agricultural town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the skiing, nightlife, and food.

Key Largo and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Hood River?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hood River. Although Key Largo and Hood River are both popular with visitors, Hood River has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hood River is more popular for its skiing, museums, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Key Largo is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. Hood River is popular for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. It is also home to Multnomah Falls.

How is Key Largo different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Key Largo or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Hood River is a town with good options for skiing. However, Key Largo is not a skiing destination.

Head to Hood River for some great skiing and other winter activities. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Key Largo is not a skiing destination.

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

Hood River is adequate for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Hood River specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Hood River is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Hood River has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

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 Hood River Better for Nightlife?

Hood River is a town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Hood River has a few options to choose from. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

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 Hood River Better for Resorts?

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

Key Largo is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Hood River is not a resort destination.

Is Key Largo or Hood River Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Hood River is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Hood River is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Hood River Better for Beaches?

Key Largo is a popular place for the beache. However, Hood River is not a beach destination.

Key Largo is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Hood River is not a beach destination.

Is Key Largo or Hood River Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Hood River for the hiking trails. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Hood River?

Hood River is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Hood River has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Hood River Better for Families?

Key Largo is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hood River is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Key Largo is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Hood River is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

Is Key Largo or Hood River Better for Couples?

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

Hood River is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

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 Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hood River is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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

Hood River is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

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 Hood River a more walkable city?

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

Hood River is generally not a very walkable town. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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 Hood River Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Hood River?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hood River 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 Hood River.

One day in Key Largo or Hood River?

With scuba diving and snorkeling around the peaceful island of Key Largo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing 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 food and shopping around the town of Hood River. 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 Hood River?

With scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Key Largo, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and skiing around the charming destination of Hood River. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Hood River?

Key Largo, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the agricultural town of Hood River. 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 Hood River?

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. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Hood River 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 Hood River, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. And not only is Hood River much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hood River would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hood River 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 Hood River.

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 Hood River Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Hood River?

Key Largo has a larger population, and is about 95% larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Hood River, 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 Hood River?

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 Hood River in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Hood River. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hood River in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Key Largo is generally a little warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 82°F (28°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hood River this time of the year. In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hood River during summer. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Hood River. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key Largo or Hood River in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Hood River. Additionally, most visitors come to Hood River for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Key Largo is much warmer than Hood River in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

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 Hood River. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 155 hours of full sun.

Key Largo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key Largo usually gets more rain in October than Hood River. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Hood River in the Winter?

Both Hood River and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hood River because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hood River can be very cold. In the winter, Key Largo is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key Largo in January average around 67°F (19°C), and Hood River averages at about 40°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Hood River during winter. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Hood River receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hood River. In January, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Hood River. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key Largo or Hood River in the Spring?

Both Hood River and Key Largo during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Hood River this time of year.

In April, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 74°F (24°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In Hood River, 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 Hood River. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hood River receives 231 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets more rain in April than Hood River. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hood River and Key Largo