A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Monterey for Families, Food, Nightlife, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Key Largo or Monterey?

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 Monterey 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.

Monterey

Monterey is a nature-oriented, laid back, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Key Largo and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Monterey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monterey. Although Key Largo and Monterey are popular destinations, Monterey has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monterey is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Key Largo attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and quaint atmosphere. 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. Monterey is famous for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also well known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

How is Key Largo different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Monterey 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 Monterey?

Monterey is great for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Monterey. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Monterey has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is great for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Monterey for the nightlife scene. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Monterey Better for Resorts?

Key Largo is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Monterey 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.

Monterey is not a resort destination.

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

Key Largo is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Monterey has a few good snorkeling spots. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Is Key Largo or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Both Key Largo and Monterey are considered to be nice beach destinations.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Key Largo. 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.

Monterey offers a nice beach destination. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Monterey?

Monterey is great for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Monterey Better for Families?

Both Key Largo and Monterey are fantastic 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, Monterey is very family-friendly. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

Is Key Largo or Monterey Better for Couples?

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

Monterey is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

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 Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for backpackers.

Monterey is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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

Monterey 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 Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

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 Monterey a more walkable city?

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

Monterey is a very walkable destination. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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 Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Monterey?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Key Largo and Monterey. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo than in Monterey. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 1-3 days is enough time in Monterey.

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

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

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

One day in Key Largo or Monterey?

The island of Key Largo offers scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Monterey. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Monterey has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Key Largo or Monterey?

Key Largo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the laid back destination of Monterey. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Monterey?

Key Largo is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Key Largo, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the laid back city of Monterey. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Monterey?

Key Largo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Key Largo has to offer. This island offers something for everyone.

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

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 Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Monterey?

Monterey has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Monterey. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Monterey for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Key Largo is much warmer than Monterey in the summer. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Monterey. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key Largo or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Monterey. Additionally, many visitors come to Monterey in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Key Largo is much warmer than Monterey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key Largo in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Monterey averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Key Largo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key Largo usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Monterey in the Winter?

Both Monterey and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 67°F (19°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Monterey. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key Largo or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey and Key Largo during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Monterey because of the beaches.

Key Largo is much warmer than Monterey in the spring. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Key Largo usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Key Largo