A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Ocean City for Families, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Key Largo or Ocean City?

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 Ocean City 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 beautiful, relaxed, and peaceful island. It's a quaint destination. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Ocean City

Ocean City is a energetic, fun-filled, and laid back city. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food.

Key Largo and Ocean City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Ocean City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ocean City. Although Key Largo and Ocean City are popular destinations, Ocean City has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ocean City is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Key Largo attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and quaint atmosphere. Ocean City is more touristy than Key Largo and is popular for its miles of sandy beach, fun-filled activities, and thrilling water sports. It is also well known for the Ocean City boardwalk. 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.

How is Key Largo different from Ocean City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

While most people don't head to Ocean City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time on the beach, but for the rainy days you can check out the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum or the Art League of Ocean City.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ocean City is a city with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ocean City is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Themed restaurants are popular in the area. You'll also find all-you-can-eat seafood buffets and casual diners with pancakes and waffles. Pizza, burgers, and other fast food options are also abundant.

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 Ocean City Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Ocean City for the nightlife scene. Happy hours are popular at the bars in the area. You'll also find live music and DJ led parties. Head to the boardwalk, which will overwhelm your senses. There are neon lights, colorful rides, and arcades filled with people and activities.

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 Ocean City Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Key Largo and Ocean City have excellent 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 Ocean City to choose from. There are many oceanfront resorts with pools and rooms with ocean views. The hotels along the beach tend to be the most expensive, but if you find a place across from the Coastal Highway, it's very challenging to walk to the beach.

Is Key Largo or Ocean City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ocean City 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.

Ocean City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Ocean City Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Ocean City attract visitors from all over. There are ten miles of sandy beach that are lined with hotels and resorts. A festive boardwalk runs along the coastline and has many rides, arcades, restaurants, and more. The beach offers waves and warm water during the summer months.

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 Ocean City?

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

Ocean City has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. You'll find surf stores and souvenir shops along the three mile boardwalk. There are also many vendors and shopping centers along the Coastal Highway. For something a little more interesting you can head to the Inlet Village.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Ocean City Better for Families?

Both Key Largo and Ocean City are terrific 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, Ocean City is very family-friendly. Beyond the family-friendly beach, there's also minigolf, dolphin tours, and themed-restaurants that are perfect for kids. Head to the Jolly Roger amusement park for a thrilling afternoon or spend some time visiting Ripley's Believe It or Not. The boardwalk is lined with activities for both kids and adults. There are also candy shops, ice cream parlors, and pizza joints where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Key Largo or Ocean City Better for Couples?

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

Ocean City is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Hotels line the beach, many with beautiful views and nice pools. You can take long romantic walks along the coastline or head to one of the many seafood restaurants in town.

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

Ocean City 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 Ocean City. There are boardwalk trams as well as shuttle buses, but most people have their own vehicle, and its recommended you have a private car to get around.

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 Ocean City a more walkable city?

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

Ocean City is generally not a very walkable city. If you stay at an oceanfront hotel or on the ocean block, it's possible to walk to the beach. If you stay further back, you'll have to cross the Coastal Highway, which is eight lanes of busy traffic.

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 Ocean City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ocean City or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Ocean City?

Both Key Largo and Ocean City have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Ocean City has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ocean City than Key Largo. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 3-7 days is enough time in Ocean City.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ocean City 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 Ocean City.

One day in Key Largo or Ocean City?

With scuba diving and snorkeling around the family-friendly 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 nightlife and food around the city of Ocean City. 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 Ocean City?

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 food and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Ocean City. 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 city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Ocean City?

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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the active city of Ocean City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Key Largo or Ocean City?

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.

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

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 Ocean City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Ocean City?

Key Largo has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Ocean City. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Ocean City, 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 Ocean City?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Key Largo or Ocean City in the Summer?

Both Ocean City and Key Largo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ocean City in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Key Largo is a little warmer than Ocean City in the summer. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Ocean City fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Ocean City gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Ocean City. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 4.3 inches (110 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Ocean City in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Ocean City. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ocean City for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Key Largo is much warmer than Ocean City. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key Largo in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Ocean City averages at about 58°F (14°C).

Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Ocean City. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Key Largo or Ocean City in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Ocean City. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Ocean City because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ocean City can be very cold. In January, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Ocean City. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 67°F (19°C), and Ocean City fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

Key Largo usually gets less rain in January than Ocean City. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Ocean City in the Spring?

Both Ocean City and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Ocean City this time of year.

Key Largo is much warmer than Ocean City in the spring. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Ocean City fluctuates around 54°F (12°C).

In April, Key Largo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ocean City. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Ocean City receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ocean City and Key Largo