A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Key Largo vs. Pensacola for Beaches, Families, Food, and Resorts

Should you visit Key Largo or Pensacola?

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 Pensacola 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. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

Pensacola

Pensacola is a entertaining, fun-filled, and active beach town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Pensacola travel costs.

Key Largo and Pensacola: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Pensacola?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pensacola. Although Key Largo and Pensacola are both popular with visitors, Pensacola has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pensacola is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Key Largo is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling and quaint atmosphere. Pensacola is more touristy than Key Largo and is popular for its white sand beaches and long running naval history. It is also home to Gulf Islands National Seashore. 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.

How is Key Largo different from Pensacola?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pensacola is a beach town 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 Pensacola. On a rainy day there are some nice museums in the area. You can visit the National Naval Aviation Museum, the Historic Pensacola Village, the Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum, or Pensacola Children's Museum.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Pensacola has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find no shortage of seafood options around town. Oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish are popular on the menus. You'll also find lots of Cajun flavors as well as casual sandwiches and pizza.

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 Pensacola Better for Nightlife?

Pensacola is a beach 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 Pensacola has a few options to choose from. There's a casual nightlife scene with pubs, live music, and a mellow but fun setting.

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 Pensacola Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Key Largo and Pensacola 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 Pensacola to choose from. Family-friendly resorts with pools, waterslides, and lazy rivers are common. You'll also find beachfront hotels and more affordable options set back from the beach.

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

Key Largo is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Pensacola 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.

Pensacola is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Pensacola Better for Beaches?

Pensacola is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

Pensacola is considered to be a world-class beach destination. White sand beaches with blue water and mild temperatures make this a wonderful beach destination. Some of the best beaches include Casino Beach, Perdido Key Beach, and Opal Beach.

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 Key Largo or Pensacola Better for Hiking?

Pensacola is adequate for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Pensacola. Step away from the beachfront development and you'll find some nice nature parks with quiet walking trails.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Pensacola?

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

Pensacola has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are sprawling shopping malls and shopping centers as well as local boutiques and quintessential souvenir shops.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Pensacola Better for Families?

Key Largo is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pensacola is not as famous, but is still a good beach town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Pensacola. Kid-friendly beaches, minigolf, a zoo, and even a few museums make this a great family destination. There are family-friendly resorts and kid-friendly restaurants that make for an easy vacation that everyone will enjoy.

Is Key Largo or Pensacola Better for Couples?

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

Pensacola is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. Beautiful beaches and sunset cruises make this a great romantic getaway. You'll find great restaurants for a date night and plenty of activity once the sun goes down. During the day you can lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip drinks, and enjoy a vacation with your loved one.

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

Neither Key Largo or Pensacola 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 Pensacola. There's a bus system, but it's not particularly helpful to vacationers.

Is Key Largo or Pensacola a more walkable city?

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

Pensacola is generally not a very walkable beach town. It's not a particularly walkable city and you'll want to have a car to fully enjoy your vacation.

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 Pensacola Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pensacola or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Pensacola?

Both Key Largo and Pensacola have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Pensacola has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Pensacola 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 Pensacola.

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

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

One day in Key Largo or Pensacola?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling around the island of Key Largo. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the beach town of Pensacola. 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 Pensacola?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful destination of Key Largo. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the entertaining destination of Pensacola. 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 beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Pensacola?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful island of Key Largo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

You'll find nightlife and food around the fun-filled beach town of Pensacola. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

A week in Key Largo or Pensacola?

Key Largo 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 Key Largo, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Pensacola 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 Pensacola, 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

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

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Pensacola?

Pensacola has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Pensacola, 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 Pensacola?

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 Pensacola in the Summer?

Both Pensacola and Key Largo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Pensacola for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Key Largo is generally around the same temperature as Pensacola. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 82°F (28°C), and Pensacola fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Pensacola 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 less rain in July than Pensacola. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 7.4 inches (189 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Pensacola in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Pensacola. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Pensacola because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Key Largo is a little warmer than Pensacola in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Pensacola fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

Pensacola receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Pensacola. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.2 inches (107 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Pensacola is June to November.

Should I visit Key Largo or Pensacola in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Pensacola. The winter months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pensacola this time of year.

In the winter, Key Largo is much warmer than Pensacola. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key Largo in January average around 67°F (19°C), and Pensacola averages at about 51°F (10°C).

It's quite rainy in Pensacola. Key Largo usually gets less rain in January than Pensacola. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 4.6 inches (117 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Pensacola in the Spring?

Both Pensacola and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pensacola for the beaches.

In April, Key Largo is generally a little warmer than Pensacola. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 74°F (24°C), and Pensacola fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

In April, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Pensacola. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Pensacola receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Pensacola.

Typical Weather for Pensacola and Key Largo