A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Saint Simons for Families, Food, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Key Largo or Saint Simons?

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 Saint Simons 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 peaceful, family-friendly, and beautiful island. It's a quaint destination. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a scenic, relaxing, and laid back island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Key Largo and Saint Simons: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Saint Simons?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint Simons than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint Simons is better known for its museums, food, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Key Largo is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is well known for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. Saint Simons is well known for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses. Also, Saint Simons is famous for East Beach.

How is Key Largo different from Saint Simons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Key Largo
Saint Simons

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

While most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Key Largo
Saint Simons

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

Saint Simons has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

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 Saint Simons Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Saint Simons

The vibe at night is respectable in both Key Largo and Saint Simons.

Key Largo doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Most people don't head to Saint Simons specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Key Largo or Saint Simons Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Saint Simons

Key Largo is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Saint Simons makes a nice vacation spot. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.


Is Key Largo or Saint Simons Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo
Saint Simons

Key Largo is a great destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Saint Simons Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Saint Simons

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

The beaches at Saint Simons attract visitors from all over. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

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 Saint Simons Better for Hiking?

Key Largo
Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a island with good options for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Saint Simons. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Saint Simons?

Key Largo
Saint Simons

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Saint Simons. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Saint Simons Better for Families?

Key Largo
Saint Simons

Key Largo is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Simons is very family-friendly. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Is Key Largo or Saint Simons Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Saint Simons

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

Saint Simons is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

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

Key Largo
Saint Simons

Neither Key Largo or Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Key Largo or Saint Simons a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a island with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

Saint Simons is a somewhat walkable island. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

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 Saint Simons Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Simons or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Saint Simons?

It's fun to spend time in either Key Largo or Saint Simons. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Key Largo due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saint Simons.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons.


  • How many days in Key Largo or Saint Simons? Ideal Length of Stay
    Key Largo 5-7 
    Saint Simons 2-4

One day in Key Largo or Saint Simons?

In Key Largo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling that this relaxed island offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Even though Saint Simons is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Saint Simons?

Key Largo is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Saint Simons is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Saint Simons?

In Key Largo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling that this family-friendly destination offers. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Saint Simons is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Saint Simons?

Key Largo is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. It's also a relaxing resort destination. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Saint Simons is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Saint Simons or Key Largo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Key Largo is $212, while the average daily cost in Saint Simons is $176. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Key Largo and Saint Simons in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Saint Simons $100
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Saint Simons $200
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Saint Simons

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Saint Simons? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Key Largo


Hotels in Saint Simons


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Key Largo Hotel Prices and Saint Simons Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Saint Simons $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key Largo

Also for Key Largo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Key Largo Private Transfers (up to 14 passengers): $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Key Largo or Saint Simons?

Prices for flights to both Saint Simons and Key Largo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Key Largo $60
    Saint Simons $48

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Saint Simons $16

Tours and Activities in Key Largo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Key Largo.

  • Florida Key West Self-Driving Tour (Overseas Highway, 7 Mile Bridge): $17
  • Sunset Pontoon Boat Tour Around Key Largo: $36
  • Ultimate Florida Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle: $40
  • Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
  • Small Group Florida Keys Eco Tour by Boat: $60
  • Sunset Cruise on the Florida Bay: $60
  • Mangroves and Manatees - Guided Kayak Eco Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Boat Charter Day Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
  • Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure in Key Largo: $68
  • 1.5 Hour Bay Side Key Largo Sunset Cruise on a Spacious Catamaran: $69
  • Key Largo Snorkeling Tour - rental mask, fins and vest INCLUDED: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Saint Simons $60


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

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 Saint Simons Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Saint Simons?

Saint Simons has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Saint Simons, 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 Saint Simons?

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 Saint Simons in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Saint Simons. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Saint Simons in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Key Largo is around the same temperature as Saint Simons. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key Largo in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Saint Simons averages at about 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the summer, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Saint Simons. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 286 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint Simons. Key Largo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Saint Simons. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C) 
    Saint Simons 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Saint Simons in the Autumn?

Both Saint Simons and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Saint Simons for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Key Largo is generally a little warmer than Saint Simons. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 78°F (26°C), and Saint Simons fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Saint Simons during autumn. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In October, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Saint Simons. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    Saint Simons 70°F (21°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Saint Simons in the Winter?

Both Saint Simons and Key Largo during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Saint Simons because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Key Largo is much warmer than Saint Simons in the winter. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Saint Simons fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the winter, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Saint Simons. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 191 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets less rain in January than Saint Simons. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C) 
    Saint Simons 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Saint Simons in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Saint Simons. The spring months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint Simons this time of year.

In the spring, Key Largo is a little warmer than Saint Simons. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key Largo in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Saint Simons averages at about 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons during spring. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Saint Simons. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    Saint Simons 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Saint Simons and Key Largo

Key Largo Saint Simons
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 56°F (13°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 80°F (27°C) 5.7 inches (146 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 82°F (28°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.8 inches (199 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 79°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (180 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 70°F (21°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)