A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Santa Barbara for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Key Largo or Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara 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.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a stunning, wealthy, and opulent coastal town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Key Largo and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Santa Barbara?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara. Although Key Largo and Santa Barbara are popular destinations, Santa Barbara has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Barbara is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Key Largo attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling. 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. Santa Barbara is famous for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. It is also well known for The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Key Largo different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Santa Barbara has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

Santa Barbara is a coastal 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 Santa Barbara has a few options to choose from. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

If luxury resorts are your style, both Key Largo and Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara to choose from. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

Is Key Largo or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Is Key Largo or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

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

Santa Barbara is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

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 Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Key Largo does not have a historic old town.

Santa Barbara has an old town worth visiting. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Key Largo does not have a historic old town.

Is Key Largo or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Around Santa Barbara visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Santa Barbara specifically to go shopping. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Key Largo is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit 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.

Santa Barbara is a very family-friendly destination. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Is Key Largo or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Santa Barbara is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Key Largo is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Santa Barbara. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Key Largo is not popular with students.

Is Key Largo or Santa Barbara Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Barbara is a coastal town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Santa Barbara offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

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 Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

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

Santa Barbara is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored 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 Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Santa Barbara?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

One day in Key Largo or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the peaceful destination of Key Largo. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the coastal town of Santa Barbara. 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 Santa Barbara?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key Largo. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the opulent destination of Santa Barbara. 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 coastal town has to offer. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the family-friendly destination of Key Largo. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the pristine coastal town of Santa Barbara. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Santa Barbara?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the island of Key Largo. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Santa Barbara is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Santa Barbara, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. And not only is Santa Barbara much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Santa Barbara would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

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 Santa Barbara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Key Largo is much warmer than Santa Barbara in the summer. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Santa Barbara. Furthermore, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Key Largo or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

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

In January, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 67°F (19°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 52°F (11°C).

Key Largo usually gets less rain in January than Santa Barbara. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara 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, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Santa Barbara this time of year.

Key Largo is much warmer than Santa Barbara in the spring. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In April, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Key Largo