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

Should you visit Key Largo or Wilmington?

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 Wilmington 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 family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxed island. As it is a quaint destination, it has a nice vibe. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a welcoming, charming, and historic city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Key Largo and Wilmington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Wilmington?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Wilmington than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Wilmington is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Key Largo is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is more touristy than Wilmington and is 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. Wilmington is well known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. Also, Wilmington is famous for the Battleship North Carolina.

How is Key Largo different from Wilmington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Wilmington is a city 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 Wilmington. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

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 Wilmington Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington is a city 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 Wilmington has a few options to choose from. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

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 Wilmington Better for Resorts?

Key Largo is great for its luxury resorts. However, Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Key Largo is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

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

Key Largo is great for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Wilmington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Key Largo to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Wilmington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Wilmington Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Wilmington attract visitors from all over. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

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 Wilmington Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Key Largo does not have a historic old town.

Wilmington has an old town worth visiting. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Key Largo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Wilmington?

Wilmington is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Wilmington has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Wilmington Better for Families?

Key Largo is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Key Largo is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. 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.

Wilmington is a very kid-friendly island. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Is Key Largo or Wilmington Better for Couples?

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

Wilmington is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

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 Wilmington Better for Students?

Wilmington is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Key Largo is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Key Largo is not popular with students.

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

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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 Wilmington a more walkable city?

Wilmington is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable city. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires 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 Wilmington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wilmington or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Wilmington?

In either Key Largo or Wilmington, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo than Wilmington because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 2-5 days is enough time in Wilmington.

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

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

One day in Key Largo or Wilmington?

With scuba diving and snorkeling around the peaceful 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 shopping and museums around the city of Wilmington. 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 Wilmington?

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 museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Wilmington. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Wilmington?

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 historic city of Wilmington. 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 great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Key Largo or Wilmington?

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.

Wilmington 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Wilmington?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Wilmington, 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 Wilmington?

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 Wilmington in the Summer?

Both Wilmington and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Wilmington because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Key Largo is around the same temperature as Wilmington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key Largo in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Wilmington averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Wilmington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Wilmington during summer. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In July, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Wilmington. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key Largo or Wilmington in the Autumn?

Both Wilmington and Key Largo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year.

In October, Key Largo is generally a little warmer than Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 78°F (26°C), and Wilmington fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the autumn, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Wilmington. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 227 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in October than Wilmington. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Wilmington in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Wilmington. The cuisine are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Wilmington for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Key Largo is much warmer than Wilmington in the winter. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Wilmington fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Wilmington during winter. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key Largo usually receives less rain than Wilmington. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key Largo or Wilmington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Wilmington. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Wilmington in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Key Largo is a little warmer than Wilmington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key Largo in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Wilmington averages at about 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the spring, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Wilmington. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 278 hours of full sun.

Key Largo usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Wilmington. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Wilmington and Key Largo