A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key West vs. Bar Harbor for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Key West or Bar Harbor?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Key West or Bar Harbor? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Key West

Key West is a laid-back, quirky, and eclectic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Bar Harbor

Bar Harbor is a relaxed, quaint, and charming coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Key West and Bar Harbor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Bar Harbor?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Bar Harbor are popular destinations, Key West has more sights and attractions for tourists. Key West is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and historical sights, while Bar Harbor attracts visitors for its food, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Key West is more touristy than Bar Harbor and is known for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. It is also well known for Duval Street. Bar Harbor is famous for its small town vibe, picturesque setting, whale watching tours, and convenient location near Acadia National Park.

How is Key West different from Bar Harbor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bar Harbor and Key West. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Key West or Bar Harbor? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bar Harbor is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Bar Harbor. The town is famous for its Maine lobster, but there are also countless other types of fresh seafood available. You'll find waterfront restaurants with beautiful views and fresh ingredients.

Key West is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, be the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

Is Key West or Bar Harbor Better for Nightlife?

Key West is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Bar Harbor is not a good coastal town for nightlife and partying.

Key West offers plenty to do in the evening. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

Bar Harbor doesn't offer many options. It's a peaceful and sleepy town, so you wont find much in the way of nightlife.

Is Key West or Bar Harbor Better for Resorts?

Key West is a well-known place for its resorts. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its luxury resorts.

In Key West, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

With a selection of resorts, Bar Harbor makes a nice vacation spot. The town is all about the cute hotel. Several favorites include Sand Bar Cottage Inn, Bluenose Inn, and Bar Harbor Inn and Spa.

Is Key West or Bar Harbor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key West is a town with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Key West. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Bar Harbor is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Bar Harbor Better for Beaches?

Key West is a well-known place for its beaches. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for the beache.

The beaches at Key West attract visitors from all over. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Bar Harbor offers a nice beach destination. A nice beach is close by but do note that the sand is very shelly and there is a big difference between high and low tides.

Is Key West or Bar Harbor Better for its Old Town?

Key West is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Key West is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Bar Harbor does not have a historic old town.

Is Key West or Bar Harbor Better for Hiking?

Bar Harbor is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West is not a hiking destination.

Bar Harbor is a good destination for hiking. Nearby Acadia National Park has plenty of hiking options. There's also the Bar Harbor Shore Path that wanders along the coastline and offers beautiful views.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Bar Harbor?

Bar Harbor is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Bar Harbor is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Filled with plenty of local boutique shops, its fun to enjoy some shopping around town.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Key West or Bar Harbor Better for Families?

Key West is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Bar Harbor is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Key West is a very family-friendly place to visit. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

Bar Harbor is a family-friendly town. It is a small town with a lot of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Whale watching, kayaking, and wildlife spotting are all fun activities for all ages.

Is Key West or Bar Harbor Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and Bar Harbor make for a excellent place to visit.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for couples. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

Bar Harbor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a quaint coastal town that is perfect for a couple's getaway or a short honeymoon. There are romantic restaurants, scenic walks, and beautiful views that make this a wonderful retreat.

Is Key West or Bar Harbor Better for Students?

Key West is a well-known place for students. However, Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Key West. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Bar Harbor is not popular with students.

Is Key West or Bar Harbor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bar Harbor is a moderate coastal town for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit is generally limited in Bar Harbor. There is a free shuttle bus that will help you get around town if needed.

Public transit is quite limited in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Key West or Bar Harbor a more walkable city?

Bar Harbor is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Bar Harbor is a very walkable coastal town. The town is small enough that it's easily explored on foot.

Key West is a somewhat walkable town. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Key West Worth Visiting? and Is Bar Harbor Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bar Harbor or Key West?

How long in Key West or Bar Harbor?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Key West than Bar Harbor 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 Key West.

One day in Key West or Bar Harbor?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife around the active town of Key West, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Bar Harbor is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Key West or Bar Harbor?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Key West, 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.

Bar Harbor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Bar Harbor, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Bar Harbor?

Key West, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bar Harbor is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Key West or Bar Harbor?

Key West is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bar Harbor is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key West and Bar Harbor, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Bar Harbor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bar Harbor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bar Harbor 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 West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West than you might in Bar Harbor.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Key West Expensive? and Is Bar Harbor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Bar Harbor?

Key West has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Bar Harbor. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Bar Harbor, 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 West or Bar Harbor?

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 West or Bar Harbor in the Summer?

Both Bar Harbor and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Key West in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Key West is generally a little warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 84°F (29°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In July, Key West usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bar Harbor. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key West or Bar Harbor in the Autumn?

Both Bar Harbor and Key West during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Key West for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bar Harbor because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Key West is much warmer than Bar Harbor in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually gets more rain in October than Bar Harbor. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Should I visit Key West or Bar Harbor in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Bar Harbor. The winter months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Bar Harbor this time of year.

It's quite cold in Bar Harbor in the winter. In the winter, Key West is much warmer than Bar Harbor. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key West in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Bar Harbor averages at about 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Key West usually receives less rain than Bar Harbor. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key West or Bar Harbor in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key West as well as Bar Harbor. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bar Harbor for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Key West is generally much warmer than Bar Harbor. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 77°F (25°C), and Bar Harbor fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Key West usually gets less rain in April than Bar Harbor. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Bar Harbor receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Bar Harbor and Key West