A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key West vs. Blue Ridge for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Key West or Blue Ridge?

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

Should I visit Key West or Blue Ridge? 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 eclectic, bustling, and active town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a historic, quaint, and charming town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Key West and Blue Ridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Blue Ridge?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Blue Ridge 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, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Blue Ridge attracts visitors for its museums, food, hiking, shopping, and small town charm. Key West is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is popular 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. Blue Ridge is famous for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Key West different from Blue Ridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key West or Blue Ridge?

Blue Ridge is a moderate town for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Key West or Blue Ridge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

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 Blue Ridge Better for Nightlife?

Key West is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Key West has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Key West or Blue Ridge Better for Resorts?

Key West is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Key West to choose from. 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.

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Is Key West or Blue Ridge Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key West is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Blue Ridge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Blue Ridge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Blue Ridge Better for Beaches?

Key West is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Key West for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Blue Ridge Better for its Old Town?

Key West is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Key West. 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.

Blue Ridge does not have a historic old town.

Is Key West or Blue Ridge Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West is not a hiking destination.

Blue Ridge is a popular spot for hiking. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Blue Ridge?

Blue Ridge is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Blue Ridge is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

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 Blue Ridge Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Key West or Blue Ridge.

Key West is a very kid-friendly town. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Blue Ridge. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Is Key West or Blue Ridge Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and Blue Ridge make for a superb 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.

Blue Ridge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Is Key West or Blue Ridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge is notable for backpackers. However, Key West is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Blue Ridge is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Key West is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Key West is a pretty expensive destination, but there are Airbnbs and even a hostel or two that cater to budget backpackers.

Is Key West or Blue Ridge Better for Students?

Key West is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

Many students visit Key West. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Blue Ridge is not popular with students.

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

Neither Key West or Blue Ridge offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Public transit is quite limited in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Key West or Blue Ridge a more walkable city?

Key West and Blue Ridge both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable town. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Blue Ridge or Key West?

How long in Key West or Blue Ridge?

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

Families should spend more time in Key West than Blue Ridge. 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.

Couples should spend more time in Key West than Blue Ridge. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Key West that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Key West 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 Blue Ridge.

One day in Key West or Blue Ridge?

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.

Blue Ridge is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Blue Ridge?

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.

Blue Ridge is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Blue Ridge, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Blue Ridge?

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.

Blue Ridge is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Blue Ridge, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Key West or Blue Ridge?

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.

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This 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 Blue Ridge, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Blue Ridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Blue Ridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.

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 Blue Ridge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Blue Ridge?

Key West has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Blue Ridge, 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 Blue Ridge?

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 West or Blue Ridge in the Summer?

Both Blue Ridge and Key West during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Key West is generally around the same temperature as Blue Ridge. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 84°F (29°C), and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

In Blue Ridge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key West. In the summer, Key West often gets more sunshine than Blue Ridge. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Blue Ridge receives 265 hours of full sun.

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Key West usually gets less rain in July than Blue Ridge. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Blue Ridge in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Blue Ridge. The autumn months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year.

Key West is much warmer than Blue Ridge in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Blue Ridge this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Blue Ridge during autumn. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Blue Ridge receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Key West gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key West usually receives more rain than Blue Ridge. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

Should I visit Key West or Blue Ridge in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key West as well as Blue Ridge. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Blue Ridge. In the winter, Key West is much warmer than Blue Ridge. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key West in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Blue Ridge averages at about 40°F (5°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the winter, Key West often gets more sunshine than Blue Ridge. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Blue Ridge receives 145 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. Key West usually gets less rain in January than Blue Ridge. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Blue Ridge in the Spring?

Both Blue Ridge and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In April, Key West is generally much warmer than Blue Ridge. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 77°F (25°C), and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Blue Ridge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Blue Ridge during spring. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Blue Ridge receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. In April, Key West usually receives less rain than Blue Ridge. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Typical Weather for Blue Ridge and Key West