A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key West vs. Glacier National Park for Backpackers, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Key West or Glacier National Park?

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

Should I visit Key West or Glacier National Park? 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 bustling, active, and lively 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.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a breathtaking, gorgeous, and stunning park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Key West and Glacier National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Glacier National Park?

Both Glacier National Park and Key West have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Key West is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Glacier National Park attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Key West is famous 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. Glacier National Park is famous for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes.

How is Key West different from Glacier National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Glacier National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Key West or Glacier National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Key West is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its restaurants.

Key West offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Glacier National Park. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Key West or Glacier National Park Better for Nightlife?

Key West is notable for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

Key West has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Glacier National Park doesn't offer many options. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Key West or Glacier National Park Better for Resorts?

Key West is notable for its resorts. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its luxury resorts.

Key West is known as a popular and fun resort destination. 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, Glacier National Park makes a nice vacation spot. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.

Is Key West or Glacier National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key West is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Glacier National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Key West has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Glacier National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Glacier National Park Better for Beaches?

Key West is notable for its beaches. However, Glacier National Park is not a beach destination.

Key West is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Glacier National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Glacier National Park Better for its Old Town?

Key West is notable for its historic old town. However, Glacier National Park does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Glacier National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Key West or Glacier National Park Better for Hiking?

Glacier National Park is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West is not a hiking destination.

Glacier National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Glacier National Park?

Both Key West and Glacier National Park are reasonable shopping destinations.

If you're looking to go shopping, Key West has some nice offerings. 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.

Glacier National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.

Is Key West or Glacier National Park Better for Families?

Key West is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park 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.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly town. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Is Key West or Glacier National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and Glacier National Park make for a high quality 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.

Glacier National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

Is Key West or Glacier National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Glacier National Park is renowned for backpackers. However, Key West is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Glacier National Park. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

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 Glacier National Park Better for Students?

Key West is notable for students. However, Glacier National Park is not popular with students.

Key West is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Glacier National Park is not popular with students.

Is Key West or Glacier National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Glacier National Park is a moderate park 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 Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

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

Is Key West or Glacier National Park a more walkable city?

Key West is a popular place for its walkability. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its high level of walkability.

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

Glacier National Park is not a very walkable town. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Key West Worth Visiting? and Is Glacier National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glacier National Park or Key West?

How long in Key West or Glacier National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Key West than Glacier National Park. 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 Glacier National Park. 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.

One day in Key West or Glacier National Park?

In Key West, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful park of Glacier National Park offers . 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 Glacier National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key West. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

Glacier National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this park 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 Glacier National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Glacier National Park?

Key West is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park?

In Key West, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Glacier National Park 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 park 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 Glacier National Park, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Glacier National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Glacier National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park.

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 Glacier National Park Expensive?.