A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key West vs. Mystic for Nightlife, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Key West or Mystic?

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

Should I visit Key West or Mystic? 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.

Mystic

Mystic is a quaint, laid back, and charming town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Key West and Mystic: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Mystic?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Mystic are popular destinations, Key West has more sights and attractions for tourists. Key West is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Mystic attracts visitors for its museums and shopping. Key West is more touristy than Mystic 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. Mystic is famous for its New England charm and local character.

How is Key West different from Mystic?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Mystic is notable for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Mystic offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There's a decent selection of museums around town with some of the favorites being the Mystic Seaport Museum, the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Homestead Museum, and the Old Lighthouse Museum, The Mystic Aquarium is also a popular destination.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Key West and Mystic.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Key West. 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.

Mystic is becoming an appealing option for foodies. As a coastal town, you'll find no shortage of seafood at many restaurants. Popular dishes include oysters, shrimp, or fish. There are also many casual restaurants that serve comfort food for classic American favorites like mac and cheese, pasta, or burgers.

Is Key West or Mystic Better for Nightlife?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Key West has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Mystic has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for the most interesting bars and breweries. You can sip wine or enjoy a cocktail at a laid back pub with friends or family.

Is Key West or Mystic Better for Resorts?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not a resort destination.

Is Key West or Mystic Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key West is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Mystic Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Key West and Mystic are superb choices.

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.

Mystic is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are accessible from town and offer a laid back setting that's not overly developed. Families will like Ocean Beach Park but Williams Beach Park is one of the easiest beaches to access. If you're willing to drive a bit out of town, you should check out Misquamicut State Beach.

Is Key West or Mystic Better for its Old Town?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Mystic?

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

Mystic is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head downtown for scenic shopping streets with boutiques, artisan craft shops, and jewelry stores.

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 Mystic Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Key West or Mystic.

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 Mystic. Animal lovers will enjoy wandering around the many trails at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center or visiting the famous Mystic Aquarium. You can also visit the shops around Olde Mistick Village or dine at one of the many kid-friendly restaurants.

Is Key West or Mystic Better for Couples?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Mystic is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Key West makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Mystic makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Check out Mystic Seaport or drive down the coastline and visit the lighthouses. You'll also find breweries around town as well as many fun or romantic restaurants.

Is Key West or Mystic Better for Students?

Key West is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Mystic 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.

Mystic is not popular with students.

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

Neither Key West or Mystic 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 Mystic. There is a bus but it has limited stops and only runs on weekdays.

Is Key West or Mystic a more walkable city?

Key West is a good destination for its walkability. However, Mystic is lacking in options 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.

Mystic is generally not very walkable. While parts of town are very walkable, you'll need a car if you want to see the sights that are a bit further away.

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

Should I spend more time in Mystic or Key West?

How long in Key West or Mystic?

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

Families should spend more time in Key West than Mystic. 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 Mystic. 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 Key West than Mystic 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 Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the quaint destination of Key West. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The town of Mystic offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Mystic?

Key West is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Mystic 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mystic, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Mystic?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key West. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Mystic 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 Mystic?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the quaint destination of Key West. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Mystic is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, 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 Mystic, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Mystic much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Mystic would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mystic 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 Mystic.

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 Mystic Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Mystic?

Key West has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Mystic. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Mystic, 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 Mystic?

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 Mystic in the Summer?

Both Mystic 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. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Mystic because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Key West is generally a little warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 84°F (29°C), and Mystic fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Mystic, 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 Mystic. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 293 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets more rain in July than Mystic. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Mystic in the Autumn?

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

Key West is much warmer than Mystic in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Mystic fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mystic this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Mystic during autumn. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic 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 Mystic. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

Should I visit Key West or Mystic in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Mystic. In the winter, Key West is much warmer than Mystic. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key West in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Mystic averages at about 28°F (-2°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 Mystic. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mystic receives 170 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in January than Mystic. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Mystic in the Spring?

Both Mystic 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 Mystic in the spring for the beaches.

In April, Key West is generally much warmer than Mystic. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 77°F (25°C), and Mystic fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Mystic. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Mystic during spring. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Mystic receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key West usually receives less rain than Mystic. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Mystic receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Typical Weather for Mystic and Key West