A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key West vs. San Francisco for Food, Families, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Key West or San Francisco?

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

Should I visit Key West or San Francisco? 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. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and quirky coastal city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Key West and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or San Francisco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Francisco. Although Key West and San Francisco are both popular with visitors, San Francisco has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Francisco is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Key West is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Key West 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. San Francisco is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also home to The Golden Gate Bridge.

How is Key West different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in San Francisco are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Key West or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a popular place for its theatre productions. However, Key West is not a theatre destination.

San Francisco offers a number of shows and performances. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Key West is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, San Francisco is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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 San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Key West is a great town for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

The nightlife in Key West has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Key West or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a popular place for its live music scene. However, Key West is not a live music destination.

The music scene in San Francisco is active and vibrant. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Key West is not a live music destination.

Is Key West or San Francisco Better for Resorts?

Key West is a great town for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Key West is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. 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.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is Key West or San Francisco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key West is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Key West has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Key West and San Francisco are very good 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.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Is Key West or San Francisco Better for its Old Town?

Key West is a great town for its historic old town charm. However, San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Key West to see the historical old town. 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.

San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Is Key West or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West is not a hiking destination.

People visit San Francisco specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or San Francisco?

San Francisco is renowned for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in San Francisco make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

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 San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, San Francisco is a very family-friendly destination. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Key West. 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.

Is Key West or San Francisco Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and San Francisco make for a very good 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.

San Francisco makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Key West or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco is notable for backpackers. However, Key West is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

San Francisco is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco Better for Students?

Key West and San Francisco are both very good destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

San Francisco is very popular with students. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

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

San Francisco is renowned for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

San Francisco has a great public transit system. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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

Is Key West or San Francisco a more walkable city?

San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is a very walkable coastal city. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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 San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Key West?

How long in Key West or San Francisco?

Both Key West and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, San Francisco has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in San Francisco than Key West. In general, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in Key West or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the lively destination of Key West. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

San Francisco is a big city with plenty to do. 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 San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key West. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

San Francisco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the quirky destination of Key West. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the beautiful town of Key West. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Francisco has to offer. This coastal city 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 San Francisco, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is San Francisco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Francisco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

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 San Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Key West as well as San Francisco. Many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Key West is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key West in July average around 84°F (29°C), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Key West usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Key West in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Key West is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 80°F (27°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Key West. In October, Key West usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Should I visit Key West or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco and Key West during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Key West for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Key West is much warmer than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Key West usually gets less rain in January than San Francisco. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and San Francisco. The spring months attract visitors to Key West because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

In the spring, Key West is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key West in April average around 77°F (25°C), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, Key West usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Key West