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

Should you visit Key West or Zion National Park?

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

Should I visit Key West or Zion 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 quaint, laid-back, and quirky town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife.

Zion National Park

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

Key West and Zion National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zion National Park. Although Key West and Zion National Park are popular destinations, Zion National Park has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zion National Park is very popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Key West attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. 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. Zion National Park is famous for its iconic hiking trails, dramatic canyon, and world-class rock climbing. It is also well known for Angels Landing.

How is Key West different from Zion National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Zion National Park is a moderate park for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Zion National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The best museum in the area is the Zion Human History Museum.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Key West is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

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 Zion National Park. Within the park there are a couple of restaurants, but it's far better to bring your own food that you can enjoy as a picnic or meal by a campfire.

Is Key West or Zion National Park Better for Nightlife?

Key West is well known for nightlife. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Key West is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Zion National Park Stargazing and relaxing by a campfire is how most visitors enjoy the evening hours.

Is Key West or Zion National Park Better for Resorts?

Key West is well known for its resorts. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its luxury resorts.

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.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Zion National Park offers a few options. There's a lodge within the park and many hotel options outside of the park.

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

Key West is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Zion National Park Better for Beaches?

Key West is well known for its beaches. However, Zion National Park is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Key West. 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.

Zion National Park is not a beach destination.

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

Key West is well known for its historic old town. However, Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Key West or Zion National Park Better for Hiking?

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

People visit Zion National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. This park is known for its iconic hikes, which include Angels Landing, the Narrows, and the Emerald Pools Trail. There are hikes that range from easy to incredibly difficult, and many visits see this destination as a bucket list hiking opportunity.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

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

Key West is a town with a few options for shopping. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known for its shopping opportunities.

Key West is a good destination for 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.

Shopping in Zion National Park can be found for those interested. There are park stores, but few other shopping opportunities in the area.

Is Key West or Zion National Park Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Key West or Zion National Park.

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 Zion National Park. One of the most kid-friendly hikes is the Watchman Trail, which starts conveniently near the Visitor Center. Other favorites include the Lower Emerald Pool Trail, the Pa'rus Trail, and the Riverside Walk.

Is Key West or Zion National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and Zion National Park 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.

Zion National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are world-class hiking trails, spectacular views, and many opportunities for a romantic moment in this well-known park. While the crowds can be intense, particularly during peak seasons, the park is large enough that you should be able to find a moment of solitude.

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

Zion 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 Zion National Park. This is a world-famous rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking destination. There are many opportunities for backcountry camping, but you are required to purchase a permit.

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 Zion National Park Better for Students?

Key West is well known for students. However, Zion National Park is not popular with students.

Key West is a great town to visit as a student. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Zion National Park is not popular with students.

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

Zion National Park is a popular place for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Zion National Park has a few public transit options. There are free shuttles that travel around the park. They operate during the most popular seasons but the service isn't available during most of the winter months.

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

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

Key West is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Zion National Park is not particularly known 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.

Zion National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large, and most trailheads are spread out and require a vehicle to access.

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

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

How long in Key West or Zion National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Key West than Zion 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 Zion 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Key West than Zion National Park 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 Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the quaint destination of Key West. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful park of Zion 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 Zion National Park?

Key West is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife when visiting the bustling town of Key West. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Zion National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in 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 Zion National Park?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Key West. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Key West has to offer.

Zion National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Zion National Park, 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 Zion National Park?

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. Visiting the old town is also a must. It offers something for everyone. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Zion National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Zion National Park has to offer. 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 Zion National Park, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Zion National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zion National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zion 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 Zion 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 Zion National Park Expensive?.