A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Paz vs. Key West for Beaches, Food, Nightlife, and Resorts

Should you visit La Paz or Key West?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between La Paz and Key West can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

La Paz

La Paz is a beautiful, authentic, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See La Paz travel costs.

Key West

Key West is a active, lively, and quaint town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. The beauty of Key West is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Key West travel costs.

La Paz and Key West: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Paz or Key West?

Visitors will usually find more to do in La Paz than Key West, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. La Paz is better known for its museums and attractions, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Key West is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Key West is more touristy than La Paz and is known 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. La Paz is well known for its beautiful beaches, fascinating cultural setting, and authentic local atmosphere. Also, La Paz is famous for Balandra Beach.

How is La Paz different from Key West?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Paz or Key West?

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

La Paz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Sights and landmarks around town include La Paz Cathedral, the Museo de Antropología e Historia de Baja California Sur, the the Museo de Arte de Baja California Sur, and Teatro Juarez.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both La Paz and Key West both to be excellent destinations.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit La Paz. As the capital of Baja California Sur, you'll find many local restaurants that serve traditional and authentic Mexican cuisine. The recipes include seafood and local produce. You'll find everything from food stalls to high end restaurants around town.

Key West has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, but 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 La Paz or Key West Better for Nightlife?

Key West is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Paz. There are many bars and restaurants around the Malecón.

Is La Paz or Key West Better for Resorts?

Key West is notable for its resorts. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its luxury resorts.

In Key West, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. 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.

La Paz has a few great resort options. There are a number of hotels and resorts around town that make for a nice vacation.

Is La Paz or Key West Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

La Paz is notable for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting La Paz. There are organized diving and snorkeling excursions available around town. It's location by the Sea of Cortez makes diving a world class experience.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Is La Paz or Key West Better for Beaches?

La Paz is renowned for the beach. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in La Paz. The beaches in the area are the main draw, and you'll find beaches that are family-friendly, romantic, or full of amenities. Some consider the beaches in the area among the best in Mexico.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Is La Paz or Key West Better for its Old Town?

Key West is notable for its old town. However, La Paz does not have a historic old town.

Key West is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

La Paz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in La Paz or Key West?

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

La Paz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Local boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries all make for interesting shopping opportunities.

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 La Paz or Key West More Beautiful?

Key West is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, La Paz is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Key West is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. There are blue waters as far as the eye can see. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this.

La Paz is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is La Paz or Key West Better for Families?

Both La Paz and Key West are excellent to visit with kids.

La Paz is a very kid-friendly city. Older kids will enjoy swimming with whale sharks, whale watching, and experiencing the region's wildlife. There are also many beaches in the area where kids can play.

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 La Paz or Key West Better for Couples?

Key West is notable for its romantic activities. Also, La Paz is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

La Paz is a good city for couples to visit. Couples will enjoy walking along the beach promenade known as Malecon. There are also beaches and amazing animal experiences such as whale watching or dolphin viewing.

Is La Paz or Key West Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Paz is notable for backpackers. However, Key West is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

La Paz is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city offers an authentic experience and hostels that make it a budget-friendly option for backpackers.

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 La Paz or Key West Better for Students?

Key West is notable for students. However, La Paz is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Key West. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

La Paz is not popular with students.

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

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

La Paz has a few public transit options. There's a cheap local bus system around town.

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

Is La Paz or Key West a more walkable city?

La Paz 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.

La Paz is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable.

Key West is a somewhat walkable city. 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 La Paz Worth Visiting? and Is Key West Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Key West or La Paz?

How long in La Paz or Key West?

Both La Paz and Key West have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than in La Paz. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Paz, and 5-7 days is enough time in Key West.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Paz 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 La Paz.

One day in La Paz or Key West?

The city of La Paz offers museums and nightlife. 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.

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.

A weekend in La Paz or Key West?

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

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.

Five days in La Paz or Key West?

La Paz is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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.

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.

A week in La Paz or Key West?

La Paz is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 city offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the laid-back 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Mexico, The Best Tours for Seniors to Mexico, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between La Paz and Key West, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is La Paz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Paz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Paz 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 La Paz.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is La Paz Expensive? and Is Key West Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Paz or Key West?

La Paz has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of La Paz and Key West, 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 La Paz or Key West?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit La Paz or Key West in the Summer?

Both Key West and La Paz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to La Paz for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Key West in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

La Paz is around the same temperature as Key West in the summer. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Key West fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It's quite sunny in Key West. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Paz. La Paz usually receives less sunshine than Key West during summer. La Paz gets 287 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, La Paz usually receives less rain than Key West. La Paz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Paz or Key West in the Autumn?

Both Key West and La Paz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to La Paz in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Key West for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, La Paz is around the same temperature as Key West. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Paz in October average around 27°C (80°F), and Key West averages at about 80°F (27°C).

In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in La Paz. In the autumn, La Paz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Key West. La Paz gets 272 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 258 hours of full sun.

Key West gets a good bit of rain this time of year. La Paz usually gets less rain in October than Key West. La Paz gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

Should I visit La Paz or Key West in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both La Paz and Key West. Most visitors come to La Paz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, La Paz is generally cooler than Key West. Daily temperatures in La Paz average around 18°C (65°F), and Key West fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In La Paz, it's very sunny this time of the year. La Paz usually receives less sunshine than Key West during winter. La Paz gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Key West receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, La Paz usually receives less rain than Key West. La Paz gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Paz or Key West in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to La Paz as well as Key West. The spring months attract visitors to La Paz because of the beaches. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Key West this time of year.

La Paz is cooler than Key West in the spring. The daily temperature in La Paz averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Key West fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Paz this time of the year. In the spring, La Paz often gets less sunshine than Key West. La Paz gets 292 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key West receives 326 hours of full sun.

La Paz usually gets less rain in April than Key West. La Paz gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Typical Weather for Key West and La Paz