A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santa Elena vs. Islamorada for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Santa Elena or Islamorada?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Santa Elena and Islamorada. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Santa Elena

Santa Elena is a scenic, tranquil, and outdoorsy town. Santa Elena is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include hiking and shopping. See Santa Elena travel costs.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a tropical, adventurous, and relaxing village. With stunning beauty, Islamorada attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Islamorada travel costs.

Santa Elena and Islamorada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Santa Elena or Islamorada?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Islamorada than Santa Elena, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Islamorada is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Santa Elena is more popular for its hiking. Santa Elena is well known for its birdwatching and environmental conservation. Islamorada is well known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. Also, Islamorada is famous for Theater of the Sea.

How is Santa Elena different from Islamorada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Islamorada and Santa Elena. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Santa Elena or Islamorada?

Islamorada is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Santa Elena is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Islamorada. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

Santa Elena offers a few options for museum-goers. The area is filled with outdoor gardens, parks, and nature reserves, but there are few museums to visit.

Is the Food Better in Santa Elena or Islamorada? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Islamorada is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Santa Elena is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Islamorada has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

Santa Elena offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find some basic but good restaurants around town. Many offer pasta, pizza, and typical Costa Rican dishes.

Is Santa Elena or Islamorada Better for Nightlife?

Islamorada is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Santa Elena is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Islamorada has a few options to choose from. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

Most people don't head to Santa Elena specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's a couple of bars but not much else for nightlife in town.

Is Santa Elena or Islamorada Better for Resorts?

Islamorada is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Santa Elena is not a resort destination.

Islamorada has a few great resort options. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Santa Elena is not a resort destination.

Is Santa Elena or Islamorada Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Santa Elena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Islamorada. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

Santa Elena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santa Elena or Islamorada Better for Beaches?

Islamorada is great for the beach. However, Santa Elena is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Islamorada for it's beautiful beaches. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

Santa Elena is not a beach destination.

Is Santa Elena or Islamorada Better for Hiking?

Santa Elena is a great town for hiking. However, Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Santa Elena for the hiking trails. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has a range of trails including a walk along the Continental Divide. There's also the famous red hanging bridge.

Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santa Elena or Islamorada?

If you're looking to go shopping, Santa Elena and Islamorada both offer plenty of notable spots.

Santa Elena has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are some art galleries and artisan shops around town where you can pick up some interesting souvenirs.

Islamorada is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

Is Santa Elena or Islamorada More Beautiful?

Islamorada is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Santa Elena is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Islamorada attracts visitors from all around. Striking blue water and white sand make this a truly tropical paradise. You can sip frozen drinks and relax in the sun as your troubles slip away.

Santa Elena is a gorgeous place to visit. The cloud forest and canopy walks give you access to breathtaking views and unique wildlife.

Is Santa Elena or Islamorada Better for Families?

Islamorada is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santa Elena is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Islamorada is very family-friendly. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

Santa Elena is a very family-friendly place to visit. Monteverde has many canopy walks, zipline courses, and animal parks that the kids will love. The nature and wildlife make this a fun and educational destination for everyone.

Is Santa Elena or Islamorada Better for Couples?

Islamorada is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Santa Elena is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Islamorada is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

Santa Elena is a very popular place to visit for couples. The cloud forest is filled with romantic views and unique landscapes. Couples who enjoy the outdoors will fall in love with this magical setting.

Is Santa Elena or Islamorada Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Elena is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Islamorada is not known for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Santa Elena. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and affordable activities. There are also many hostels with social activities that make this a great backpacker-friendly destination.

Islamorada is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any real hostels on this key and prices in general can be a bit high so backpackers will find it a bit challenging.

Is Santa Elena or Islamorada Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Elena is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada is not known for its public transit.

While Santa Elena offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses through town that travel to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Is Santa Elena or Islamorada a more walkable city?

Santa Elena is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

Santa Elena is somewhat walkable. It's relatively easy to walk around, but you will need to take a bus to Monteverde.

Islamorada is not a walkable town. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Santa Elena Worth Visiting? and Is Islamorada Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Islamorada or Santa Elena?

How long in Santa Elena or Islamorada?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Elena than Islamorada 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 Santa Elena.

One day in Santa Elena or Islamorada?

With shopping around the tranquil town of Santa Elena, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the adventurous village of Islamorada. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Santa Elena or Islamorada?

With shopping around the destination of Santa Elena, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adventurous destination of Islamorada. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This village offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Santa Elena or Islamorada?

Santa Elena, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the adventurous village of Islamorada. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Santa Elena or Islamorada?

Santa Elena is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Islamorada. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this village.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Costa Rica, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Costa Rica, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Santa Elena and Islamorada, we can see that Islamorada is more expensive. And not only is Santa Elena much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Santa Elena is in Central America and Islamorada is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Santa Elena would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Santa Elena 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 Islamorada would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Islamorada than you might in Santa Elena.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Santa Elena Expensive? and Is Islamorada Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Santa Elena or Islamorada?

Islamorada has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Santa Elena experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Santa Elena or Islamorada in the Summer?

Both Islamorada and Santa Elena are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Santa Elena throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Santa Elena is around the same temperature as Islamorada. Typically, the summer temperatures in Santa Elena in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Islamorada averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. Santa Elena usually receives less sunshine than Islamorada during summer. Santa Elena gets 164 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Santa Elena. In July, Santa Elena usually receives more rain than Islamorada. Santa Elena gets 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Santa Elena or Islamorada in the Autumn?

Both Islamorada and Santa Elena during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Santa Elena because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Santa Elena is generally around the same temperature as Islamorada. Daily temperatures in Santa Elena average around 27°C (81°F), and Islamorada fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Santa Elena often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. Santa Elena gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 258 hours of full sun.

Islamorada gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Santa Elena. Santa Elena usually gets more rain in October than Islamorada. Santa Elena gets 254 mm (10 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to October in Santa Elena is the hurricane season. Also, June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Santa Elena or Islamorada in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Santa Elena and Islamorada. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Santa Elena year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

Santa Elena is a little warmer than Islamorada in the winter. The daily temperature in Santa Elena averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Islamorada fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In Santa Elena, it's very sunny this time of the year. Santa Elena usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Islamorada during winter. Santa Elena gets 264 hours of sunny skies, while Islamorada receives 252 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Santa Elena usually receives less rain than Islamorada. Santa Elena gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter. February to May in Santa Elena is the dry season.

Should I visit Santa Elena or Islamorada in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Santa Elena as well as Islamorada. Santa Elena attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Santa Elena is a little warmer than Islamorada. Typically, the spring temperatures in Santa Elena in April average around 29°C (85°F), and Islamorada averages at about 77°F (25°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Santa Elena this time of the year. In the spring, Santa Elena often gets less sunshine than Islamorada. Santa Elena gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Islamorada receives 326 hours of full sun.

Santa Elena usually gets more rain in April than Islamorada. Santa Elena gets 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Islamorada receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, February to May in Santa Elena is the dry season. Also, the hurricane season in Santa Elena is June to October. Also, the hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Typical Weather for Islamorada and Santa Elena