A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Boca Raton vs. Key Largo for Beaches, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Boca Raton or Key Largo?

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 Boca Raton and Key Largo. 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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a relaxed, luxurious, and posh coastal city. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Boca Raton travel costs.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxed island. As it is a quaint destination, it has a nice vibe. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

Boca Raton and Key Largo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Key Largo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boca Raton. Although Boca Raton and Key Largo are popular destinations, Boca Raton has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boca Raton is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Key Largo attracts visitors for its scuba diving & snorkeling and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is more touristy than Boca Raton and is known for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. Boca Raton is famous for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also well known for Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Key Largo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Boca Raton or Key Largo?

Boca Raton is great for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Boca Raton or Key Largo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Boca Raton is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Boca Raton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

Key Largo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known for its Key Lime pie and seafood. You'll find a great selection of restaurants that serve seafood dishes and options for the land-loving crew. There are even a few international restaurants to choose from.

Is Boca Raton or Key Largo Better for Nightlife?

Boca Raton is great for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Boca Raton for the nightlife scene. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

Most people don't head to Key Largo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Is Boca Raton or Key Largo Better for Resorts?

There are very good resorts to choose from in both Boca Raton and Key Largo.

There are plenty of resorts in Boca Raton to choose from. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

Key Largo is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Is Boca Raton or Key Largo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Key Largo. Near this island you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are private tours that head out to the reef for either snorkeling or diving. There are also shipwrecks and other fascinating spots to explore.

Boca Raton has a few good snorkeling spots. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Is Boca Raton or Key Largo Better for Beaches?

Boca Raton is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

Boca Raton is considered to be a world-class beach destination. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

Key Largo offers a nice beach destination. Many of the beaches around Key Largo are man-made, but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water. The water is turquoise, although not as striking as further south.

Is Boca Raton or Key Largo Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is a coastal city with good options for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Boca Raton. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Key Largo?

Boca Raton is great for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Boca Raton or Key Largo Better for Families?

Key Largo is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Key Largo is very family-friendly. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There's also several places where your kids can interact with dolphins or experience wildlife. If you want to get out on the water, there's kayaking, sunset cruises, and glass bottom boats, all of which are great for the whole family.

Boca Raton is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Is Boca Raton or Key Largo Better for Couples?

Boca Raton is great for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Boca Raton is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

Key Largo is a nice destination for couples. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. You'll also find kayaking and sunset cruises that leave from the area.

Is Boca Raton or Key Largo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Boca Raton is a coastal city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Boca Raton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Key Largo. There's no real public transit around the island and you must have a car to get around.

Is Boca Raton or Key Largo a more walkable city?

Boca Raton is a coastal city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable coastal city. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

Key Largo is not a walkable coastal city. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Key Largo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Key Largo or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Key Largo?

Both Boca Raton and Key Largo have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo than in Boca Raton. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Boca Raton, and 5-7 days is enough time in Key Largo.

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

Couples should spend more time in Boca Raton than Key Largo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Boca Raton that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton than Key Largo 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 Boca Raton.

One day in Boca Raton or Key Largo?

You'll find nightlife and food around the coastal city of Boca Raton. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

With scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful island of Key Largo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Key Largo?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the relaxed destination of Boca Raton. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With scuba diving and snorkeling around the destination of Key Largo, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Boca Raton or Key Largo?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the relaxed coastal city of Boca Raton. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer.

Key Largo, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this island. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Boca Raton or Key Largo?

Boca Raton is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Key Largo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this island makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Key Largo, we can see that Boca Raton is more expensive. And not only is Key Largo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Key Largo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Key Largo 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 Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton than you might in Key Largo.

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

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Key Largo?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton and Key Largo, 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 Boca Raton or Key Largo?

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 Boca Raton or Key Largo in the Summer?

Both Key Largo and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Boca Raton for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Key Largo in the summer. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Key Largo fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite sunny in Key Largo. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Key Largo during summer. Boca Raton gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Key Largo receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. It's quite rainy in Boca Raton. In July, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Key Largo. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Key Largo in the Autumn?

Both Key Largo and Boca Raton during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Key Largo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Boca Raton in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Key Largo averages at about 78°F (26°C).

In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Boca Raton. In the autumn, Boca Raton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Key Largo. Boca Raton gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key Largo receives 275 hours of full sun.

Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Boca Raton. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Key Largo. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Key Largo in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Key Largo. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Key Largo for the cuisine.

In January, Boca Raton is generally around the same temperature as Key Largo. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 65°F (19°C), and Key Largo fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In Boca Raton, it's very sunny this time of the year. Boca Raton usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Key Largo during winter. Boca Raton gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Key Largo receives 243 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Key Largo. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Key Largo receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Key Largo in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Key Largo. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Key Largo in the spring for the beaches.

Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Key Largo in the spring. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Key Largo fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Boca Raton this time of the year. In the spring, Boca Raton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Key Largo. Boca Raton gets 300 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Key Largo receives 300 hours of full sun.

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in April than Key Largo. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Key Largo receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton.

Typical Weather for Key Largo and Boca Raton