A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Islamorada vs. Chattanooga for Families, Couples, Food, and Attractions

Should you visit Islamorada or Chattanooga?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada or Chattanooga, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a tropical, adventurous, and relaxing village. With stunning beauty, Islamorada attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Islamorada travel costs.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a outdoorsy, thriving, and bustling city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Chattanooga travel costs.

Islamorada and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Chattanooga?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Islamorada than Chattanooga, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Islamorada is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Chattanooga is more popular for its hiking. Islamorada is more touristy than Chattanooga and is popular for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. Also, Islamorada is famous for Theater of the Sea. Chattanooga is well known for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Islamorada different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Islamorada or Chattanooga?

Spend time exploring the notable sights and museums in either Islamorada or Chattanooga.

Islamorada is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Chattanooga offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

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

Islamorada is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Islamorada is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chattanooga. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is Islamorada or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Islamorada and Chattanooga.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Chattanooga. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

Is Islamorada or Chattanooga Better for Resorts?

Islamorada is a popular place for its resorts. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

Is Islamorada or Chattanooga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Chattanooga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Islamorada has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Chattanooga is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Chattanooga Better for Beaches?

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

Islamorada is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Islamorada or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga is a great city for hiking. However, Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chattanooga for the hiking trails. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Chattanooga?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Islamorada. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

Chattanooga offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Is Islamorada or Chattanooga More Beautiful?

Islamorada is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Chattanooga is not a destination known for its 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.

Chattanooga is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Islamorada or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Islamorada is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Islamorada is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Chattanooga offers lots of family activities. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is Islamorada or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

Islamorada is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Islamorada makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Chattanooga is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

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

Chattanooga is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada is not known for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Chattanooga. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

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 Islamorada or Chattanooga a more walkable city?

Chattanooga is a great city for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

Chattanooga is very walkable. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

Islamorada is not a walkable village. 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 Islamorada Worth Visiting? and Is Chattanooga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Chattanooga?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Islamorada and Chattanooga. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Islamorada than in Chattanooga. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 2-3 days is enough time in Chattanooga.

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

One day in Islamorada or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the tropical 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.

With museums and nightlife around the bustling city of Chattanooga, 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.

A weekend in Islamorada or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the tropical 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Chattanooga, 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 city.

Five days in Islamorada or Chattanooga?

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.

Chattanooga, a popular city, 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.

A week in Islamorada or Chattanooga?

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.

Chattanooga 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada and Chattanooga, 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 Islamorada or Chattanooga?

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 Islamorada or Chattanooga in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Chattanooga. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Chattanooga for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Islamorada is generally around the same temperature as Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 84°F (29°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the summer, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 265 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Islamorada usually gets less rain in July than Chattanooga. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

Both Chattanooga and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chattanooga because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Islamorada is much warmer than Chattanooga in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during autumn. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Islamorada. In October, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Chattanooga. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Should I visit Islamorada or Chattanooga in the Winter?

Both Chattanooga and Islamorada during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chattanooga this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chattanooga in the winter. In the winter, Islamorada is much warmer than Chattanooga. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamorada in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 40°F (5°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the winter, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Chattanooga. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chattanooga receives 145 hours of full sun.

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Chattanooga. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Chattanooga in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Chattanooga. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

In April, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 77°F (25°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Chattanooga during spring. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Chattanooga receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

Chattanooga receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Islamorada