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

Should you visit Islamorada or Columbia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada or Columbia, 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 relaxing, tropical, and adventurous village. The beauty of Islamorada is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Islamorada travel costs.

Columbia

Columbia is a suburban, friendly, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, shopping, and museums. See Columbia travel costs.

Islamorada and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Columbia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Islamorada. Although Islamorada and Columbia are popular destinations, Islamorada has more sights and attractions for tourists. Islamorada is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. It is also well known for Theater of the Sea. Columbia is famous for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Islamorada different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia 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 Columbia?

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Islamorada or Columbia.

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.

Columbia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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

Islamorada is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Islamorada. 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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Islamorada or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Columbia. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Islamorada or Columbia Better for Resorts?

Islamorada is a popular place for its resorts. However, Columbia is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Islamorada makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Islamorada or Columbia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Columbia Better for Beaches?

Islamorada is a well-known place for the beach. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Columbia?

If you're looking to go shopping, Islamorada and Columbia both offer plenty of nice 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.

Columbia offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Islamorada or Columbia More Beautiful?

Islamorada is a well-known place for its scenery and beauty. However, Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Islamorada is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. 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.

Columbia is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Islamorada or Columbia Better for Families?

Islamorada is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Columbia is a family-friendly village. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Islamorada or Columbia Better for Couples?

Islamorada is renowned for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Islamorada or Columbia Better for Students?

Columbia is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Islamorada is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Islamorada is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

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 Columbia a more walkable city?

Neither Islamorada or Columbia are walkable places.

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

Columbia is not a walkable village. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Islamorada or Columbia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Islamorada than Columbia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbia.

Families should spend more time in Islamorada than Columbia. 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 Columbia. 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.

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

One day in Islamorada or Columbia?

The beautiful village of Islamorada 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.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Columbia, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Columbia, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Islamorada or Columbia?

Islamorada is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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.

With nightlife and shopping around the destination of Columbia, there's plenty to do. 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 Columbia?

Islamorada is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Islamorada, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Columbia, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. 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 Columbia?

Islamorada is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Islamorada has to offer. This village offers something for everyone.

Columbia 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 Columbia, we can see that Islamorada is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Columbia.

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

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Columbia?

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

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 Columbia in the Summer?

Both Columbia and Islamorada during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In Columbia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the summer, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Columbia. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 293 hours of full sun.

Columbia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Islamorada usually gets less rain in July than Columbia. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Columbia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Columbia. 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 Columbia because of the shopping scene.

In October, Islamorada is generally a little warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 80°F (27°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Columbia this time of the year. In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Columbia during autumn. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 230 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Islamorada gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Columbia. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Should I visit Islamorada or Columbia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Columbia. 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 Columbia this time of year.

Islamorada is much warmer than Columbia in the winter. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Columbia fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the winter, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Columbia. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia receives 171 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Columbia. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Columbia in the Spring?

Both Columbia and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

In the spring, Islamorada is a little warmer than Columbia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Islamorada in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Columbia averages at about 64°F (18°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Columbia during spring. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia receives 273 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Columbia. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Islamorada