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

Should you visit Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge, 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 adventurous, relaxing, and tropical village. Islamorada is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Islamorada travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a scenic, natural, and beautiful region. Columbia River Gorge is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Islamorada and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Islamorada. Although Islamorada and Columbia River Gorge are both popular with visitors, Islamorada has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Islamorada is more popular for its museums and attractions, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Columbia River Gorge is known for its hiking. Islamorada is popular for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. It is also home to Theater of the Sea. Columbia River Gorge is popular for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is Islamorada different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at superb restaurants in both Islamorada and Columbia River Gorge.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Is Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

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

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 River Gorge. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Is Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge Better for Resorts?

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Islamorada has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Is Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Islamorada has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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 River Gorge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge Better for Beaches?

Islamorada is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Islamorada. 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 River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is a great region for hiking. However, Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge?

If you're looking to go shopping, Islamorada and Columbia River Gorge both offer plenty of good 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 River Gorge offers some nice shopping areas. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

Islamorada and Columbia River Gorge both are comparable with their superb scenery and beauty.

Islamorada is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. 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.

The beauty of Columbia River Gorge is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Is Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Islamorada is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Islamorada is an amazing family-friendly village to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Columbia River Gorge is very family-friendly. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Islamorada is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its romantic activities.

Islamorada has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 River Gorge makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is a great region for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Islamorada is not known for backpackers.

Columbia River Gorge is very popular with the backpacker crowd. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Columbia River Gorge 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 River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

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 River Gorge a more walkable city?

Neither Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge 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 River Gorge is not a walkable village. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge?

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

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

One day in Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Islamorada. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With shopping and nightlife around the beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge, 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Islamorada is a fun place to 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. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Columbia River Gorge, 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 region.

Five days in Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Islamorada for five days. Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful village of Islamorada. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer.

Columbia River Gorge, a popular region, 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the relaxing destination of Islamorada. Many people spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Islamorada, one week is sufficent for most.

Columbia River Gorge 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 River Gorge, we can see that Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada and Columbia River Gorge, 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 River Gorge?

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 River Gorge in the Summer?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Islamorada during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

Islamorada is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the summer, Islamorada often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia River Gorge. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets more rain in July than Columbia River Gorge. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Columbia River Gorge. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Islamorada is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamorada in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 55°F (13°C).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during autumn. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 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 River Gorge. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Columbia River Gorge. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Columbia River Gorge can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 70°F (21°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°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 River Gorge. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Columbia River Gorge. Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Columbia River Gorge. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty during these months.

Islamorada is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia River Gorge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during spring. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Columbia River Gorge. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Islamorada