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

Should you visit Islamorada or Durango?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada or Durango, 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Islamorada travel costs.

Durango

Durango is a quaint, scenic, and nature-filled small town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Durango is a gorgeous place to visit. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Other reasons to visit include hiking and museums. See Durango travel costs.

Islamorada and Durango: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Durango?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Islamorada. Although Islamorada and Durango are both popular with visitors, Islamorada has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Islamorada is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Durango is known for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Islamorada is more touristy than Durango and is known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. It is also home to Theater of the Sea. Durango is popular for its historic narrow gauge railroad, its charming small town atmosphere, and its many family-friendly activities.

How is Islamorada different from Durango?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Islamorada or Durango Better for Skiing?

Durango is adequate for skiing. However, Islamorada is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Durango to take advantage of their winter sports. Purgatory Ski Resort is about 20 minutes from town and it's a family-friendly mountain with beginner and intermediate runs. It's small, and geared specifically to the beginner and younger crowd.

Islamorada is not a skiing destination.

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

Spend time exploring the good sights and museums in either Islamorada or Durango.

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.

Durango offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most visitors come to town specifically to ride the Silverton & Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad. There's also the D&SNGRR Railroad Museum, and the Fish Hatchery and Wildlife Museum.

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

Islamorada is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Durango. Most of the restaurants are casual and family-friendly, serving up burgers or sandwiches for a reasonable price. You'll also find some coffeeshops and even a few food trucks and international restaurants.

Is Islamorada or Durango Better for Nightlife?

Islamorada is a good destination for nightlife. However, Durango is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Islamorada. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Durango. It's a small town that attracts tourists mainly for its train, so you won't find much in the way of a nightlife scene.

Is Islamorada or Durango Better for Resorts?

Islamorada is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Durango 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.

Durango is not a resort destination.

Is Islamorada or Durango Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Durango 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.

Durango is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Durango Better for Beaches?

Islamorada is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Durango 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.

Durango is not a beach destination.

Is Islamorada or Durango Better for its Old Town?

Durango is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Islamorada does not have a historic old town.

Durango is a good destination for visiting its old town. Filled with character, the downtown feels like you've stepped into a Western. The town has a long history as a mining and railroad community, which you can see throughout the historic area. It really feels like you're in the "Wild West."

Islamorada does not have a historic old town.

Is Islamorada or Durango Better for Hiking?

Durango is a great small town for hiking. However, Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Durango for the hiking trails. It's surrounded by plenty of natural beautiful and there is an endless supply of hikes in the region. Popular nearby hikes include Animas Mountain Trail, Falls Creek Trail, and Purgatory Trail.

Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Durango?

Islamorada is a good destination for shopping. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

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

If you're looking to go shopping, Durango has some nice offerings. The charming town has some boutiques that sell beautifully made Native American jewelry and other interesting items. There are also souvenir shops and other venues that target tourists specifically.

Is Islamorada or Durango More Beautiful?

Islamorada is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Durango is a beautiful place to visit, too. The town is surrounded by plenty of natural beauty.

Is Islamorada or Durango Better for Families?

Islamorada is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Durango is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Durango is a very kid-friendly village. In the area you'll find ziplining, alpine slides, and plenty of outdoor areas to explore - and of course there's the railroad.

Is Islamorada or Durango Better for Couples?

Islamorada is a world-class destination for romance. However, Durango is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Durango as a couple's destination. The town may not be the first romantic destination that comes to mind, but the railroad combined with wandering the downtown can make for a great couple's getaway.

Is Islamorada or Durango Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Durango is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Islamorada is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Durango. With plenty of parks and outdoor areas nearby, backpackers will have plenty of places to explore.

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 Durango Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Islamorada or Durango offer decent public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Durango. It's a small town with no real public transit options so a car is a must.

Is Islamorada or Durango a more walkable city?

Durango is adequate for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

Durango is generally not a very walkable small town. While the Main Street through town is walkable, it's not as pedestrian-friendly as some small towns.

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 Durango Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Durango or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Durango?

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

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

One day in Islamorada or Durango?

In Islamorada, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This village offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Durango might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Durango?

In Islamorada, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Even though Durango is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 small town.

Five days in Islamorada or Durango?

Islamorada is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Islamorada has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Durango, a popular small 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.

A week in Islamorada or Durango?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Islamorada. In Islamorada, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Durango 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 comparing the travel costs between Islamorada and Durango, we can see that Durango is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Durango?

Durango has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada and Durango, 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.