A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Islamorada vs. Hope for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Islamorada or Hope?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada or Hope, 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.

Hope

Hope is a small, friendly, and local town. Other reasons to visit include hiking. See Hope travel costs.

Islamorada and Hope: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Hope?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Islamorada. Although Islamorada and Hope are both popular with visitors, Islamorada has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Islamorada is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Hope is known for its hiking. Islamorada is more touristy than Hope and is known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. It is also home to Theater of the Sea. Hope is popular for its chainsaw carvings and being the filming location of "Rambo."

How is Islamorada different from Hope?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Islamorada is very good for its historical sights. However, Hope is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Hope offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. You can check out Hopes Art Gallery, The Sunshine Valley Tashme Museum, or the Hope Museum.

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

Islamorada is a great village for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Hope is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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 Hope. There's a decent selection of casual restaurants with basic dishes and local cuisine.

Is Islamorada or Hope Better for Nightlife?

Islamorada is very good for nightlife. However, Hope is not known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Most people don't head to Hope specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town but there are some local pubs and bars.

Is Islamorada or Hope Better for Resorts?

Islamorada is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Hope 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.

Hope is not a resort destination.

Is Islamorada or Hope Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Hope is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Hope is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Hope Better for Beaches?

Islamorada is a great village for its beaches. However, Hope is not a beach destination.

Islamorada is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Hope is not a beach destination.

Is Islamorada or Hope Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Hope for the hiking trails. There are a range of hikes in the area, like more challenging routes such as Hope Mountain and Wells Peak. For a more casual hike you can check out Rotary Trail, Thacker Marsh Trail, and the Othello Tunnels.

Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Hope?

Islamorada is very good for shopping. However, Hope is not known 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, Hope has some nice offerings. It's a small town, but there are places to peak up anything you may have forgotten.

Is Islamorada or Hope More Beautiful?

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

Hope is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Islamorada or Hope Better for Families?

Islamorada is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hope is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Islamorada is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Hope is a very kid-friendly village. Kids will love enjoying the outdoors just as much as the adults. You can also visit the Hope Museum or the Coquihalla Gorge.

Is Islamorada or Hope Better for Couples?

Islamorada is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Hope is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Islamorada has plenty to offer. 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.

Hope is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy adventures and nature will love a few days in this beautiful area.

Is Islamorada or Hope Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hope is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Islamorada is not known for backpackers.

Hope is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are many camping and backpacking opportunities in the area.

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

Neither Islamorada or Hope 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 Hope. There is no public transit in town.

Is Islamorada or Hope a more walkable city?

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

Hope is generally not a very walkable town. The town is relatively walkable, but you'll likely want to get into the surrounding area where most of the activities are.

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 Hope Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hope or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Hope?

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

Families should spend more time in Islamorada than Hope. 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 Hope. 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 Hope?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Islamorada. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With around the local town of Hope, 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 Hope?

Islamorada is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With around the destination of Hope, 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 town.

Five days in Islamorada or Hope?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Islamorada. This village offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Hope, a popular 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 Hope?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the tropical village of Islamorada. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Hope 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 10-Day Tours from Vancouver, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Islamorada and Hope, we can see that Islamorada is more expensive. And not only is Hope much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hope would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hope 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 Hope.

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

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Hope?

Islamorada has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Hope. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada and Hope, 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 Hope?

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 Islamorada or Hope in the Summer?

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

Islamorada is much warmer than Hope in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Hope fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In July, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Hope. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Islamorada or Hope in the Autumn?

Both Hope and Islamorada during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Hope this time of year.

In the autumn, Islamorada is much warmer than Hope. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamorada in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Hope averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Hope gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually gets less rain in October than Hope. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Should I visit Islamorada or Hope in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Hope. In January, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Hope. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 70°F (21°C), and Hope fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Hope receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Hope. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 201 mm (7.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Islamorada or Hope in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Hope. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Islamorada is much warmer than Hope in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Hope fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

It's quite rainy in Hope. Islamorada usually gets less rain in April than Hope. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Hope receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Typical Weather for Hope and Islamorada