A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Islamorada vs. Saint Simons for Families, Couples, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Islamorada or Saint Simons?

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

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

Saint Simons

Saint Simons is a relaxing, laid back, and scenic island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Saint Simons is a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include shopping, food, and beaches. See Saint Simons travel costs.

Islamorada and Saint Simons: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Saint Simons?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Islamorada. Although Islamorada and Saint Simons are both popular with visitors, Islamorada has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Islamorada is more popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while Saint Simons is known for its hiking, shopping, and small town charm. Islamorada is popular for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. It is also home to Theater of the Sea. Saint Simons is popular for its beaches, charter fishing, and golf courses.

How is Islamorada different from Saint Simons?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Islamorada is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for its historical sights.

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 Saint Simons specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. St. Simons Lighthouse is a highlight for many visitors. There's a maritime museum attached to the lighthouse as well. Fort Frederica National Monument is another historic site that is worth a visit.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Islamorada and Saint Simons.

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 Saint Simons. There are more than 70 restaurants on the island that range from cafes to fine dining. You can enjoy an eggs benedict for brunch, crab cakes for lunch, and shrimp and grits for dinner. Many restaurants take advantage of the mild climate by offering outdoor seating. There are also several dessert places with ice cream or donuts.

Is Islamorada or Saint Simons Better for Nightlife?

Islamorada is a popular place for nightlife. However, Saint Simons is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Islamorada has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

Saint Simons doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are several family-friendly bars with laid back atmospheres around town, but if you're looking for a wild night out, there aren't a lot of places to go.

Is Islamorada or Saint Simons Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, good resorts can be found in both Islamorada and Saint Simons.

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

With a selection of resorts, Saint Simons makes a nice vacation spot. There are a handful of nice resorts with pools and beachfront settings.

Is Islamorada or Saint Simons Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Saint Simons 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.

Saint Simons is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Saint Simons Better for Beaches?

Both Islamorada and Saint Simons have very good beaches worth visiting.

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.

The beaches at Saint Simons attract visitors from all over. There's golden sand and a beautiful setting. Visitors enjoy swimming or walking along the coastline. You'll also find piers and playgrounds. East Beach is one of the most popular.

Is Islamorada or Saint Simons Better for Hiking?

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Saint Simons has hiking trails worth exploring. There are several parks and natural areas where you can enjoy a walk in nature. Cannon's Point Preserve has a nice trail system. Other trails on the island include John Gilbert Nature Trail, Earth Day Nature Trail, and Wanderer Memorial Trail.

Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Saint Simons?

Saint Simons is a great island for shopping. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Simons. You'll find a good concentration of gift shops and clothing boutiques on the island. Antiquing is also popular. Head to Pier Village for a nice mix of shops.

Islamorada offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

Is Islamorada or Saint Simons More Beautiful?

Islamorada is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Saint Simons is a beautiful place to visit, too. Beautiful beaches and live oaks with Spanish moss give the island a southern charm.

Is Islamorada or Saint Simons Better for Families?

Islamorada is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Saint Simons 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Saint Simons is very family-friendly. The beaches are kid-friendly and there are many family-friendly restaurants in town. There's also the St. Simons Lighthouse, minigolf, and kayaking, as well as Neptune Park Fun Zone.

Is Islamorada or Saint Simons Better for Couples?

Islamorada is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Saint Simons is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Saint Simons is a great village if you're traveling as a couple. There are romantic restaurants, beautiful beaches, and nice hotels. Sunset walks on the beach or a round of golf all make this a favorite couple's destination.

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

Neither Islamorada or Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons. While there are trolley tours available, public transportation is basically non-existent.

Is Islamorada or Saint Simons a more walkable city?

Saint Simons is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

Saint Simons is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable, but to access much of what is available, you'll want to have a car.

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 Saint Simons Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint Simons or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Saint Simons?

It's fun to spend time in either Islamorada or Saint Simons. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Islamorada due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saint Simons.

Families should spend more time in Islamorada than Saint Simons. 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 Saint Simons. 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 Saint Simons?

In Islamorada, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this adventurous village offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Saint Simons might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Islamorada or Saint Simons?

Islamorada is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Even though Saint Simons is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Islamorada or Saint Simons?

In Islamorada, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this adventurous destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Saint Simons, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Saint Simons?

Islamorada is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Saint Simons?

Saint Simons has a larger population, and is about 88% larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada and Saint Simons, 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 Saint Simons?

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 Saint Simons in the Summer?

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

Islamorada is around the same temperature as Saint Simons in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Saint Simons fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint Simons. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the summer, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Saint Simons. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 286 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Saint Simons. Islamorada usually gets less rain in July than Saint Simons. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Saint Simons in the Autumn?

Both Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Islamorada is a little warmer than Saint Simons. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamorada in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Saint Simons averages at about 70°F (21°C).

It's quite sunny in Saint Simons. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Saint Simons during autumn. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 214 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Islamorada. In October, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Saint Simons. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Islamorada or Saint Simons in the Winter?

Both Saint Simons 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 Saint Simons this time of year.

In January, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Saint Simons. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 70°F (21°C), and Saint Simons fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the winter, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Saint Simons. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Simons receives 191 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Saint Simons. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Saint Simons receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Saint Simons in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Saint Simons. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint Simons for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Islamorada is a little warmer than Saint Simons in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Saint Simons fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint Simons this time of the year. In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Saint Simons during spring. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Simons receives 285 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Saint Simons and Islamorada