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

Should you visit Islamorada or San Francisco?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada or San Francisco, 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 tropical, adventurous, and relaxing village. With stunning beauty, Islamorada attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Islamorada travel costs.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a scenic, beautiful, and outdoorsy coastal city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come to San Francisco because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include theater, nightlife, and live music. See San Francisco travel costs.

Islamorada and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or San Francisco?

Visitors will usually find more to do in San Francisco than Islamorada, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. San Francisco is better known for its museums and attractions, theatre productions, food, music, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Islamorada is more popular for its resorts and scuba diving & snorkeling. San Francisco is more touristy than Islamorada and is known for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. Also, San Francisco is famous for The Golden Gate Bridge. Islamorada is well known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe.

How is Islamorada different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit San Francisco from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

Islamorada offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Is Islamorada or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a nice place to visit for theatre. However, Islamorada is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in San Francisco, take in a show. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Islamorada is not a theatre destination.

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

San Francisco is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, San Francisco is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

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.

Is Islamorada or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Islamorada and San Francisco.

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 San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Islamorada or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a nice place to visit for live music. However, Islamorada is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep San Francisco active and fun. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Islamorada is not a live music destination.

Is Islamorada or San Francisco Better for Resorts?

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Islamorada has a few great resort options. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is Islamorada or San Francisco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Francisco 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.

San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

Both Islamorada and San Francisco have superb 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 San Francisco attract visitors from all over. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Is Islamorada or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is renowned for hiking. However, Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, San Francisco draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or San Francisco?

San Francisco is renowned for shopping. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in San Francisco. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

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 San Francisco More Beautiful?

San Francisco is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to San Francisco because of it's amazing beauty. With its dramatic Golden Gate Bridge, and the many beautiful hills with striking views of the city and bay, San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States.

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.

Is Islamorada or San Francisco Better for Families?

Islamorada and San Francisco are both amazing destinations for the whole family.

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.

San Francisco is an extremely popular village to visit for families. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

Is Islamorada or San Francisco Better for Couples?

Islamorada is an amazing village to visit for couples. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

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.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Islamorada or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Islamorada is not known for backpackers.

San Francisco is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco Better for Students?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for its student-friendly activities. However, Islamorada is not popular with students.

San Francisco is a great coastal city to visit as a student. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Islamorada is not popular with students.

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

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

San Francisco has a great public transit system. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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 San Francisco a more walkable city?

San Francisco is a great coastal city for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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 San Francisco Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or San Francisco?

Both Islamorada and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, San Francisco has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in San Francisco than Islamorada. In general, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

Families should spend more time in San Francisco than Islamorada. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in San Francisco, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in San Francisco than Islamorada. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in San Francisco that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in Islamorada or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the adventurous destination of Islamorada. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

When visiting San Francisco, people usually allow for lots of time. 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 San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Islamorada. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

When visiting San Francisco, people usually allow for lots of time. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Islamorada or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the relaxing destination of Islamorada. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco, a popular coastal city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Islamorada or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful village of Islamorada. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling.So, one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this coastal city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. 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 San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco 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 San Francisco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

Both San Francisco and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Islamorada because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

In July, Islamorada is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 84°F (29°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In July, Islamorada usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Islamorada or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and Islamorada during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 San Francisco for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Islamorada is much warmer than San Francisco in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually gets more rain in October than San Francisco. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Should I visit Islamorada or San Francisco in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and San Francisco. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Islamorada is much warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamorada in January average around 70°F (21°C), and San Francisco averages at about 50°F (10°C).

In January, Islamorada usually receives less rain than San Francisco. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Islamorada or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as San Francisco. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to San Francisco for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Islamorada is generally much warmer than San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 77°F (25°C), and San Francisco fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Islamorada usually gets less rain in April than San Francisco. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Islamorada