A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Islamorada vs. Santa Barbara for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Islamorada or Santa Barbara?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Islamorada or Santa Barbara, 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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. See Islamorada travel costs.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a affluent, scenic, and stunning coastal town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Many visitors also come to Santa Barbara because of it's amazing beauty. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Santa Barbara travel costs.

Islamorada and Santa Barbara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Santa Barbara?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Barbara than Islamorada, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Barbara is better known for its museums and attractions, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Islamorada is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling. Islamorada is well known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. Santa Barbara is well known for its historic missions, pristine beaches, world-class surfing, and scenic hikes that are full of coastal views. Also, Santa Barbara is famous for The Old Mission Santa Barbara.

How is Islamorada different from Santa Barbara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its historical sights. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Santa Barbara can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is famous for its missions, with Mission Santa Barbara being the most iconic. Also visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Sea Center.

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 the Food Better in Islamorada or Santa Barbara? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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 Santa Barbara. The city is best known for its fine dining, particularly if you enjoy seafood. The scallops, oysters, clam chowder, and sea urchin (when available) are all world class. Head for a waterfront setting for the best views and some of the freshest seafood.

Is Islamorada or Santa Barbara Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Santa Barbara. For the best nightlife in the city, head downtown to State Street. This is where you'll find the most active bars and biggest crowds. There's a large student population in town, so you'll find much of the nightlife scene is focused on the younger population.

Is Islamorada or Santa Barbara Better for Resorts?

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its luxury resorts. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its resorts.

Santa Barbara is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Many people enjoy the luxurious vacation rentals around Santa Barbara, but there are also a number of high end resorts including the Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, and Hotel Californian.

With a selection of resorts, Islamorada makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Is Islamorada or Santa Barbara Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Santa Barbara is not a good coastal town for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Santa Barbara. Snorkeling areas not far from town include Refugio State Beach and Tajiguas. You'll see a few fish, beautiful rocks, and anemones that are unique and impressive.

Is Islamorada or Santa Barbara Better for Beaches?

Santa Barbara is renowned for its beaches. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for the beach.

The beaches in Santa Barbara are among the best in the world. The city is famous for its pristine, sandy beaches. Whether you want to enjoy world class surfing or enjoy a gentle ocean setting, Santa Barbara has many options.

The beaches at Islamorada attract visitors from all over. 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.

Is Islamorada or Santa Barbara Better for its Old Town?

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

Santa Barbara is a good destination for visiting its old town. The city's downtown "Old Town" is a high end, pedestrian-friendly area with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Islamorada does not have a historic old town.

Is Islamorada or Santa Barbara Better for Hiking?

Santa Barbara is renowned for hiking. However, Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Santa Barbara draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Just outside of town are countless hiking opportunities that offer spectacular ocean views. Popular hikes include Inspiration Point, San Ysidro Trail, and Cold Spring East Fork.

Islamorada is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara. The city is famous as a high end shopping destination. Head to State Street for a palm tree lined street with local boutiques.

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 Santa Barbara More Beautiful?

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara because of it's amazing beauty. The city is beautifully situated right by the ocean and offers stunning views and and an amazing setting. It is also filled with opulent houses and grand estates, giving it an air of grandeur.

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 Santa Barbara Better for Families?

Islamorada is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santa Barbara is not as famous, but is still a good coastal town to visit 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.

Santa Barbara is a very family-friendly destination. The city has some nice family-friendly activities including a zoo, some cool museums, and even whale watching. There are also many beautiful beaches where everyone can run around and play, as well as parks and other outdoor settings. For animal-lovers, there are wildlife centers and sea life opportunities.

Is Islamorada or Santa Barbara Better for Couples?

Islamorada and Santa Barbara are both fantastic to visit as a couple.

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.

Santa Barbara is a great village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The town is a stunningly beautiful destination with beautiful beaches, excellent shopping, and nice resorts that make for a great honeymoon or romantic trip.

Is Islamorada or Santa Barbara Better for Students?

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its student-friendly activities. However, Islamorada is not popular with students.

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town to visit as a student. With a major university right in town, there's plenty of student life that international students or locals can enjoy.

Islamorada is not popular with students.

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

Santa Barbara is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Islamorada is not known for its public transit.

While Santa Barbara offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Transit options include buses, trolleys and water taxis.

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 Santa Barbara a more walkable city?

Santa Barbara is a great coastal town for its walkability. However, Islamorada is not known for its high level of walkability.

Santa Barbara is very walkable. The downtown area is very pedestrian-friendly and best explored on foot.

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 Santa Barbara Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Barbara or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Santa Barbara?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

One day in Islamorada or Santa Barbara?

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.

With museums and nightlife around the scenic coastal town of Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?

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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Santa Barbara, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

Five days in Islamorada or Santa Barbara?

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.

Santa Barbara, a popular coastal 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 Santa Barbara?

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.

Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara, we can see that Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Islamorada and Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara?

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 Santa Barbara in the Summer?

Both Santa Barbara and Islamorada during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 84°F (29°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

Islamorada usually gets more rain in July than Santa Barbara. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Santa Barbara in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Santa Barbara. 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 Santa Barbara because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Islamorada is much warmer than Santa Barbara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 80°F (27°C) in October, and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Islamorada gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Islamorada usually receives more rain than Santa Barbara. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Should I visit Islamorada or Santa Barbara in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Santa Barbara. 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 Santa Barbara this time of year.

In the winter, Islamorada is much warmer than Santa Barbara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Islamorada in January average around 70°F (21°C), and Santa Barbara averages at about 52°F (11°C).

Islamorada usually gets less rain in January than Santa Barbara. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Islamorada or Santa Barbara in the Spring?

Both Santa Barbara and Islamorada are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Santa Barbara for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Santa Barbara. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 77°F (25°C), and Santa Barbara fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In April, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Santa Barbara. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Santa Barbara receives 1.1 inches (27 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Typical Weather for Santa Barbara and Islamorada