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

Should you visit Islamorada or Wilmington?

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

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

Wilmington

Wilmington is a charming, historic, and welcoming city. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food. See Wilmington travel costs.

Islamorada and Wilmington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Islamorada or Wilmington?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Islamorada. Although Islamorada and Wilmington are both popular with visitors, Islamorada has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Islamorada is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and impressive beauty, while Wilmington is known for its historical sights. Islamorada is more touristy than Wilmington and is known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. It is also home to Theater of the Sea. Wilmington is popular for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting.

How is Islamorada different from Wilmington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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

Islamorada is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Wilmington. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Islamorada or Wilmington Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find good options in both Islamorada and Wilmington.

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 Wilmington. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Is Islamorada or Wilmington Better for Resorts?

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Is Islamorada or Wilmington Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Islamorada is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Islamorada or Wilmington Better for Beaches?

Both Islamorada and Wilmington 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 Wilmington attract visitors from all over. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Is Islamorada or Wilmington Better for its Old Town?

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

Wilmington is a good destination for visiting its old town. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Islamorada does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Islamorada or Wilmington?

If you're looking to go shopping, Islamorada and Wilmington both offer plenty of good spots.

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

Wilmington offers some nice shopping areas. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Islamorada or Wilmington More Beautiful?

Islamorada is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Wilmington 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.

Wilmington is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Islamorada or Wilmington Better for Families?

Islamorada is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Wilmington is a very kid-friendly village. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Is Islamorada or Wilmington Better for Couples?

Islamorada is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Is Islamorada or Wilmington Better for Students?

Wilmington is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Islamorada is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Islamorada is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

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 Wilmington a more walkable city?

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

Wilmington is somewhat walkable. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires 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 Wilmington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wilmington or Islamorada?

How long in Islamorada or Wilmington?

In either Islamorada or Wilmington, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Islamorada than Wilmington because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 4-7 days is a good amount of time for Islamorada, and 2-5 days is enough time in Wilmington.

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

One day in Islamorada or Wilmington?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the adventurous village of Islamorada, there's plenty to do. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the welcoming city of Wilmington, there's plenty to do. 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 Wilmington?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Islamorada, there's plenty to do. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Wilmington, there's plenty to do. 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 city.

Five days in Islamorada or Wilmington?

Islamorada, a popular village, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this village. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wilmington, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Islamorada or Wilmington?

Islamorada is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this village makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this village has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

Which is Bigger, Islamorada or Wilmington?

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

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 Wilmington in the Summer?

Both Wilmington 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 and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year.

Islamorada is around the same temperature as Wilmington in the summer. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 84°F (29°C) in July, and Wilmington fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite sunny in Wilmington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Wilmington during summer. Islamorada gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 283 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. In July, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Wilmington. Islamorada gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Islamorada or Wilmington in the Autumn?

Both Wilmington 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wilmington for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Islamorada is a little warmer than Wilmington. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Islamorada in October average around 80°F (27°C), and Wilmington averages at about 65°F (18°C).

In Wilmington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Islamorada. In the autumn, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Wilmington. Islamorada gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 227 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Islamorada. Islamorada usually gets more rain in October than Wilmington. Islamorada gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Should I visit Islamorada or Wilmington in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Islamorada and Wilmington. Many travelers come to Islamorada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wilmington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Islamorada is generally much warmer than Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Islamorada average around 70°F (21°C), and Wilmington fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In Islamorada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Islamorada usually receives more sunshine than Wilmington during winter. Islamorada gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Wilmington receives 180 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Islamorada usually receives less rain than Wilmington. Islamorada gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Islamorada or Wilmington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Islamorada as well as Wilmington. Many visitors come to Islamorada in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Wilmington for the beaches during these months.

Islamorada is a little warmer than Wilmington in the spring. The daily temperature in Islamorada averages around 77°F (25°C) in April, and Wilmington fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Islamorada this time of the year. In the spring, Islamorada often gets more sunshine than Wilmington. Islamorada gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wilmington receives 278 hours of full sun.

Islamorada usually gets less rain in April than Wilmington. Islamorada gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Islamorada.

Typical Weather for Wilmington and Islamorada