A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Columbia River Gorge for Families, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Key Largo and Columbia River Gorge can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a beautiful, relaxed, and peaceful island. It's a quaint destination. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful, scenic, and natural region. With stunning beauty, Columbia River Gorge attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Columbia River Gorge travel costs.

Key Largo and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Columbia River Gorge than Key Largo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Columbia River Gorge is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Key Largo is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is well known for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. Columbia River Gorge is well known for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls. Also, Columbia River Gorge is famous for Vista House at Crown Point.

How is Key Largo different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge and Key Largo. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge is adequate for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Columbia River Gorge is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Columbia River Gorge has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

Key Largo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known for its Key Lime pie and seafood. You'll find a great selection of restaurants that serve seafood dishes and options for the land-loving crew. There are even a few international restaurants to choose from.

Is Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Columbia River Gorge is a region with good options for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Columbia River Gorge has a few options to choose from. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

Most people don't head to Key Largo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Is Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge Better for Resorts?

Key Largo is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Key Largo is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Is Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Key Largo to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Near this island you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are private tours that head out to the reef for either snorkeling or diving. There are also shipwrecks and other fascinating spots to explore.

Columbia River Gorge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge Better for Beaches?

Key Largo is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Key Largo has a beach worth visiting. Many of the beaches around Key Largo are man-made, but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water. The water is turquoise, although not as striking as further south.

Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is great for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge is a region with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Columbia River Gorge has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge More Beautiful?

Columbia River Gorge is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Columbia River Gorge attracts visitors from all around. Impressive waterfalls and breathtaking mountain vistas make this a truly beautiful place to visit.

Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Key Largo is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Key Largo is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There's also several places where your kids can interact with dolphins or experience wildlife. If you want to get out on the water, there's kayaking, sunset cruises, and glass bottom boats, all of which are great for the whole family.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Columbia River Gorge is very family-friendly. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Columbia River Gorge is great for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Columbia River Gorge is a great region if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Key Largo is a nice destination for couples. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. You'll also find kayaking and sunset cruises that leave from the area.

Is Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Key Largo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This area is a bit more affordable than the more southern keys so it appeals to budget travelers and backpackers.

Is Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Columbia River Gorge is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Key Largo. There's no real public transit around the island and you must have a car to get around.

Is Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Neither Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge are walkable places.

Key Largo is not a very walkable island. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly.

Columbia River Gorge is not a walkable island. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

For even more information, also check out Is Key Largo Worth Visiting? and Is Columbia River Gorge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Key Largo and Columbia River Gorge. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo than in Columbia River Gorge. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

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

Couples should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge than Key Largo. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Columbia River Gorge that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge than Key Largo 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 Columbia River Gorge.

One day in Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Key Largo. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the region of Columbia River Gorge. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge?

Key Largo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the natural destination of Columbia River Gorge. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Key Largo for five days. Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the island of Key Largo. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful region of Columbia River Gorge. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Key Largo. Many people spend one week here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Key Largo, one week is sufficent for most.

Columbia River Gorge is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage, and The Best 2-Week Tours from San Francisco.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key Largo and Columbia River Gorge, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. And not only is Columbia River Gorge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia River Gorge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia River Gorge 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 Key Largo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key Largo than you might in Columbia River Gorge.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Key Largo Expensive? and Is Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge?

Key Largo has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Columbia River Gorge. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Columbia River Gorge, 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 Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge?

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 Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Key Largo during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Columbia River Gorge because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Key Largo is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key Largo in July average around 82°F (28°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 68°F (20°C).

In Columbia River Gorge, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key Largo. In the summer, Key Largo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Columbia River Gorge. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 338 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Columbia River Gorge. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Columbia River Gorge. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

In October, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 78°F (26°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

In Key Largo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during autumn. Key Largo gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Columbia River Gorge. The cuisine are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Columbia River Gorge. Key Largo is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the winter. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 67°F (19°C) in January, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. In the winter, Key Largo often gets more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge. Key Largo gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Columbia River Gorge receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Columbia River Gorge. Key Largo usually gets less rain in January than Columbia River Gorge. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Key Largo is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key Largo in April average around 74°F (24°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 51°F (11°C).

It's quite sunny in Columbia River Gorge. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually receives more sunshine than Columbia River Gorge during spring. Key Largo gets 300 hours of sunny skies, while Columbia River Gorge receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Key Largo