A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Denali National Park for Families, Backpackers, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Key Largo or Denali National Park?

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 Denali National Park 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 family-friendly, beautiful, and relaxed island. As it is a quaint destination, it has a nice vibe. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a epic, vast, and rugged park. Many visitors also come to Denali National Park because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Denali National Park travel costs.

Key Largo and Denali National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Denali (Mount McKinley)
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Key Largo or Denali National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Key Largo. Although Key Largo and Denali National Park are both popular with visitors, Key Largo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Key Largo is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere, while Denali National Park is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Key Largo is popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove. It is also home to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Denali National Park is popular for its vast wilderness and iconic Alaskan wildlife.

How is Key Largo different from Denali National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park?

Key Largo
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is adequate for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Denali National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Denali's Museum Collection includes more than 25,000 different items that reflect the region's history, culture, and geology.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Key Largo or Denali National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Key Largo
Denali National Park

Dining out at restaurants in both Key Largo and Denali National Park can be an enjoyable experience.

Key Largo may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. 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.

Denali National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. During the summer months there are restaurants open along Highway 3 as well as the Morino Grill near the Denali Visitor Center.

Is Key Largo or Denali National Park Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo
Denali National Park

Key Largo is adequate for nightlife and partying. However, Denali National Park is not known for its evening party scene.

Key Largo doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

People don't go to Denali National Park for the nightlife. Visitors come to the park to see the nature, not for the nightlife.

Is Key Largo or Denali National Park Better for Resorts?

Key Largo
Denali National Park

Key Largo is a great island for its luxury resorts. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its resorts.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Key Largo. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Denali National Park has a few great resort options. Most visitors stay nearby the Denali Park Entrance. It has the most affordable hotels and lodges, some of which have a lot of personality. Alternatively, you could stay in the more remote area of Kantishna. These lodges are more expensive and all-inclusive, but they are also far away from most conveniences.


Is Key Largo or Denali National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo
Denali National Park

Key Largo is a great island for its diving and snorkeling. However, Denali National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in Key Largo. 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.

Denali National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Denali National Park Better for Beaches?

Key Largo
Denali National Park

Key Largo is very good for the beach. However, Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Key Largo to enjoy the beach. 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.

Denali National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Key Largo or Denali National Park Better for Hiking?

Key Largo
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is a park with good options for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Denali National Park. If you're looking for a marked trail, there are limited options within the park. Those that do exist are located near the park entrance and are usually just a couple of miles long. Off-trail hiking is what makes for the most memorable experience. Make sure you stop off at the visitor center for information and knowledge before you venture into the wilderness without a trail. For obvious reasons, you should fully understand what this entails before beginning your adventure.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Denali National Park?

Key Largo
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Denali National Park has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are several park stores and shops in and near the park where you can pick up gifts, books, and souvenirs.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Denali National Park More Beautiful?

Key Largo
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. However, Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Denali National Park because of it's amazing beauty. Home to the highest peak in North America, the park is famous for its dramatic beauty and rugged landscapes.

Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key Largo or Denali National Park Better for Families?

Key Largo
Denali National Park

Key Largo is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Denali National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice park for its family-friendly activities.

Key Largo is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Denali National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people visit the park as part of a tour, so it's important to book a tour that is designed with families in mind. This will help ensure the kids stay entertained even during long bus rides.


Is Key Largo or Denali National Park Better for Couples?

Key Largo
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is great for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Denali National Park is a great park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning scenery will find the ultimate romance in this impressive park.

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 Denali National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Key Largo
Denali National Park

Denali National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Denali National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are millions of acres in the park as well as campgrounds, hostels, and vast backcountry (which requires a permit).

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 Denali National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Key Largo
Denali National Park

Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park. There are free shuttle buses that leave from the entrance area, but many visitors organize a tour to get around.

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 Denali National Park a more walkable city?

Key Largo
Denali National Park

Neither Key Largo or Denali National Park 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.

Denali National Park is not a walkable island. The park is vast and you need some form of transportation to get around, whether it's a private vehicle or a pre-arranged tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Key Largo Worth Visiting? and Is Denali National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Denali National Park or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Denali National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Key Largo or Denali National Park. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Key Largo due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Denali National Park.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Denali National Park 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 Denali National Park.


  • How many days in Key Largo or Denali National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Key Largo 5-7 
    Denali National Park 2-4

One day in Key Largo or Denali National Park?

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 around the park of Denali National Park. 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 Denali National Park?

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 around the spectacular destination of Denali National Park. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this park has to offer. This park offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Key Largo or Denali National Park?

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 when visiting the vast park of Denali National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Denali National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the family-friendly 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.

Denali National Park is a popular choice for travelers. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Denali National Park or Key Largo?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Key Largo Prices
    USA Prices
    Denali National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Key Largo $256
    Denali National Park $260

The average daily cost (per person) in Key Largo is $256, while the average daily cost in Denali National Park is $260. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Key Largo and Denali National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Key Largo $117
    Denali National Park $116
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Key Largo $234
    Denali National Park $232
Compare Hotels in Key Largo and Denali National Park

Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Denali National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Key Largo


Hotels in Denali National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Key Largo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Key Largo $56
    Denali National Park $76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Key Largo

Also for Key Largo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Key Largo Private Transfers (up to 14 passengers): $142

Is it cheaper to fly into Key Largo or Denali National Park?

Prices for flights to both Denali National Park and Key Largo change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Key Largo $104
    Denali National Park $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Key Largo $27
    Denali National Park $30

Tours and Activities in Key Largo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Key Largo.

  • 1.5 Hour Bay Side Key Largo Sunset Cruise on a Spacious Catamaran: $69
  • Cruisin' Tikis Key Largo - Sunset Cruise: $99
  • Florida Key West Self-Guided Driving Tour (7 Mile Bridge): $17
  • Guided Tour Explore Key Largo on Jet Ski : $200
  • Half-Day Florida Keys Catamaran Snorkel Adventure: $79
  • Historic Carysfort Lighthouse Snorkeling Tour: $75
  • Key Largo Bay Sunset Tour: $66
  • Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure : $45
  • Key Largo Day Tour: $65
  • Key Largo Jetski Tour for 2 : $214
  • Key Largo Snorkel Tour, Two Locations - Equipment Included!: $70
  • Key Largo Snorkeling Tour - rental mask, fins and vest INCLUDED: $75

Tours and Activities in Denali National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Denali National Park.

  • 2.5-Hour Denali Wilderness ATV Adventure Tour: $135
  • 3 Hour Naturalist Walking Tour in Denali National Park: $139
  • 4 Hour Off-Trail Hiking Tour in Denali: $209
  • 5-Hour Mountain Hiking Tour in the Alaska Range - Denali Area: $199
  • Alaskan Back Country Side by Side ATV Adventure with Meal: $163
  • Classic ATV Adventure with Back Country Dining: $163
  • Denali 4 Hour Hiking Adventure with Naturalist Guide: $160
  • Denali 5 Hour Hiking Tour with Naturalist Guide: $182
  • Denali ATV Trailblazer 3.5 Hour Tour : $178
  • Denali Husky Kennel & Brewpub Visit – Half-Day Experience: $130
  • Denali Naturalist Walking Tour: $132
  • Denali Park Zipline Adventure: $190

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Key Largo $24
    Denali National Park $12


When comparing the travel costs between Key Largo and Denali National Park, we can see that Denali National Park 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 Key Largo Expensive? and Is Denali National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Key Largo or Denali National Park?

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 Key Largo or Denali National Park in the Summer?

Both Denali National Park and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Key Largo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Denali National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 82°F (28°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. In July, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Key Largo 82°F (28°C) 
    Denali National Park 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Denali National Park in the Autumn?

Both Denali National Park and Key Largo during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Denali National Park because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Denali National Park can be very cold. Key Largo is much warmer than Denali National Park in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Denali National Park fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in October than Denali National Park. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Key Largo 78°F (26°C) 
    Denali National Park 32°F (0°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Denali National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Denali National Park. The winter months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Denali National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Denali National Park in the winter. In the winter, Key Largo is much warmer than Denali National Park. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key Largo in January average around 67°F (19°C), and Denali National Park averages at about 11°F (-12°C).

In January, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Denali National Park. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Key Largo 67°F (19°C) 
    Denali National Park 11°F (-12°C)

Should I visit Key Largo or Denali National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Denali National Park. The beaches are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Denali National Park for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Denali National Park. In April, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Denali National Park. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 74°F (24°C), and Denali National Park fluctuates around 34°F (1°C).

Key Largo usually gets more rain in April than Denali National Park. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Denali National Park receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Key Largo 74°F (24°C) 
    Denali National Park 34°F (1°C)

Typical Weather for Denali National Park and Key Largo

Key Largo Denali National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm) 11°F (-12°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Feb 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm) 16°F (-9°C) 1.4 inches (37 mm)
Mar 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm) 23°F (-5°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Apr 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm) 34°F (1°C) 1.6 inches (41 mm)
May 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.7 inches (42 mm)
Jun 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Aug 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm) 56°F (14°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Sep 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm) 47°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (108 mm)
Oct 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm) 32°F (0°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Nov 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Dec 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 13°F (-11°C) 1.9 inches (49 mm)