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

Should you visit Key Largo or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree 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 relaxed, peaceful, and family-friendly island. As it is a quaint destination, it has a nice vibe. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is a unique, fascinating, and adventurous national park. With stunning beauty, Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Joshua Tree National Park travel costs.

Key Largo and Joshua Tree National Park: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Key Largo. Although Key Largo and Joshua Tree National Park are popular destinations, Key Largo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Key Largo is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere, while Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Key Largo is famous 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 well known for John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique vegetation and large boulders.

How is Key Largo different from Joshua Tree National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

While most people don't head to Joshua Tree National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of museums in the area that display local art or cultural and historical items.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Key Largo is a decent place to visit for its restaurants. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

While Joshua Tree National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There aren't any restaurants inside the park, so you'll want to pack your own food and eat at one of the picnic areas.

Is Key Largo or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Nightlife?

Key Largo is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Joshua Tree National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Key Largo. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Joshua Tree National Park. Stargazing and gathering around campfires are the most popular activities during the evening.

Is Key Largo or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Resorts?

Key Largo is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

In Key Largo, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a resort destination.

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

Key Largo is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Key Largo is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Beaches?

Key Largo is a island with good options for the beach. However, Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Key Largo. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Key Largo or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Hiking?

Joshua Tree National Park is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Around Joshua Tree National Park visitors will find world-class hiking trails. There are a wide range of hikes that include easy, moderate, and strenuous options. Some of the best hikes include Discovery Trail, Boy Scout Trail, and Black Rock Canyon Panorama Loop.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Joshua Tree National Park?

Joshua Tree National Park is mediocre for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping in Joshua Tree National Park can be found for those interested. There is a park store where you can pick up gifts or other items.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Joshua Tree National Park More Beautiful?

Joshua Tree National Park is great for its scenery and beauty. However, Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Joshua Tree National Park attracts visitors from all around. There are unique Joshua Trees throughout the park as well as beautiful rock formations and striking views.

Key Largo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Key Largo or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Families?

Key Largo is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Joshua Tree National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Key Largo is an extremely popular island to visit for families. 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its giant boulders that kids can scramble on and its Dr. Seuss-like Joshua Trees, this really is nature's best playground. There are also kid-friendly hikes and Junior Ranger Programs that will both educate and entertain the kids.

Is Key Largo or Joshua Tree National Park Better for Couples?

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

Joshua Tree National Park is a great national park if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy the outdoors, adventure sports like rock climbing, and hiking through spectacular landscapes will find this to be the ultimate romantic destination.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that are popular with backpackers and nature enthusiasts.

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

Neither Key Largo or Joshua Tree National Park offer decent public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Joshua Tree National Park. There's no reliable public transportation in the park.

Is Key Largo or Joshua Tree National Park a more walkable city?

Neither Key Largo or Joshua Tree 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.

Joshua Tree National Park is not a walkable island. You need a car to truly explore the park.

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

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

How long in Key Largo or Joshua Tree National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Key Largo or Joshua Tree 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

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

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

One day in Key Largo or Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the relaxed island of Key Largo. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find around the national park of Joshua Tree National Park. 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 Joshua Tree National Park?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Key Largo. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Anyone can find something fun to do here. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find around the adventurous destination of Joshua Tree National Park. 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 national park has to offer. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Joshua Tree National Park?

Key Largo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here. It offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the unique national park of Joshua Tree National Park. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Joshua Tree National Park?

Key Largo is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. And not only is Joshua Tree National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Joshua Tree National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Joshua Tree National Park 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 Joshua Tree National Park.

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 Joshua Tree National Park Expensive?.