A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key Largo vs. Santa Monica for Beaches, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Key Largo or Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica 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. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a energetic, active, and lively town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Santa Monica travel costs.

Key Largo and Santa Monica: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Santa Monica?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Santa Monica. Although Key Largo and Santa Monica are both popular with visitors, Santa Monica has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Santa Monica is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Key Largo is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and quaint atmosphere. Santa Monica is more touristy than Key Largo and is popular for its active lifestyle and fun-filled activities. It is also home to the Santa Monica Pier. 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.

How is Key Largo different from Santa Monica?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Santa Monica is a town with good options for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santa Monica. There's a thriving arts scene and a number of museums around town. Check out the Museum of Flying, the California Heritage Museum, or the Santa Monica History Museum.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Key Largo or Santa Monica? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santa Monica is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Santa Monica has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a diversity of restaurants in the area, many of which make use of the town's many farmer's markets. The restaurant scene has a beachy vibe with a lot of outdoor dining opportunities. There are also a range of cuisines to choose from such as Mexican, Italian, casual, and upscale.

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 Santa Monica Better for Nightlife?

Santa Monica is great for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Santa Monica for the nightlife scene. There's a relaxed and laid back vibe to the nightlife scene. Many venues offer outdoor seating and live music in a casual setting. You can hang out on a patio and enjoy the California climate while you sip cold drinks and the beach town atmosphere.

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 Santa Monica Better for Resorts?

Key Largo is notable for its resorts. However, Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Key Largo is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

Santa Monica is not a resort destination.

Is Key Largo or Santa Monica Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is notable for its diving and snorkeling. However, Santa Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Santa Monica is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Santa Monica Better for Beaches?

Santa Monica is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

Santa Monica is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Santa Monica Beach is large and lined with bike trails. It's also filled with activity and you'll find many water sports, beach volleyball, and surfing in the area. There's also the famous Santa Monica Pier, which has an amusement park aquarium, Ferris wheal, dining, and shopping.

Key Largo offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica is great for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santa Monica. It's easy to pass the time shopping in Santa Monica. There are independent vendors, fashion boutiques, and art galleries. Head to Montana Avenue or Main Street for some of the best shopping.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Santa Monica Better for Families?

Both Key Largo and Santa Monica are terrific to visit with kids.

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.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Santa Monica is very family-friendly. Many families spend their days hanging out on the beaches, soaking up the sun, and even trying to surf. There's a boardwalk as well as bike paths that are perfect for people watching. You should also check out the Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which is a thrilling amusement park.

Is Key Largo or Santa Monica Better for Couples?

Santa Monica is great for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Santa Monica is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Fun days on the beach, peaceful walks at sunset, and a wild nightlife scene make this the perfect couples destination for couples who enjoy activity and excitement.

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 Santa Monica Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santa Monica is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for backpackers.

Santa Monica is a good town to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of activities in the area, whether you're into surfing, partying, or sunbathing. There's also at least one hostel that's great for budget travelers and backpackers.

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 Santa Monica Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Santa Monica is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Santa Monica. The Metro E Line connects the city to downtown Los Angeles. There's also the Big Blue Bus as well the Santa Monica Circuit, which are small electric carts that offer free rides between Wilshire Boulevard and Marine Street, and from the ocean to Fifth Street.

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 Santa Monica a more walkable city?

Santa Monica is great for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

Santa Monica is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable, particularly in the more touristy areas.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Key Largo Worth Visiting? and Is Santa Monica Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Monica or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Santa Monica?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Key Largo and Santa Monica. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo than in Santa Monica. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key Largo, and 1-3 days is enough time in Santa Monica.

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

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

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

One day in Key Largo or Santa Monica?

In Key Largo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling that this peaceful island offers. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Santa Monica. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santa Monica has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Key Largo or Santa Monica?

Key Largo is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the funfilled destination of Santa Monica. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Santa Monica?

In Key Largo, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling that this family-friendly destination offers. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active town of Santa Monica. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Key Largo or Santa Monica?

Key Largo is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. It's also a relaxing resort destination. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Santa Monica is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 comparing the travel costs between Key Largo and Santa Monica, we can see that Key Largo 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 Santa Monica Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Santa Monica?

Santa Monica has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Santa Monica, 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 Santa Monica?

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 Santa Monica in the Summer?

Both Santa Monica and Key Largo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Santa Monica in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Key Largo is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 82°F (28°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Santa Monica. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Santa Monica in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Santa Monica. Also, most visitors come to Santa Monica for the shopping scene during these months.

Key Largo is a little warmer than Santa Monica in the autumn. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 78°F (26°C) in October, and Santa Monica fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (6 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Key Largo or Santa Monica in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key Largo as well as Santa Monica. Most visitors come to Key Largo for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Santa Monica because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Key Largo is a little warmer than Santa Monica. Typically, the winter temperatures in Key Largo in January average around 67°F (19°C), and Santa Monica averages at about 57°F (14°C).

Key Largo usually gets more rain in January than Santa Monica. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.7 inches (17 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Santa Monica in the Spring?

Both Santa Monica and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Santa Monica this time of year.

In April, Key Largo is generally a little warmer than Santa Monica. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 74°F (24°C), and Santa Monica fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Santa Monica. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Santa Monica receives 0.2 inches (4 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Santa Monica and Key Largo