A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Key Largo vs. Vernon for Families, Food, Couples, and Nightlife

Should you visit Key Largo or Vernon?

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 Vernon 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. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches. See Key Largo travel costs.

Vernon

Vernon is a quiet, peaceful, and relaxing town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking. See Vernon travel costs.

Key Largo and Vernon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key Largo or Vernon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Vernon. Although Key Largo and Vernon are popular destinations, Vernon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Vernon is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, hiking, and shopping, while Key Largo attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere. Key Largo is more touristy than Vernon and 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. Vernon is famous for its surrounding valley with lakes and hiking trails. It is also well known for Davison Orchards Country Village.

How is Key Largo different from Vernon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Vernon 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 Vernon. There are local galleries and museums that offer information on the region's history and culture. You can visit the Canadian Wildlife Museum, the Caetani Center, the Museum and Archives of Vernon, the Paddlewheel Park Stationhouse Museum, and the Vernon Public Art Gallery.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Vernon is a town with good options for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Vernon is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The region is known for its vineyards and wineries and many of the local restaurants have been around for generations. The food is often locally produced and prepared with traditional recipes.

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 Vernon Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is reasonable in both Key Largo and Vernon.

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.

Most people don't head to Vernon specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town gets very quiet in the evenings, so you won't find much of a nightlife scene.

Is Key Largo or Vernon Better for Resorts?

Key Largo is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a resort destination.

Is Key Largo or Vernon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is a well-known place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key Largo or Vernon Better for Beaches?

Key Largo is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Vernon 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.

Vernon is not a beach destination.

Is Key Largo or Vernon Better for Hiking?

Vernon is great for hiking. However, Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Vernon for the hiking trails. The surrounding valley has more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails. They run along pristine lakes, pass by granite rock formations, and take you to impressive viewpoints.

Key Largo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key Largo or Vernon?

Vernon is a town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Vernon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of boutique shops that are fun to explore in the downtown area.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Key Largo or Vernon Better for Families?

Key Largo is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Vernon is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Vernon is a family-friendly island. There are biking and hiking trails as well as other outdoor activities. You can also visit the Allan Brooks Nature Center or the Rock Garden Climbing Center.

Is Key Largo or Vernon Better for Couples?

Both Key Largo and Vernon are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Key Largo is a good island for couples to visit. 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.

Vernon is a nice destination for couples. It offers a peaceful getaway for couples. You can visit the Okanagan wineries or enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also nice restaurants to try.

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

Vernon 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 Vernon. There is a bus system, but it's better not to rely on it.

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 Vernon a more walkable city?

Vernon is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination for its walkability.

Vernon is generally not a very walkable town. You'll really want to have a car to make the most of your time here.

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 Vernon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vernon or Key Largo?

How long in Key Largo or Vernon?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vernon 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 Vernon.

One day in Key Largo or Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Key Largo. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Vernon. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Vernon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Key Largo or Vernon?

Key Largo is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and food around the relaxing destination of Vernon. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Key Largo or Vernon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key Largo. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quiet town of Vernon. 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 Vernon?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Key Largo. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Vernon 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 Coach Bus Tours in Canada, and The Best Adventure Tours to Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Key Largo and Vernon, we can see that Key Largo is more expensive. And not only is Vernon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Vernon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Vernon 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 Vernon.

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 Vernon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key Largo or Vernon?

Vernon has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Key Largo and Vernon, 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 Vernon?

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 Vernon in the Summer?

Both Vernon 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 Vernon because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Key Largo is a little warmer than Vernon in the summer. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 82°F (28°C) in July, and Vernon fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Key Largo. Key Largo usually gets more rain in July than Vernon. Key Largo gets 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Vernon in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key Largo and Vernon. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Vernon this time of year.

In the autumn, Key Largo is much warmer than Vernon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Key Largo in October average around 78°F (26°C), and Vernon averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Key Largo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Vernon. Key Largo gets 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Key Largo or Vernon in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Vernon. In January, Key Largo is generally much warmer than Vernon. Daily temperatures in Key Largo average around 67°F (19°C), and Vernon fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Key Largo usually gets more rain in January than Vernon. Key Largo gets 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key Largo or Vernon in the Spring?

Both Vernon and Key Largo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Key Largo for the beaches.

Key Largo is much warmer than Vernon in the spring. The daily temperature in Key Largo averages around 74°F (24°C) in April, and Vernon fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In April, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Vernon. Key Largo gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Vernon receives 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vernon and Key Largo