A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key West vs. Newport for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Key West or Newport?

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

Should I visit Key West or Newport? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Key West

Key West is a laid-back, quirky, and eclectic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. With stunning beauty, Key West attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Key West travel costs.

Newport

Newport is a coastal, seaside, and historical town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Newport is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Newport travel costs.

Key West and Newport: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Newport?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Newport. Although Key West and Newport are both popular with visitors, Newport has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Newport is more popular for its museums and attractions and shopping, while Key West is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Key West is more touristy than Newport and is popular for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. Newport is popular for its sailing regattas, its mansions along Bellevue Avenue, and its maritime history. It is also home to Thames Street.

How is Key West different from Newport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Key West or Newport?

Newport is notable for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Newport offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The historic mansions and local museums educate visitors on the town's maritime past and colonial roots. Some of the more popular places to visit include The Breakers, The Elms Mansion, The Marble House, and Chateau-sur-mer Mansion.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Key West or Newport? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at great restaurants in both Key West and Newport.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Key West. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, but the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

Newport has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Find a waterfront restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood and a charming atmosphere. Many restaurants are influenced by the town's Portuguese and Irish roots. You'll find classic pubs as well as brunch cafes and traditional taverns.

Is Key West or Newport Better for Nightlife?

Key West is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Key West has a large number of nightlife venues. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

Newport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a lively atmosphere in the evening with many pubs, taverns, and bars that keep the energy high.

Is Key West or Newport Better for Resorts?

Key West is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Newport is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Key West. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

Newport is not a resort destination.

Is Key West or Newport Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key West is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Newport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Key West. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Newport is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Newport Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Key West and Newport are great choices.

Key West is considered a top beach destination. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

Newport is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Tucked in along the rocky coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches. You'll find popular and active beaches where you can lounge in a chair and people watch, as well as more secluded spots where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. The largest beach is Easton's Beach (also known as First Beach). Surfers and boaters enjoy Sachuest Beach (or Second Beach), and a less popular, but very rewarding beach is also King Park Beach.

Is Key West or Newport Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Key West and Newport.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Key West. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Newport. The Historic District is filled with colonial buildings and impressive mansions. There are cobblestone streets and a charming loop through the town's Old Quarter.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Newport?

Newport is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Newport is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets and pop in the many local boutiques and shops.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Key West or Newport More Beautiful?

Key West is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Newport is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

With stunning beauty, Key West attracts visitors from all around. There are blue waters as far as the eye can see. It doesn't get much more beautiful than this.

Newport is a gorgeous place to visit. The coastal setting and charming architecture give it a lot of character.

Is Key West or Newport Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Key West or Newport.

Key West is a very kid-friendly town. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Newport. For an educational and interactive experience, head to Save The Bay Exploration Center & Aquarium. The Norman Bird Sanctuary also has a lot of land and places to explore. Kids will enjoy a visit to the beach or running around Breton Point State Park as well. On a rainy day, Ryans Family Amusements is the perfect way to pass some time.

Is Key West or Newport Better for Couples?

Newport is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Newport makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a coastal town with a lot of charm that makes for a perfect romantic escape. Enjoy dining and shopping along Thames Street or take a walk along the coast. There are many local restaurants and evening activities for couples as well.

Key West makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

Is Key West or Newport Better for Students?

Key West is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Newport is not popular with students.

Key West is very popular with students. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Newport is not popular with students.

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

Newport is a popular place for its public transit. However, Key West is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Newport has a few public transit options. There are buses operated by RIPTA. You can visit most of the attractions in the downtown area by catching a ride on one of the classic green and gold hybrid trolley buses.

Public transit is quite limited in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Key West or Newport a more walkable city?

Newport is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

Newport is a very walkable town. The town's downtown are compact and fun to explore on foot. There is a nice concentration of shops, restaurants, hotels and sights.

Key West is a somewhat walkable town. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Key West Worth Visiting? and Is Newport Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Newport or Key West?

How long in Key West or Newport?

In either Key West or Newport, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than Newport because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 2-5 days is enough time in Newport.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newport than Key West 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 Newport.

One day in Key West or Newport?

In Key West, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The town of Newport offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Key West or Newport?

In Key West, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Newport is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Newport, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Newport?

Key West is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Key West has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Newport is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Newport, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Key West or Newport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key West. In Key West, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Newport is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America, and The Best Cultural Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Key West or Newport?

Newport has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Key West. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Newport, 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 West or Newport?

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 West or Newport in the Summer?

Both Newport and Key West during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Key West this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Newport for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Key West is a little warmer than Newport. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key West in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Newport averages at about 73°F (23°C).

In Newport, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key West. In the summer, Key West often gets more sunshine than Newport. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 293 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets more rain in July than Newport. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Newport in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Newport. Many travelers come to Key West for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Newport in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Key West is generally much warmer than Newport. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 80°F (27°C), and Newport fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Newport this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Newport during autumn. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 211 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Key West gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Key West usually receives more rain than Newport. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Should I visit Key West or Newport in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Key West as well as Newport. Many visitors come to Key West in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Newport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Newport can be very cold during winter. Key West is much warmer than Newport in the winter. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Newport fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the winter, Key West often gets more sunshine than Newport. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Newport receives 170 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in January than Newport. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Key West or Newport in the Spring?

Both Newport and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Newport because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Key West is much warmer than Newport. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key West in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Newport averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It's quite sunny in Newport. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Newport during spring. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies, while Newport receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Key West usually receives less rain than Newport. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Newport receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Newport and Key West