A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key West vs. Redwood National Park for Backpackers, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Key West or Redwood National Park?

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

Should I visit Key West or Redwood National Park? 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 eclectic, bustling, and active town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. With stunning beauty, Key West attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and nightlife. See Key West travel costs.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a impressive, monumental, and grand park. You'll find world class beauty in Redwood National Park as well. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking. See Redwood National Park travel costs.

Key West and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Redwood National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Redwood National Park are both popular with visitors, Key West has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Key West is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Redwood National Park is known for its museums and attractions, hiking, and impressive beauty. Key West is more touristy than Redwood National Park and is known 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. It is also home to Duval Street. Redwood National Park is popular for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

How is Key West different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Redwood National Park is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Redwood National Park offers a few options for museum-goers. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Key West or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Key West is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Key West is an experience not to be missed. 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.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Key West or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Key West is well known for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

Key West is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Key West or Redwood National Park Better for Resorts?

Key West is well known for its resorts. However, Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Key West to choose from. 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.

Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Key West or Redwood National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key West is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Redwood National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Redwood National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Key West is well known for the beach. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Many people visit Key West for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Redwood National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Is Key West or Redwood National Park Better for its Old Town?

Key West is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Redwood National Park does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of 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.

Redwood National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Key West or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Redwood National Park is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Key West is not a hiking destination.

People visit Redwood National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

Key West is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Redwood National Park?

Key West is a town with a few options for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

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.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.

Is Key West or Redwood National Park More Beautiful?

Redwood National Park is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Redwood National Park as well. The majestic redwood trees will take your breath away. These ancient forests offer a truly unique experience and you'll feel small in comparison to their grand height.

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.

Is Key West or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Key West or Redwood National Park.

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 Redwood National Park. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Key West or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and Redwood National Park make for a superb place to visit.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Redwood National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.

Is Key West or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Redwood National Park is renowned for backpackers. However, Key West is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Redwood National Park. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

Key West is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Key West is a pretty expensive destination, but there are Airbnbs and even a hostel or two that cater to budget backpackers.

Is Key West or Redwood National Park Better for Students?

Key West is well known for students. However, Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

Many students visit Key West. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Redwood National Park is not popular with students.

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

Neither Key West or Redwood National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Public transit is quite limited in Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Key West or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Key West is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its walkability.

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.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable town. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Key West?

How long in Key West or Redwood National Park?

In either Key West or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than Redwood National Park because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Key West than Redwood National Park 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 Key West.

One day in Key West or Redwood National Park?

In Key West, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful park of Redwood National Park offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key West. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It offers something for everyone.

Redwood National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Redwood National Park?

Key West is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Redwood National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Redwood National Park, 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 Redwood National Park?

In Key West, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

Redwood National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This park 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 Redwood National Park, we can see that Key West is more expensive. And not only is Redwood National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Redwood National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Redwood 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 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 Redwood National Park.

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 Redwood National Park Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Key West or Redwood 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 West or Redwood National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Key West and Redwood National Park. Most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Redwood National Park because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Key West is much warmer than Redwood National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key West in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 57°F (14°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Redwood National Park this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during summer. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 274 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Key West usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key West or Redwood National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Key West as well as Redwood National Park. The autumn months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

In October, Key West is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 80°F (27°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key West this time of the year. In the autumn, Key West often gets more sunshine than Redwood National Park. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 177 hours of full sun.

Key West receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key West usually gets more rain in October than Redwood National Park. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Key West is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Key West or Redwood National Park in the Winter?

Both Redwood National Park and Key West are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Key West this time of year.

Key West is much warmer than Redwood National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Redwood National Park during winter. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Redwood National Park receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Redwood National Park. In January, Key West usually receives less rain than Redwood National Park. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key West or Redwood National Park in the Spring?

Both Redwood National Park and Key West during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Redwood National Park in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Key West is much warmer than Redwood National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key West in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 50°F (10°C).

In Redwood National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Key West. In the spring, Key West often gets more sunshine than Redwood National Park. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Redwood National Park receives 254 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in April than Redwood National Park. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Key West