A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Key West vs. Williamsburg for Old Town, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Key West or Williamsburg?

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

Should I visit Key West or Williamsburg? 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 active, lively, and quaint 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.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a historic, charming, and quaint town. Williamsburg is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Key West and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Key West or Williamsburg?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Key West. Although Key West and Williamsburg are both popular with visitors, Key West has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Key West is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Williamsburg is known for its museums and attractions, historical sights, and shopping. Key West is more touristy than Williamsburg 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. Williamsburg is popular for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments.

How is Key West different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

Williamsburg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Is Key West or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Key West is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Key West know how to have a good time. 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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Key West or Williamsburg Better for Resorts?

Key West is a great destination for its resorts. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.

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

Key West is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Key West or Williamsburg Better for Beaches?

Key West is a great destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Key West or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Williamsburg is renowned for its old town. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Williamsburg is one of the most recognized in the world. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Key West or Williamsburg?

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

Williamsburg is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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 Williamsburg More Beautiful?

Key West is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Williamsburg is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Williamsburg is a gorgeous place to visit. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Is Key West or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Williamsburg is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Williamsburg is a very family-friendly destination. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Key West. 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.

Is Key West or Williamsburg Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Key West and Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.

Is Key West or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Williamsburg is renowned for students. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Williamsburg. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

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

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

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

Public transit is generally limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

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

Is Key West or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Key West is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options 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.

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Key West?

How long in Key West or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Key West or Williamsburg. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Key West due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Key West, and 2-4 days is enough time in Williamsburg.

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

Couples should spend more time in Key West than Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg.

One day in Key West or Williamsburg?

In Key West, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this lively town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

The town of Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg?

Key West 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.

Williamsburg 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Williamsburg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Key West or Williamsburg?

In Key West, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this laid-back destination offers. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Williamsburg is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Key West or Williamsburg?

Key West is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

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

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 Williamsburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Key West or Williamsburg?

Key West has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Key West and Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Key West is a little warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Key West in July average around 84°F (29°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 78°F (26°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Williamsburg this time of the year. In Key West, it's very sunny this time of the year. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Williamsburg during summer. Key West gets 328 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Williamsburg receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Key West usually receives less rain than Williamsburg. Key West gets 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Key West or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

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

In October, Key West is generally much warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Key West average around 80°F (27°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg. Key West gets 258 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 211 hours of full sun.

Key West receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Key West usually gets more rain in October than Williamsburg. Key West gets 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 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 Williamsburg in the Winter?

Both Williamsburg 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. Also, many travelers come to Williamsburg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Williamsburg. Key West is much warmer than Williamsburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Key West averages around 70°F (21°C) in January, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Key West. Key West usually receives more sunshine than Williamsburg during winter. Key West gets 252 hours of sunny skies, while Williamsburg receives 168 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Key West usually receives less rain than Williamsburg. Key West gets 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Key West or Williamsburg in the Spring?

Both Williamsburg 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Key West is much warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Key West in April average around 77°F (25°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg. Key West gets 326 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Williamsburg receives 253 hours of full sun.

Key West usually gets less rain in April than Williamsburg. Key West gets 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Key West