Popular resorts include Isla Bella Beach Resort and Tranquility Bay Resort. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. However, when it comes to the best short stays or family vacations, Islamorada is the better option. Key Largo has some beautiful sunsets as well, but they are definitely not the same as the sinking sun of Key West. Thanks to their abundance of draws and features, you can't complete a Florida trip without visiting these two. Key Largo doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The best destinations between Key West and Key Largo, Islamorada, and Marathon may be small but they are top-notch. When it comes to holidays of all sorts, Key Largo is a much better option than Islamorada. I've spent about 20 years vacationing in the Keys and to me, Marathon is the "peach" of the Keys. Plus, if you want Marathons beaches, its simply a short drive south. One week here is typical. The Zestimate for this house is $832,714, which has increased by $52,288 in the last 30 days. Marathon is a very popular place to visit for couples. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-80395686', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Key West is definitely worth visiting while you're in the keys. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. This fish typically looks intimidating because of its size and appearance. But if you want to experience all that the Florida Keys has to offer, make sure to visit both Key Largo and Key West! The waters off Islamorada are gifted thanks to its proximity to the Everglades, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Florida Key Reef Tract. There is a beautiful public beach in Marathon called Sombrero Beach. Marathon is actually made up of East and West Sister's Island, as well as a . ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-80570020', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Marathon. It has Sombrero beach, one of the best in the Keys (which isn't saying much!) My husband and I are looking to deep sea fish, snorkel and para sail as well as relax on the beaches for our vacation. In July, Key Largo usually receives more rain than Marathon. Is any one of these locations superior to the other in terms of accommodations and things to do? Nice place, good rates, but we were off season. Are you ready to take the family on an epic vacation, but worried about the cost? From kiteboarding to paddleboarding, Marathon is an underrated stop in the Florida Keys. Even just researching about Marathon youll be flooded with recommendations about the many dolphin facts. You can bring them home from their market or try the Stone Crab chowder at the cafe. You also have the option of taking the Conch Tour Train throughout the city in Key West. However, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The beach also sports calm and gentle waters like most of the Keys. Marathon's advantage is it has better access to two of the only decent public beaches here, but hopefully you're not coming for beaches. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Both Key Largo and Marathon have a number of activities to choose from. Just like the rest of the Florida Keys, Marathon has great spots to dive and revel in its natural underwater marvels. more. It has Sombrero beach, one of the best in the Keys (which isn't saying much!) 7.6/10 (483 reviews). If you have long enough, why not split your time between the 2 places so you can experience a little of each ? The roads are still intact, and the streets can still be walked. The famous stretch is also ideal for a plethora of other activities such as bird-watching, catching sunsets, and sunbathing. Key Largo gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Marathon receives 328 hours of full sun in the summer. 1.5 Baths. Marathon, on one hand, is perfect for families with younger and smaller children. I suggest (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In October, Key Largo is generally around the same temperature as Marathon. I suggest you read the hotel reviews for these areas and see what fits your tastes and budgets. And if youre planning a vacation to the Florida Keys soon, you might not be sure which island is the best destination to visit based on your personal preferences. From dolphins to beaches and snorkeling, this island is a great destination for families. However, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Answer 1 of 8: Can someone summarize the difference in these locations for me? Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. In other words, Key West has an exciting social scene, while Key Largo is more for outdoor activities. The islands are surrounded by the trademark turquoise blue of the Florida Keys and white sandy beaches, youll also find a lot of downtimes here. They are both nice places to stay, I would assume. Romantic - yes, cute places to stay - yes, TONS of bars and a great night life with lots of variety, good food but avoid the tourist traps which can be difficult. Several of the parks volunteers live on boats nearby. Key West is hands down one of the absolute best spots in America for pedestrians and bicyclists. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Key Largo, five days is sufficent for most. $8.00, Key Largo Glass Bottom Boat Adventure: Key West is considered a top beach destination. Key Largo and Key West are both spectacular Florida destinations. And perhaps kayaking is possibly the greatest way to take it all in. Why are there no beaches in the Florida Keys? We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates. Key Largo also has a much more intimate feel than Key West. Nonstop drive: 50 miles or 80 km. Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Robbie's in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Alternatively, you may use, Ocean Pointe Suites at Key Largo by Provident Hotels & Resorts, Baker's Cay Resort Key Largo, Curio Collection by Hilton. For guests of all ages, it also offers a variety of educational programs, summer camps, group and field trips, and more. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. In the autumn, Key Largo often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marathon. The Middle Keys start just after Long Key Bridge and extend through the Marathon area to the Seven Mile Bridge. Fantastic place and you need to spend at least a night to be at the nightly sunset gathering on the Quay. - People are 13.9% more likely to be married in Key Largo. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Islamorada is teeming with all the right draws perfectly combined, making it an easy favorite thanks to Mother Nature herself. Our score includes factors like airline prices and fuel costs, but it also takes into account the value of your time spent traveling. Halfway between Key Largo and Key West, Islamorada, or "Purple Island," is among the archipelago's most popular key. What is this? $299, Key Largo Private Sunset Tour of the Bay Area in Key largo: It contains 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Its also a great place to hit the beach, with plenty of pretty man-made beaches with long stretches of sand. The most common way to get between them is by driving, and the road distance is approximately 34 miles or 55 km. The cuisine are the main draw to Key Largo this time of year. Key Largo is a good island for couples to visit. Is it cheaper to stay in Key Largo or Key West? o--Robert--o is spot on! Snorkeling off Cannon Beach will uncover artifacts from a 1715 Spanish ship wreck, and can make a good snorkeling experience, especially for children. The Key is a historical gem in the area as it used to be the seat of Miami Dade County in 1836. The Upper Keys start just south of Miami and wind southwest in a gentle curve down to Long Key. Shops and restaurants and spread out along a central road, making walking difficult to impossible. With this out of the way, lets look at five of the cheapest places you could set up residence in the Florida Keys. Have you ever wondered which Florida Keys island is the better choice for your next vacation? We definitely want to make a day trip to Key West while we are there, as well. Blech. Key Largo. Islamorada sits nearby the best fishing spots in the entire Florida Keys Reef Tract. - The Median Age is 8.4 years younger in Marathon. Five days here is typical. Both have beautiful white sand beaches, pristine waters, and a variety of activities. I will tell you, if you are more of a partier and like loads of people and action, you will definitely want to choose Islamorade, Marathon, or Key West instead (Islamorada and Marathon are not wild, but definitely have more action than Layton). It has Sombrero beach, one of the best in the Keys (which isn't saying much!) In addition, take him to the Turtle Hospital, walk the old 7-mile bridge, and much much more. While its always ideal to spend more time in any destination, I recommend staying for at least four days in the Florida Keys, if not longer. Islamorada is home to continuous, smooth white-sand beaches. Whether youre coming from Key West or Key Largo, Islamorada is accessible. I like White Sands, Conch Key Cottages and Continental Inn. This travel comparison between Key Largo and Marathon can help. The cost of staying in Key West isnt terribly different from the cost of staying in Key Largo. Key Largo really has virtually no beaches apart from a couple at private hotels and man made ones at John Pennekamp state park. Typically 98 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check . They all seem to be nice locations that are relatively close together. So you can easily expect that a wide variety of watersports is the citys favorite pastime. As Islamorada's village is occupied within a cluster of nearby islands, Islamorada is located on Tea Table Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Upper Matecumbe Key, Windley Key and Plantation Key in the Florida Keys. The center participates in a variety of conservation and educational activities, and workshops. Apart from rehabilitating and taking care of turtles and dolphins, Marathon also seeks to educate. Long Key State Park isnt only perfect for that much-needed beach day in the Keys. They have the largest pool in the keys with a poolside tiki bar. It takes about an hour to get there by boat and the park is gorgeous. The Florida Keys Reef Tract also shelters many marine and coastal ecosystems in Islamorada, allowing them to thrive. We have never stayed in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Not to mention, its rich natural portfolio has given it immense beauty. (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? So Safety Concerns Don't Hold You Back From Exploring The World. Are you planning your next vacation but feeling worried about safety? The city is full of great beaches, and a plethora of family-friendly stays and activities. So that query would work for me. Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. If youre up for on-foot explorations and plenty of walking, its doable, but most choose to use their cars to get from Point A to Point B on Key Largo. A boardwalk forms The Mangrove Trail in the swamp area and the Grove Trail and Wild Tamarind Trail bring you on a loop through a hammock of tropical hardwood and other flora, with informational plaques affixed to trees. Marathon. Islamorada is surrounded by a rich diversity of ecosystems and biomes all over. The town is packed with the right blend of nature, history, and entertainment. Expensive flight tickets Lousy hotels Horrible cruise destinations Are you tired of dealing with the hassles of vacation planning? It also uses outreach activities to educate the public and to keep the environment safe and clean for sea turtles. You can try your hand at sportfishing and watersports. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go. SOLD JUN 9, 2022. Key Largo really has virtually no beaches apart from a couple at private hotels and man made ones at John Pennekamp state park. The driving distance, however, is around 34 miles or 55 km. Nestled at the heart of the Florida Keys, this 13-island beauty is a phenomenon in itself. We have stayed on the larger Keys including both Largo an (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Here are three of the most popular places to visit: Perhaps Islamoradas most popular beach, Annes Beach has the best and right qualities for a favorite beach. Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Marathon and Key Largo. It also showcases Floridas history from the volunteers who run the tram and lead tours. Whether youre a seasoned pro or just starting, theres something for everyone. It even has glorious waters and mangrove forests. This allows paddleboarding, swimming, and many other water activities. Many, many fishing charters, including the Marathon Lady party boat, or a variety of great local captains that will take you on a private charter. These two keys have helped further Florida Keys' tourism reputation across the US. I'd agree that (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Temperatures in Key Largo average around 78F (26C), and Marathon stays around 80F (27C). A famous entry, the Mahi-Mahi is an ideal Islamorada catch. By signing up for our email newsletter, you will receive occasional updates from us with sales and discounts from major travel companies, plus tips and advice from experienced budget travelers! $8,640, A Unique Private Snorkel Tour of Key Largo: If youve never seen it, it can only be described as incredible. Looking for a hotel in Key Largo or Marathon? And Marathon is the Florida Keys beach capital and family vacation center. Here are some of the most go-to activities you can do in Islamorada: There is no better place to sportfish in the Florida Keys, or even the entire world, than in Islamorada. I suggest (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The coral reefs of Marathon are well-known among snorkelers and divers all around the world. Key Largo is close enough to Fort Lauderdale and Miami for a shopping or excursion day trip. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Key Largo this time of the year. It's quite rainy in Key Largo. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip. $61, Florida Keys Self-Driving Tour (Overseas Highway, 7 Mile Bridge): ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-80293913', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Marathon is the best pick. I don't know your accomodations, but if you rent a vacation home or condo (especially in Key Colony Beach MM 53.5) mostly all have access to the private Cabana Club which has a beautiful pool and private beach. Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Marathon. Consider taking an hour drive south and visit the Turtle Hospital on Marathon Key. You can see the turtle emergency room, operating room, and the sea turtles that have been rescued. Ibis Bay Beach Resort. It's like asking if peppermint or wintergreen is better! Just like the rest of the Florida Keys, Marathon takes the welfare of its marine life greatly. You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Key Largo. Rangers also lead nature walks, which you can book in advance for your Key Largo trip. Key Largo, the gateway to the Keys, pretty much has everything you could ever want. Lol. Another option is to visit neighboring Islamorada Key for a snorkeling adventure and sandbar tour. So, traveling to Marathon would let you spend less money overall. The drive to Key West is somewhat spectacular. While most of Florida Keys isnt blessed with picturesque coasts, fortunately, most of Islamorada is. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Both Key Largo and Key West are good destinations for a couple's getaway. We like Marathon because it's in the middlle, so, if you want to visit Key West, it's about an hour drive south. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. Report inappropriate content If I were picking, it would be Islamorada for the smaller town feel, great restaurant choices and new craft breweries. But Key West has significantly more bars. Lets look at the numerous differences to help steer you in the direction of the best vacation destination for you. After exploring the abandoned town, you can take a quick dip or kayak around the mangrove trees. The further along you go, the deeper you sink into the beauty of the surrounding sea as you drive across the Seven Mile Bridge and other bridges connecting the islands. With only a single highway connecting them, the 32-mile distance is easily covered by driving. Nearby homes similar to 808 S Silver Cir have recently sold between $240K to $370K at an average of $375 per square foot. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-80288515', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Marathon, Florida? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-80570020', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Marathon. Personally, we like Marathon, but Key Largo is nice too. I can't tell you why, but, we much preferred Marathon. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-80293913', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Marathon is the best pick. $5,400, 5 Day Sailing Catamaran Experience in the Florida Keys (4 nights): They are both nice places to stay, I would assume. The beach is public but youll have to pay the state park fee in order to access it, which is $9 per two people (but if you pay $43 to camp overnight, you wont have to pay for entrance). The predominant bite offshore has been swordfish & blackfin tunas. Islamorada is approximately 32 miles or 52 km from Marathon, directly. Thats not to say you wont cross paths with familiar faces over and over in Key West, but in Key Largo, youll feel like youve come to a community rather than a tourist destination. Marathon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. I actually like a very small, quiet location like Layton the best. This forum is awesome! The shallow depths of some of Marathons reefs make swimming possible. I know your first question was directed to bluewater, but I have to chime in . 5 Cheapest Places To Live In Florida Keys: Most Affordable Key To. With beautiful views, 7 mile bridge, and plenty of activities, this area makes a romantic destination for couples. These gems are often the second-best options when you dont feel like cramming into the bustle of Key West and Key Largo. Get the guide and the checklists now so you can avoid the travel mistakes that can ruin your precious vacation. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style. Key Largo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. I would highly recommend Banana Bay Resort (balcony with marina view) or since you are traveling with another couple, the 2-Bedroom Marathon Key Beach Club (condos next door but you use Banana Bay's facilities). If beaches are important then (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-39186827', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Islamorada and a night in Marathon last fall on our way to Key West.
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