Deciding between Key West and Miami as vacation destination depends on your preferences and what you’re looking for in a vacation. Key West is perfect for a laid-back getaway, while Miami is ideal for those seeking a more energetic vacation.
Both destinations offer unique experiences. Key West is a tropical paradise known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and rich culture.
Miami, on the other hand, is a bustling metropolis with vibrant nightlife, diverse dining options, and rich art and culture scene.
Both cities are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Florida. They offer a wide variety of activities, from sunbathing on the beach to exploring historical sites.
However, they also have their own unique charm and character.
So, which one should you choose for your next vacation?
In this blog post, we will compare and contrast Key West and Miami and help you decide which one is the best fit for you.
Keep reading to find out!
Visit Key West
Key West, a tropical paradise located at the southernmost point of the mainland United States, is known for its picturesque-hued houses, budget-friendly destinations, and eclectic Floridian vibes. The island offers a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to visitors of all ages and interests.
Key West attractions
Key West offers a variety of activities for you to enjoy, from immersing yourself in the island’s rich culture to enjoying the natural beauty of the island and the famous key lime pie.
Let’s look at the main attractions in Key West
Duval Street
One of the main attractions in Key West is Duval Street, a bustling street that runs through the heart of the island.
It is packed with an array of pubs, shops, and hotels, as well as music venues, galleries, and cafes.
You can spend hours strolling along the street and taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Ernest Hemingway Home
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a National Historic Landmark and is located in the heart of Old Town Key West. It was the home of the famous American author Ernest Hemingway for over a decade, and it is where he wrote some of his most iconic works.
The home has been turned into a museum and is a popular destination for literature lovers.
Visitors can explore the home and the lush tropical gardens, admire Hemingway’s collection of polydactyl cats, and learn more about the writer’s life and legacy through guided tours and exhibits.
The museum is also home to a gift shop, and it’s a great spot for a unique and interesting experience
Key West Lighthouse
The Key West Lighthouse is a historical and architectural gem located just across the street from the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. The lighthouse is now maintained by the Key West Arts and Historical Society, and it’s open to visitors as a museum.
It provides a glimpse into the island’s maritime history and offers a unique perspective of the surrounding area.
The lighthouse is a great spot for visitors of all ages, with its picturesque setting and stunning views of the ocean, but it is particularly appealing to children as it offers a chance to learn about the history of the lighthouse and how it played an important role in the island’s maritime history.
Smathers Beach
Smathers Beach is Key West’s largest beach and is situated along the picturesque shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
It offers a wide range of amenities to enhance your beach experience, including rental options for sports gear such as jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards, as well as beach chairs and umbrellas.
The beach also features concession stands and showers. With its vast expanse of white sand and crystal-clear waters, Smathers Beach is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and all sorts of water activities, making it a perfect spot for a fun-filled day out.
To make the most of your time at the beach, check out some tips to pick the right outdoor clothing for water activities.
Booze Street
Key West has a rich history of alcohol and partying, which is reflected in its famous Booze Street.
This street has a 200-year-old history of being home to Key West’s bars and pubs. One of the bars on Booze Street is famous for being the night-out spot of Ernest Hemingway.
Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum
This is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the maritime history and culture of Key West. The museum is officially authorized and contains a wide range of artifacts dating back to the early 1600s, including the conserved remains of ancient shipwrecks.
You can explore the exhibits and learn about the island’s seafaring history and culture, including the story of the famous treasure hunter Mel Fisher and his quest for the Spanish galleon Atocha.
The museum also features interactive exhibits and a variety of artifacts, such as cannons, anchors, and navigational instruments, as well as a research library for those who are interested in diving deeper into Key West history.
Harry S. Truman Little White House
This historic building was used as a winter White House by President Harry S. Truman during his presidency.
Visitors can take a tour of the house to learn about Truman’s time in Key West.
Fort Zachary Taylor State Park
This state park offers visitors the chance to explore historic fortifications and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. You can also swim and sunbathe on the park’s beach.
Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
This conservatory is home to over 50 species of butterflies and a variety of other tropical birds and animals. You can explore the indoor rainforest environment and learn about the life cycle of butterflies.
The Southernmost Point Buoy
Located at the southernmost point of the mainland United States, this iconic buoy is a popular spot for visitors to take pictures and is a great spot to mark your visit to the island.
The Key West Aquarium
This aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish. You can take a guided tour, feed the fish, and even take a behind the scene tour.
Dry Tortugas National Park
This national park is located about 70 miles west of Key West and is accessible by boat or seaplane. You can explore the park’s historic Fort Jefferson, snorkel, scuba dive in the crystal clear waters, and see a wide variety of marine life.
Mallory Square
This waterfront area is a popular spot for visitors to watch the sunset and take in the street performers. The area is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants.
Key West Cemetery
This cemetery is the final resting place of many famous residents of Key West, including sailors, politicians, and artists. You can take a self-guided tour of the cemetery to learn about the island’s history.
Key West activities
Here are some activities you can enjoy when you visit Key West
Sunset viewing at Caya Beach
Key West is famous for its beautiful sunsets, and Caya Beach is one of the best spots to catch a glimpse of the spectacular show.
The beach provides rented ships for visitors to enjoy the sunset from the water. Visitors can take in the stunning view of the sun setting over the ocean while enjoying a refreshing breeze.
This activity has become a major visitor attraction in recent years and is a must-do for anyone visiting the island.
Street performers at the Festival of Buskers
One of the most unique and entertaining activities in Key West is to catch a street performance at the Festival of Buskers.
Local jugglers, escape artists, musicians, and magicians gather to celebrate the sunset and entertain the crowd.
You can enjoy a variety of performances and shows, each one unique and memorable. This is an excellent opportunity to experience the local culture and talent of Key West.
Beach activities
Key West beaches are among the best places for quality family time. The vendors provide sports gear for rent, such as kayaks, paddleboards, and beach chairs, so visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities.
There are also food stalls and cafes for picnics beside the sea, where visitors can enjoy a meal or a snack while taking in the beautiful view. Visitors can also enjoy snorkeling, diving, swimming, beach volleyball, and sunbathing.
Visit Miami
Miami is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city located on the southeastern coast of Florida. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and year-round warm weather.
Miami is a popular vacation destination for tourists from all over the world who come to enjoy its many attractions, activities, and events.
You can explore the city’s famous Art Deco Historic District, enjoy the nightlife, dining, art, and culture, and indulge in a variety of outdoor activities such as swimming and sunbathing at the beach.
Miami attractions
Here are some attractions you can enjoy in Miami
South Beach
South Beach is one of Miami’s most famous attractions, known for its beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters, and lively atmosphere. You can spend the day soaking up the sun on the beach, swimming and sunbathing, or enjoying water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing.
The beach is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, making it an ideal spot for a day out.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a must-see attraction for history and art lovers visiting Miami. The museum is housed in a beautiful Mediterranean-style villa that was built in 1916 and is surrounded by 10 acres of lush gardens.
You can explore the museum’s permanent collection, which includes works of art, antiques, and artifacts, as well as temporary exhibits. The gardens are also a highlight, with a variety of plants and flowers, fountains, and sculptures that visitors can enjoy.
The museum also offers guided tours, which provide a deeper understanding of the history and architecture of the building.
Art Deco Historic District
The Art Deco Historic District is one of Miami’s most famous attractions and is home to the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world.
You can take a stroll through the district and admire the colorful and flashy architecture, which was built in the 1930s and 1940s. You can also take a guided tour, which provides a deeper understanding of the history and architecture of the buildings, and learn about the famous architects who designed them.
The district is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, making it an ideal spot to spend the day.
Miami activities
Here are some activities you can enjoy in Miami
Miami Beach activities
Miami is known for its beautiful beaches, and visitors can enjoy a variety of beach activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
You can also rent equipment such as umbrellas, beach chairs, and paddleboards and explore the many parks and recreation areas.
Some of the most popular beaches in Miami include South Beach, Haulover Beach Park, and Crandon Park Beach. You can also take a boat tour or a jet ski in downtown Miami or take a fishing trip in the ocean.
Touring museums and galleries
Miami is home to a variety of museums and galleries which showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary art scene.
You can explore the Perez Art Museum Miami, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Lowe Art Museum to see works by local and international artists.
You can also visit the Cuban Museum, which is dedicated to the culture and history of Miami’s Cuban community, and the HistoryMiami Museum, which tells the story of Miami.
Comparison between Key West and Miami
No doubt, Key West and Miami are both popular vacation spots, but they offer different experiences. This side-by-side comparison of these two Florida hotspots will help you discover the ultimate vacation destination.
Attractions
In terms of attractions, Key West and Miami both offer a diverse range of attractions for visitors to explore.
Key West is known for its historic sites, such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and the Key West Lighthouse, as well as its natural beauty, including the Dry Tortugas National Park and the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.
Miami, on the other hand, is known for its famous South Beach, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and the Art Deco Historic District.
Both destinations offer plenty of opportunities for visitors to learn about the local culture, history, and art.
Activities
When it comes to activities, both Key West and Miami have a lot to offer.
Key West is a great destination for beachgoers, who can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. You can also explore the island’s natural beauty by taking a boat tour, going fishing, or snorkeling.
Miami offers a similar range of beach activities, as well as opportunities to explore the city’s nightlife, dining, and art scene.
You can also take a boat tour of the coast or visit one of the many museums and galleries the city has to offer.
Overall atmosphere
The overall atmosphere of Key West is laid-back and relaxed, with a focus on natural beauty and a slower pace of life.
The island is known for its tropical paradise, which attracts visitors who are looking for a peaceful and relaxing vacation.
Miami, on the other hand, is a bustling and cosmopolitan city known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse culture, and year-round warm weather. The city attracts visitors who are looking for a more exciting and fast-paced vacation.
Budget
Both Key West and Miami offer a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts.
Key West is considered a more budget-friendly destination, and you can find good deals on accommodation, dining, and activities.
Length of stay
Both Key West and Miami can be enjoyed over a long weekend, but you may want to stay longer to fully explore all the destination has to offer.
Key West is a small island, and you can see most of the main attractions in a few days. Miami, on the other hand, is a larger city, and you may need a week or more to see everything the city has to offer.
Is Key West cheaper than Miami?
Key West is generally considered cheaper than Miami for vacationing, with lower costs for accommodation, dining, and attractions. However, costs can vary depending on the time of year and the type of options chosen.
According to BudgetYourTrip, a vacation to Key West for one week usually costs around $3,086 for one person.
If you’re traveling as a family, the price per person often decreases because kid’s tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared.
On the other hand, a one-week vacation to Miami usually costs around $1,151 for one person. If traveling as a group or a family, the price per person and all other fees also decrease.
When it comes to vacationing in Key West, the costs can vary depending on the time of year and the type of accommodation, dining, and activities that are chosen.
When you reach Key West, accommodation options range from budget-friendly luxury resorts, with prices generally being lower than in Miami. Key West hotels are also cheaper. Dining options also vary, from casual seafood shacks to upscale restaurants, with prices being lower than in Miami.
Attractions such as the Ernest Hemingway Home and the Dry Tortugas National Park also have relatively low costs.
Vacationing in Miami can be more expensive than in Key West, particularly when it comes to accommodation, dining, and attractions.
Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts, with prices generally being higher than in Key West.
Dining options also vary, from casual seafood shacks to upscale restaurants, with prices being higher than in Key West.
Attractions such as the South Beach and the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens also have relatively higher costs.
Key West or Miami: Which is a better vacation destination?
Deciding on whether to vacation in Key West or Miami is a matter of personal preference and what type of experience you’re seeking.
Key West offers a tropical, relaxed vibe with its beautiful beaches, unique culture, and laid-back atmosphere.
Miami, on the other hand, boasts a bustling, cosmopolitan atmosphere with a wide array of activities such as nightlife, dining, art, and culture.
Both destinations have their own distinct charm, but the decision ultimately comes down to what you’re looking for in a vacation, as well as budget, time frame, and preferred activities.
Best places to stop on the drive from Keywest to Miami
To make the most of your vacation, you can opt to go on a road trip from Keywest to Miami. A road trip will allow you to maximize the experience by exploring many new places.
If you are flying, you will stop at Miami International airport and may not have the opportunity to visit the beautiful spots.
Here are the best spots to visit on a Key West road trip.
Key West
Being the southernmost part of the United States, Key West is the perfect place to kick off your trip. There, you can first visit the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.
This destination boasts a Learning Center where you can get up close with up to 60 different species of butterflies. You can also visit the butterfly-themed gift shop and art gallery.
Next, tap into your inner literature lover by dropping by the well-known Hemingway Home & Museum less than half a mile from the Conservatory.
It’s open 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm, and guided tours last for 20-30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick visit!
You can also empty your wallets at the shop, where you can find various memorabilia reflecting Ernest Hemingway’s life.
If you’re a cat person, you’ll enjoy this experience even more! The Hemingway Estate houses around 60 six-toed cats, descendants of Hemingway’s original
Marathon
Once you start making your way up toward Miami, Marathon is one of the first must-see cities you’ll bump into. This place is considered a paradise for avid fishers, with beautiful beaches home to diverse marine life.
To get to Marathon, however, you must go through the Seven Mile Bridge, just beyond Little Duck Key. This bridge traverses vast bodies of water, giving tourists a spectacular view on the way to Knight’s Key.
The Old Seven Mile Bridge was originally built in 1912 and reopened with improvements in 1982. After 40 years, the bridge was relaunched in 2022 to offer travelers a more pleasant driving experience.
Before you hit the city of Marathon, you’ll have the option to drop by Pigeon Key — a little island that serves as the cradle of the history of the Seven Mile Bridge.
It’s open to tours, camps, and other activities, such as snorkeling, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and more.
You may also check out Crane Point Museum and Nature Center! It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs after a long drive, especially with its nature-centric trails, gardens, and historic sites.
Islamorada
Next on our list is the Sportfishing Capital of the World, Islamorada (also called Islas Morada). This intimate Florida Keys village is renowned for its magnificent coral reefs and picturesque shops, restaurants, and bay views.
When visiting Islamorada, you don’t want to miss out on Theater of the Sea. This marine park is famous for its dolphins, turtles, fish, sharks, sea lions, alligators, stingrays, and birds. You can swim with the aquatic animals and watch creative shows.
After your oceanic adventure, ground yourself on earth by heading to Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park! This former quarry houses five self-guided trails that immerse you in the park’s history.
Windley Key is also perfect for hiking and picnicking. You can explore around 1.5 miles of tropical wonder filled with various species of native trees and plants.
To culminate, you may avail of picnic tables while birding or wildlife viewing.
Key Largo
Key Largo is the biggest part of the Florida Keys and the last island stretch. Naturally, it offers many visit-worthy sites and activities, but we have the top 3 listed below.
Seven miles from Windley Key, you get the opportunity to see another nature-scenic location: the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center.
Here, you can visit the Mission Wild Bird building and Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary.
These facilities serve as the habitat for nearly a hundred birds that can’t be released, including pelicans, songbirds, owls, hawks, gulls, vultures, and others.
You can engage in an educational, self-guided tour and participate in photo ops with the birds. Plus, the bay at the Sanctuary is the perfect spot to breathe in the Keys sunset!
If you’re weary from all the hiking and trekking in the previous locations, the African Queen Canal Cruise is the ideal next destination activity for you. It travels from Marina Del Mar to Port Largo Canals in 90-minute cruise sessions and dinner services.
Before ending your island adventure, be sure to check out John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park for a true underwater experience!
This undersea park offers different activities, such as kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, or snorkeling.
You can even have a more relaxed tour by riding a glass-bottom boat to view the marine life underneath.
Homestead
Just before your trip touches down in Miami, you may bask in the calm and relaxing atmosphere of Homestead. This Miami-Dade County city is the perfect bridge between the serene islands of Florida Keys and the bustling big cities of Florida.
One famous spot in Homestead is the Everglades Alligator Farm. Here, you can take private airboat rides, enjoy tours, and watch alligator shows.
The Farm is by the entrance of Everglades National Park, which also has ibis, panthers, eagles, manatees, and other subtropical-dwelling animals.
Ten miles from Everglades Alligator Farm, you’ll stumble upon the Homestead-Miami Speedway, where you can enjoy the thrill of motor racing.
You can even camp at their GEICO Campgrounds by purchasing an RV or tent space.
To wrap up your Homestead visit, drive up to Fruit and Spice Park — a botanical garden of more than 500 kinds of vegetables, fruits, spices, and herbs. Their website lists upcoming events, so you can time your trip perfectly to catch a blues serenade or watch a presentation about tropical fruits.
Miami
You’ll immediately know when you arrive in Miami, as there’s no mistaking the thriving atmosphere of this major city.
It’s considered an artistic, cultural, commercial, and financial center, so you can expect it to be teeming with fellow tourists or residents going about their day.
You have an assortment of locations and activities to enjoy in Miami. Still, our top two picks have to be the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and Wynwood Walls Street Art District, which are less than 20 minutes from each other.
You can participate in various events and programs at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, such as guided village tours, yoga classes, and farmers market visits.
The Main House and Gardens are also accessible for those looking to appreciate featured historical objects and beautiful flowers in bloom.
After basking in the sophistication of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, it’s time to head to Wynwood Walls Street Art District. This location boasts more than 10 galleries and museums.
The Wynwood neighborhood truly embodies the art it houses, as it is filled with popping destinations and shops to visit. You can drop by the Wynwood Brewing Company, the Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, The Salty Donut, and more.
Miami Beach
Your road trip would not be complete without taking a dip at Miami Beach. This coastal resort is a mere 21-minute drive from Wynwood.
Despite being packed with tourists looking to enjoy its turquoise waters and white sand, you won’t run out of room with over 7 miles of exquisite shoreline. There are also countless activities and spots to check out.
First, South Beach is beloved and renowned for its palm trees and Art Deco structures. This site is also famous for its party scene and celebrity-chef restaurants.
Within South Beach, you’ll find Lincoln Road, which is the go-to spot for anyone looking for world-class shopping centers.
To cap off your adventure, go south of South Beach to Art Deco Historic District along Ocean Drive.
You will be greeted with eye candies everywhere you look. You can drop by the Art Deco Welcome Center or get more up close with the walking tour.
Takeaway: Get the best of both worlds in Key West and Miami
Key West and Miami offer very different experiences as vacation spots. While Key West brings you closer to nature and history, Miami features more modern and upbeat sites.
You may also select your destination based on accommodation and budget preferences. Key West is undoubtedly more challenging to reach but offers more intimate and scenic accommodations.
On the other hand, Miami is accessible but often full of tourists.
Overall, Key West and Miami present equally strong advantages. Thus, the best way to elevate your experience is to take a Florida Keys road trip and soak in every beautiful spot along the way.
Read also: Best road trip from Ohio to Florida (6 Itineraries)
