A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Canaveral vs. Blue Ridge for Attractions, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a wonder-filled, unique, and iconic town. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Cape Canaveral travel costs.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a outdoorsy, historic, and quaint town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Blue Ridge offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Blue Ridge travel costs.

Cape Canaveral and Blue Ridge: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge?

Both Blue Ridge and Cape Canaveral have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Cape Canaveral is better known for its museums and attractions, resorts, and beaches, while Blue Ridge is more popular for its food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cape Canaveral is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is known for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. Blue Ridge is well known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Blue Ridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Blue Ridge and Cape Canaveral. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge?

Cape Canaveral
Blue Ridge

Cape Canaveral is an amazing town to visit for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Cape Canaveral from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.


Is the Food Better in Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Canaveral
Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a great town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Blue Ridge has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Cape Canaveral offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

Is Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Blue Ridge has a few options to choose from. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Most people don't head to Cape Canaveral specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

Is Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
Blue Ridge

Cape Canaveral is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Cape Canaveral has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.


Is Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
Blue Ridge

Cape Canaveral is a good destination for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Cape Canaveral offers a nice beach destination. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge Better for Hiking?

Cape Canaveral
Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a great town for hiking. However, Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge?

Cape Canaveral
Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a great town for its shopping areas. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

Cape Canaveral is a great destination for shopping. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.


Is Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge More Beautiful?

Cape Canaveral
Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a nice place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Cape Canaveral is not a destination known for its beauty.

Blue Ridge offers plenty of beauty for visitors. There are plenty of hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. There's also a scenic railroad as well as places to kayak or go horseback riding.

Cape Canaveral is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
Blue Ridge

Cape Canaveral is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cape Canaveral is very family-friendly. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

Blue Ridge is a very kid-friendly town. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Is Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
Blue Ridge

Cape Canaveral and Blue Ridge are both great to visit as a couple.

Cape Canaveral is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

Blue Ridge is a very popular place to visit for couples. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.


Is Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Canaveral
Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a great town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

Cape Canaveral is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You won't find any hostels in the area, but you may have some luck finding affordable accommodation nearby.

Is Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cape Canaveral
Blue Ridge

Neither Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

Blue Ridge is a somewhat walkable town. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

Cape Canaveral is not a walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.


For even more information, also check out Is Cape Canaveral Worth Visiting? and Is Blue Ridge Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Blue Ridge or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge?

In either Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Blue Ridge than Cape Canaveral because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 2-5 days is enough time in Blue Ridge.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Blue Ridge than Cape Canaveral 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 Blue Ridge.


  • How many days in Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Canaveral 1-3 
    Blue Ridge 2-5

One day in Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge?

With museums and food around the unique town of Cape Canaveral, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cape Canaveral, one day is sufficent for most.

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge?

With food and shopping around the destination of Cape Canaveral, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Blue Ridge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge?

Cape Canaveral, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Blue Ridge. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.


A week in Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge?

Cape Canaveral is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Blue Ridge is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America, and The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Blue Ridge or Cape Canaveral?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Cape Canaveral Prices
    USA Prices
    Blue Ridge Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cape Canaveral $251
    Blue Ridge $150

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Canaveral is $251, while the average daily cost in Blue Ridge is $150. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cape Canaveral and Blue Ridge in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    Blue Ridge $67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    Blue Ridge $134
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Blue Ridge

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cape Canaveral


Hotels in Blue Ridge


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Blue Ridge Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    Blue Ridge $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

Also for Cape Canaveral, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer: Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO in Luxury SUV: $167
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Vistana Centre Drive: $261
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to SeaWorld: $261
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Pointe Orlando: $252
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Int Airport: $100
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to New Smyrna Beach: $261
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Melbourne: $236
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Altamonte Springs: $269
  • Private SUV Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Theme Parks: $210
  • Private SUV Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO : $215
  • Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO and Hotels Private Transfer: $155
  • Port Canaveral to MCO Orlando Airport One Way Private Transfers: $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge?

Prices for flights to both Blue Ridge and Cape Canaveral change regularly based on dates and travel demand. 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cape Canaveral $74
    Blue Ridge $61

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $17
    Blue Ridge $18

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Canaveral.

  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour Near Orlando: $80
  • Canaveral Private Fishing Charter Experience,: $55
  • Cape Canaveral Private Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructor: $70
  • Wizard of Oz Museum Entry Ticket: $32
  • Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket: $56
  • Cocoa Beach Night Time Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $79
  • Cocoa Beach: Aerial Adventure Park Ticket: $56
  • Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area: $65
  • Fully Guided Kayaking Backwater Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $75
  • Kennedy Space Center from Port Canaveral & return to Cruise Ship : $70
  • Port Canaveral: Airboat Wildlife Tour with Gator Encounter: $97
  • SUP Paddleboard Lesson and Tour - Port Canaveral & Cocoa Beach: $95

Tours and Activities in Blue Ridge

For Blue Ridge, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 2 Hour Culture Tour in Helen: $29
  • 2-Hour Helen Haunts and History Walk Tour: $29
  • Helen Haunts, Murder, Mystery Tour With Paranormal Investigation: $20
  • Helen’s Ghosts of Christmas Past Walking Tour: $26

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    Blue Ridge $20


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cape Canaveral Expensive? and Is Blue Ridge Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge?

Cape Canaveral has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and Blue Ridge, 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 Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge?

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 Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Blue Ridge. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Blue Ridge. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Canaveral in July average around 80°F (27°C), and Blue Ridge averages at about 81°F (27°C).

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cape Canaveral gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Blue Ridge. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Canaveral 80°F (27°C) 
    Blue Ridge 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Blue Ridge. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Cape Canaveral is generally a little warmer than Blue Ridge. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 74°F (24°C), and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Cape Canaveral receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in October than Blue Ridge. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cape Canaveral is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Canaveral 74°F (24°C) 
    Blue Ridge 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge in the Winter?

Both Blue Ridge and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Blue Ridge because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Blue Ridge can be very cold. Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Blue Ridge in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than Blue Ridge. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Canaveral 60°F (15°C) 
    Blue Ridge 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Blue Ridge in the Spring?

Both Blue Ridge and Cape Canaveral during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the beaches. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year.

In the spring, Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Blue Ridge. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Canaveral in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Blue Ridge averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Blue Ridge gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in April than Blue Ridge. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Canaveral 70°F (21°C) 
    Blue Ridge 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Blue Ridge and Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral Blue Ridge
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 40°F (5°C) 5.4 inches (137 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (132 mm)
Mar 65°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 53°F (12°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.4 inches (112 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.7 inches (93 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 81°F (27°C) 5.2 inches (131 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
Oct 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (100 mm)
Dec 62°F (16°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 44°F (7°C) 5.2 inches (133 mm)