A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Canaveral vs. Martha's Vineyard for Attractions, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard, 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 iconic, fascinating, and wonder-filled town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches. See Cape Canaveral travel costs.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a coastal, peaceful, and affluent island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Cape Canaveral and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard. Although Cape Canaveral and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations, Martha's Vineyard has more sights and attractions for tourists. Martha's Vineyard is very popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cape Canaveral attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Cape Canaveral is famous for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. Martha's Vineyard is famous for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. It is also well known for the Aquinnah Cliffs.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Canaveral
Martha's Vineyard

Cape Canaveral is an amazing town to visit for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Cape Canaveral has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.


Is the Food Better in Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Canaveral
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a great island 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.

Martha's Vineyard has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
Martha's Vineyard

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find reasonable options in both Cape Canaveral and Martha's Vineyard.

Cape Canaveral doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Martha's Vineyard offers an unforgettable resort vacation. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

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.


Is Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a great island for the beach. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Martha's Vineyard. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cape Canaveral. 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.

Is Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Cape Canaveral
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard has hiking trails worth exploring. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard?

Cape Canaveral
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a great island 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 Martha's Vineyard. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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 Martha's Vineyard More Beautiful?

Cape Canaveral
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a great island for its scenery and beauty. However, Cape Canaveral is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors from all around. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.

Cape Canaveral is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
Martha's Vineyard

Cape Canaveral is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Martha's Vineyard has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

Cape Canaveral is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.


Is Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cape Canaveral
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Public transit is limited or non-existant 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.

Is Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

Martha's Vineyard is a somewhat walkable island. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

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 Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Canaveral and Martha's Vineyard. In our opinion, Martha's Vineyard has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Martha's Vineyard than Cape Canaveral. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard.


  • How many days in Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Canaveral 1-3 
    Martha's Vineyard 1-3

One day in Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard?

With food and shopping around the destination of Cape Canaveral, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Martha's Vineyard might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Most people come for the beaches. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.


A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard?

With shopping and museums around the iconic town of Cape Canaveral, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Martha's Vineyard is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the wonder-filled destination of Cape Canaveral. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Martha's Vineyard. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard?

Cape Canaveral is a popular choice for travelers. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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, Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cape Canaveral $251
    Martha's Vineyard $285

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Canaveral is $251, while the average daily cost in Martha's Vineyard is $285. 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 Martha's Vineyard in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    Martha's Vineyard $132
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    Martha's Vineyard $264
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Martha's Vineyard

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard? 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 Marthas Vineyard


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: Martha's Vineyard Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    Martha's Vineyard $83

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer Port Canaveral to Orlando by Bus or Limo: $292
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Altamonte Springs: $269
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Vistana Centre Drive: $261
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to SeaWorld: $261
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to New Smyrna Beach: $261
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Pointe Orlando: $252
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Melbourne: $236
  • Private SUV Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO : $215
  • Private SUV Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Theme Parks: $210
  • MCO Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral Round Trip Private Transfer: $170
  • Private Transfer: Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO in Luxury SUV: $167
  • Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO and Hotels Private Transfer: $155

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard?

Prices for flights to both Martha's Vineyard 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
    Martha's Vineyard $104

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $17
    Martha's Vineyard $30

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 Martha's Vineyard

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Martha's Vineyard.

  • Best of Martha's Vineyard 3 hour Full-Island Tour: $65
  • 4 hours Hop-on Hop-off Jawsome Jaws Tour: $120
  • All Island Bus Tour: $75
  • All New Shared Jaws tour Budget Friendly: $130
  • Best 3-Hour Martha's Vineyard shared Island Tour from Oak Bluffs: $65
  • Discovering Oak Bluffs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $12
  • Down Island Tour with One Hour in Edgartown: $65
  • Edgartown Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided (GPS) Audio Walking Tour: $9.75
  • Martha Vineyard Bus Tour: $60
  • Martha's Vineyard: All Island Tour: $70
  • Martha’s Vineyard Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour: $15
  • Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard Audio Tour: $13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    Martha's Vineyard $22


When comparing the travel costs between Cape Canaveral and Martha's Vineyard, we can see that Martha's Vineyard is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Martha's Vineyard Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Canaveral 80°F (27°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 73°F (23°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Cape Canaveral during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Canaveral in October average around 74°F (24°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in October than Martha's Vineyard. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Canaveral 74°F (24°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Martha's Vineyard. 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 Martha's Vineyard because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Martha's Vineyard can be very cold. In January, Cape Canaveral is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 60°F (15°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Canaveral 60°F (15°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 28°F (-2°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Martha's Vineyard. The spring months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the beaches. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in April than Martha's Vineyard. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Canaveral 70°F (21°C) 
    Martha's Vineyard 48°F (9°C)

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral Martha's Vineyard
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 28°F (-2°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 30°F (-1°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Mar 65°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (101 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.7 inches (94 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 58°F (15°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 72°F (22°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Oct 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)
Dec 62°F (16°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 33°F (0°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)