A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Canaveral vs. Monterey for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Monterey?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Monterey, 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. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Cape Canaveral travel costs.

Monterey

Monterey is a nature-oriented, laid back, and relaxing city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Monterey travel costs.

Cape Canaveral and Monterey: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Monterey?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Monterey. Although Cape Canaveral and Monterey are popular destinations, Monterey has more sights and attractions for tourists. Monterey is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping, while Cape Canaveral attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and resorts. Cape Canaveral is famous for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. Monterey is famous for its rugged coastline, diverse marine life, and excellent seafood. It is also well known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Monterey?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Canaveral is an amazing town to visit for its museums and history. Also, Monterey is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Monterey offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a not-to-be-missed destination in town. You can also visit the Monterey State Historic Park or the Monterey Museum of Art.

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

Monterey is a great city 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.

Monterey has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood and local produce are what make the food special. There are many great restaurants to you can choose from that will let you enjoy the classic seafood dishes like clam chowder or oysters, as well as fresh artichokes and local wine.

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 Monterey Better for Nightlife?

Monterey is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Monterey has something for everybody. There's a buzzing atmosphere at night with bars, breweries, and casual eateries all coming to life. Some of the best venues are found at the Old Fisherman's Wharf and along Alvarado Street.

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 Monterey Better for Resorts?

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

Cape Canaveral has a few great resort options. 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.

Monterey is not a resort destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Monterey Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Canaveral is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Monterey has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Scuba diving offers an unforgettable experience. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary gives you the unique experience of seeing sea lions, otters, kelp forests, crabs, and more.

Cape Canaveral is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Monterey Better for Beaches?

Both Cape Canaveral and Monterey have nice beaches worth visiting.

Cape Canaveral has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Monterey. The beaches highlight the laid by California vibe with sunbathers and beachgoers soaking up the atmosphere. There are both inlets and sandy beaches where you can see sea lions or explore the tidal pools.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Monterey?

Monterey is a great city 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 Monterey. You'll find both local vendors and tourist shops around town. Cannery Row is a popular destination, as is Old Fisherman's Wharf and the Old Farmer's Market.

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 Monterey Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral and Monterey are both world-class destinations for the whole family.

Cape Canaveral is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

Monterey is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Monterey Bay Aquarium is a highlight for kids and adults alike. There's also the Monterey Zoo as well as lighthearted activities like a mirror maze. MY Museum is an interactive museum that's perfect for younger kids. There are also whale watching trips and nearby beaches.

Is Cape Canaveral or Monterey Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral and Monterey 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.

Monterey is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many romantic inns in town as well as quaint restaurants and fun activities. There are also spas, wine bars, and plenty of shopping for couples to enjoy as well.

Is Cape Canaveral or Monterey Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Monterey is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Monterey. There's a hostel in town as well as fun activities that will appeal to backpackers.

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 Monterey Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Monterey 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 Monterey. There is a bus system through the area.

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 Monterey a more walkable city?

Monterey is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

Monterey is a very walkable destination. If you stay near the town center, it's very walkable and easy to get around on foot.

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 Monterey Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Monterey or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Monterey?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Monterey 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 Monterey.

One day in Cape Canaveral or Monterey?

The town of Cape Canaveral offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Monterey, you'll find nightlife and food. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Monterey?

Cape Canaveral is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cape Canaveral, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Monterey is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Monterey?

Cape Canaveral is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Monterey. 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 Monterey?

Cape Canaveral is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Monterey. 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Canaveral and Monterey, we can see that Cape Canaveral is more expensive. And not only is Monterey much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Monterey would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Monterey 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 Monterey.

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 Monterey Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Monterey?

Monterey has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and Monterey, 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 Monterey?

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 Monterey in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Monterey. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Monterey in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Monterey in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Monterey fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Cape Canaveral gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Monterey. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Monterey in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Monterey. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Monterey for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Monterey. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Canaveral in October average around 74°F (24°C), and Monterey averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Cape Canaveral receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in October than Monterey. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 0.6 inches (14 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Monterey in the Winter?

Both Monterey 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 Monterey because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cape Canaveral is generally a little warmer than Monterey. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 60°F (15°C), and Monterey fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives around the same amount of rain as Monterey. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Monterey in the Spring?

Both Monterey 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 beaches are the main draw to Monterey this time of year.

Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Monterey in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Monterey fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in April than Monterey. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Monterey receives 1.1 inches (29 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral.

Typical Weather for Monterey and Cape Canaveral