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

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe, 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.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a charming, artsy, and cultural historic town. Santa Fe offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and live music. See Santa Fe travel costs.

Cape Canaveral and Santa Fe: 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
  • Popular for skiing
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Fe. Although Cape Canaveral and Santa Fe are popular destinations, Santa Fe has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Fe is very popular for its skiing, food, music, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cape Canaveral attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, resorts, and beaches. Cape Canaveral is more touristy than Santa Fe and is known for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. Santa Fe is famous for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. It is also well known for The Museum of New Mexico Complex.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Cape Canaveral
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a nice place to visit for skiing. However, Cape Canaveral is not a skiing destination.

Head to Santa Fe for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Cape Canaveral is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe?

Cape Canaveral
Santa Fe

Cape Canaveral is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town 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.

Santa Fe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

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

Cape Canaveral
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a great historic 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.

Santa Fe has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

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 Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
Santa Fe

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find reasonable options in both Cape Canaveral and Santa Fe.

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 Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.


Is Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Cape Canaveral
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Santa Fe active and fun. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Cape Canaveral is not a live music destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
Santa Fe

Cape Canaveral is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
Santa Fe

Cape Canaveral is very good for the beach. However, Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Cape Canaveral to enjoy the beach. 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.

Santa Fe is not a beach destination.


Is Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Cape Canaveral
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a great historic town for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Canaveral does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Santa Fe to see the historical old town. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Cape Canaveral does not have a historic old town.

Is Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

Cape Canaveral
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Santa Fe has hiking trails worth exploring. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe?

Cape Canaveral
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a great historic 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 Santa Fe. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

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 Santa Fe More Beautiful?

Cape Canaveral
Santa Fe

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

Santa Fe offers plenty of beauty for visitors. This cultural city has a unique beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.

Cape Canaveral is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
Santa Fe

Cape Canaveral is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its family-friendly activities.

Cape Canaveral is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
Santa Fe

Cape Canaveral is a great town for couples. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for romance.

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.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.


Is Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Cape Canaveral
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Santa Fe. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.

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

Cape Canaveral
Santa Fe

Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

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 Santa Fe a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a great historic town for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

Santa Fe is a very walkable destination. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area 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 Santa Fe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Fe or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe?

In either Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe.


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

One day in Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe?

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 Santa Fe, you'll find skiing and live music. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe?

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.

Santa Fe is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Santa Fe?

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 Santa Fe. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Santa Fe?

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 historic town of Santa Fe. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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, Santa Fe 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
    Santa Fe Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cape Canaveral $251
    Santa Fe $190

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Canaveral is $251, while the average daily cost in Santa Fe is $190. 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 Santa Fe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    Santa Fe $81
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    Santa Fe $162
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Santa Fe

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe? 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 Santa Fe


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: Santa Fe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    Santa Fe $61

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Windermere: $295
  • Arrival Private Transfer Port Canaveral to Orlando by Bus or Limo: $292
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Ocoee: $279
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Lake Mary: $279
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Celebration: $270
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Altamonte Springs: $269
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Vistana Centre Drive: $262
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to International Drive: $262
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Sand Lake: $262
  • 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: $254

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santa Fe

Also for Santa Fe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • New Mexico: Private Transfer from Santa Fe Regional Airport: $196

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe?

Prices for flights to both Santa Fe 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
    Santa Fe $75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Canaveral

For Cape Canaveral, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Port Canaveral Food Tours : $125

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santa Fe

For Santa Fe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • New Mexican Flavors Food Tour of the Santa Fe Plaza: $187
  • Wander New Mexico Food Tour - Downtown Plaza 'Sip & Savor': $209
  • Santa Fe Farmers Market & Railyard Food Tour: $213
  • Savor Wine Pairing Dinner: $234
  • Downtown Plaza "Sip and Savor" Half-day Food Tour: $239

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $17
    Santa Fe $17

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 Cruise Ship to Brightline Orlando Train Station : $171
  • Port Canaveral: Airboat Wildlife Tour with Gator Encounter: $97

Tours and Activities in Santa Fe

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santa Fe.

  • 2 Hour Pottery Experience (Wheel or Hand-Building): $160
  • Allan Houser Sculpture Garden and Studio Tour: $35
  • Downtown Santa Fe Walking Wine, History, & Tapas Tour: $249
  • Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Santa Fe NM: $15
  • Plaza Sip, Savor, & History Walking Tour in Santa Fe: $189
  • Private 2.5h Walking Tour to Discover Santa Fe: $185
  • Private Festive Tour of Santa Fe’s Christmas Highlights: $349
  • Private Walking Tour of Santa Fe’s Historic Sites: $866
  • Railyard Sip, Savor, & History Walking Tour in Santa Fe: $159
  • Santa Fe Architectural Walking Tour: $136
  • Santa Fe Art and History Small Group Bike Tour: $135
  • Santa Fe Botanical Garden General Admission Ticket : $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    Santa Fe $9.68

Sample the Local Flavors in Santa Fe

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Santa Fe:

  • Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery Tour and Tasting: $18
  • Architectural Walking Tour & Wine Tasting: $135
  • Join in Wine Tours: $145


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

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 Santa Fe Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and Santa Fe, 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.