A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cocoa Beach vs. Acadia National Park for Families, Attractions, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cocoa Beach and Acadia National Park. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a adventurous, fun-filled, and relaxing beach town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a scenic, picturesque, and beautiful national park. With stunning beauty, Acadia National Park attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking. See Acadia National Park travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Acadia National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Acadia National Park are popular destinations, Cocoa Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cocoa Beach is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Acadia National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Cocoa Beach is famous for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. It is also well known for the Kennedy Space Center. Acadia National Park is famous for its scenic drives, beautiful fall foliage, and cross country skiing in the winter.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Acadia National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Acadia National Park and Cocoa Beach. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park?

Cocoa Beach
Acadia National Park

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cocoa Beach can be an interesting and educational experience. The town's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center is a big appeal for space enthusiasts. It's easy to take advantage of the great beaches and then spend a day exploring the space center. Also in town is the Florida Surf Museum.

Acadia National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are educational centers and Ranger Programs at the visitor centers in the park.


Is the Food Better in Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cocoa Beach
Acadia National Park

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Cocoa Beach has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this beach town. Head to Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier for some great restaurants. In addition to seafood options, you'll find steakhouses, bistros, and pizza shops.

Acadia National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There's one restaurant in the park, the Jordan Pond House Restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner between mid-May and October. Many visitors prefer to bring their own food and enjoy meals at one of the six picnic areas.

Is Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Acadia National Park

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Cocoa Beach. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Acadia National Park. The park is more about sunsets and stargazing than lively nightlife parties.

Is Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Acadia National Park

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.

Cocoa Beach has a few great resort options. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Acadia National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Acadia National Park

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cocoa Beach. There are long stretches of sand that are great for swimming, surfing, water sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The most popular area is around Cocoa Beach Pier. For family-friendly, head to James H. Nance Park which also has a playground. If you have a dog, Canova Beach Park is your best option.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Acadia National Park. There is one oceanside beach in the park, Sand Beach, as well as two lakefront beaches, Echo Lake Beach and Lake Wood. Many visitors enjoy swimming during the warmer months.

Is Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park Better for Hiking?

Cocoa Beach
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Acadia National Park. With 158 miles of hiking trails, this is a favorite activity for visitors to the park. There are diverse habitats that trails pass through including forests, estuaries, and coastal settings.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park?

Cocoa Beach
Acadia National Park

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for shopping.

Cocoa Beach has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Acadia National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are several park stores near visitor centers and campgrounds.


Is Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park More Beautiful?

Cocoa Beach
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Acadia National Park attracts visitors from all around. The dramatic ocean views and beautiful hiking trails make this a popular and scenic national park.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Acadia National Park

Cocoa Beach is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cocoa Beach is an amazing family-friendly beach town to visit. It's right by the Kennedy Space Center, which is a great excursion for kids and adults alike. There's also the Brevard Zoo, amazing beaches, and great parks where the kids can run around.

Acadia National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are campgrounds and games that kids will enjoy. There are also Ranger Programs and hiking trails that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Acadia National Park

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for couples. Also, Acadia National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cocoa Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

Acadia National Park is a nice destination for couples. The natural beauty and scenic trails make this a romantic destination for couples.


Is Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cocoa Beach
Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cocoa Beach is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Acadia National Park. There are campgrounds and hiking trails that attracts hikers and backpackers who enjoy the beautiful natural setting.

Cocoa Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there aren't any hostels in the area, there are some affordable hotels away from the beach.

Is Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cocoa Beach
Acadia National Park

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Cocoa Beach has some public transit options. You can hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley to access many sights in the area. It's a service provided by the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT).

Public transit is generally limited in Acadia National Park. The Island Explorer Shuttle Bus operates between late June and early October.

Is Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Acadia National Park

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Acadia National Park is lacking in good options for its walkability.

Cocoa Beach is a somewhat walkable beach town. For the most walkable areas stay near the town center. In general, you'll want to have a car to access most of what the area has to offer though.

Acadia National Park is generally not very walkable. There are countless hiking trails, but having a car allows more efficient access to everything that the park has to offer.


For even more information, also check out Is Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Acadia National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Acadia National Park or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cocoa Beach and Acadia National Park. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cocoa Beach than in Acadia National Park. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Acadia National Park.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Acadia National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cocoa Beach that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Acadia National Park 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 Cocoa Beach.


  • How many days in Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cocoa Beach 2-5 
    Acadia National Park 1-3

One day in Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Cocoa Beach. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the beautiful national park of Acadia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this national park has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park?

Cocoa Beach is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the beautiful destination of Acadia National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park?

Many people visit Cocoa Beach for five days. Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the beach town of Cocoa Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

The scenic national park of Acadia National Park offers . Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park?

The relaxing destination of Cocoa Beach offers nightlife and food. It's also a great beach destination, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Acadia National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Acadia National Park or Cocoa Beach?

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

  • Cocoa Beach Prices
    USA Prices
    Acadia National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cocoa Beach $176
    Acadia National Park $206

The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $176, while the average daily cost in Acadia National Park is $206. 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 Cocoa Beach and Acadia National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Acadia National Park $96
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Acadia National Park $192
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Acadia National Park

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park? 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 Cocoa Beach


Hotels in Acadia National Park


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: Cocoa Beach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    Acadia National Park $46

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach

Also for Cocoa Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Port Canaveral: $295

Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park?

Prices for flights to both Acadia National Park and Cocoa Beach 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
    Cocoa Beach $75
    Acadia National Park $78

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cocoa Beach

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

  • 3 Hour Indian River Queen Cruise with Dinner: $79
  • Village Food Tours Lunch & History Tour: $100

Typical Food Prices in Acadia National Park

For Acadia National Park, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    $32

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Acadia National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach

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

  • 1-Hour Virtual Reality Experience Skull & Books VR - Cocoa Beach: $45
  • LED Bio Comb Jelly Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Tour!: $75
  • 2 Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour of the Indian River Lagoon: $75
  • 2 Hour Tiki Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Cocoa Beach: $65
  • 2 Hr Dolphin & Manatee River Cruise . Melbourne, Cocoa Beach,Fl. : $30
  • 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida : $49
  • Bioluminescence Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Tour Near Orlando: $75
  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $70
  • Bioluminescence Night Craigcat Tours : $190
  • Bioluminescence Rafting Boat Tour Wildlife Refuge: $78
  • Bioluminescence Rafting Tour - Wildlife Refuge (Titusville): $60
  • Bioluminescence Rafting Tour Cocoa Beach: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $20
    Acadia National Park $11


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cocoa Beach Expensive? and Is Acadia National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park?

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 Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park in the Summer?

Both Acadia National Park and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Acadia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Acadia National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Acadia National Park. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cocoa Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Acadia National Park 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park in the Autumn?

Both Acadia National Park and Cocoa Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Acadia National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Acadia National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Acadia National Park averages at about 48°F (9°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Acadia National Park. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cocoa Beach 77°F (25°C) 
    Acadia National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Acadia National Park. The winter months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Acadia National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Acadia National Park in the winter. In January, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Acadia National Park. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 18°F (-8°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Acadia National Park. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C) 
    Acadia National Park 18°F (-8°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Acadia National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Acadia National Park. The beaches are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Acadia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Acadia National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Acadia National Park fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in April than Acadia National Park. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Acadia National Park receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cocoa Beach 73°F (23°C) 
    Acadia National Park 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Acadia National Park and Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Acadia National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 18°F (-8°C) 3 inches (77 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 20°F (-6°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 31°F (-1°C) 3.1 inches (80 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 54°F (12°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 64°F (18°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 67°F (20°C) 3.4 inches (85 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Oct 77°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 48°F (9°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Nov 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 37°F (3°C) 4.6 inches (116 mm)
Dec 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 4 inches (100 mm)