A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cocoa Beach vs. Anchorage for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Anchorage?

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 Anchorage. 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 fun-filled, relaxing, and adventurous beach town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a breathtaking, cultural, and artsy city. Anchorage is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums. See Anchorage travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Anchorage?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach than Anchorage, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cocoa Beach is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Anchorage is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Cocoa Beach is well known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Also, Cocoa Beach is famous for the Kennedy Space Center. Anchorage is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cocoa Beach. 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.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

Is the Food Better in Cocoa Beach or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cocoa Beach makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Cocoa Beach or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach is a beach town with good options for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Cocoa Beach or Anchorage Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a beach town with good options for its resorts. However, Anchorage is not a resort destination.

Cocoa Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Anchorage is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Anchorage Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Anchorage is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Cocoa Beach attract visitors from all over. 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.

Anchorage is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Anchorage is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Anchorage?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Cocoa Beach and Anchorage.

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.

Anchorage is a great destination for shopping. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Cocoa Beach or Anchorage More Beautiful?

Anchorage is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Anchorage is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city offers access to spectacular beauty. It's surrounded by awe-inspiring mountains, breathtaking glaciers, and vast wilderness.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or Anchorage Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Cocoa Beach is an extremely popular beach town to visit for families. 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.

Anchorage is a family-friendly beach town. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Cocoa Beach or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach and Anchorage both very good destinations for a couple.

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.

Couples visit Anchorage frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Is Cocoa Beach or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

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

Cocoa Beach is a beach town with good options for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Cocoa Beach has a few 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 quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Cocoa Beach or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach is a beach town with good options for its walkability. However, Anchorage is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

Cocoa Beach is somewhat walkable. 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.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable beach town. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Anchorage?

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

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Anchorage. 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 Anchorage. 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 Anchorage 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.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Anchorage?

You'll find shopping and museums around the beach town of Cocoa Beach. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the nature-oriented city of Anchorage. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Anchorage?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxing destination of Cocoa Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.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 shopping and museums when visiting the artsy destination of Anchorage. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This city 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 Anchorage?

You'll find nightlife and food around the fun-filled beach town of Cocoa Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

The outdoorsy city of Anchorage offers museums and food. 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 Anchorage?

Cocoa Beach is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Anchorage. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cocoa Beach and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage 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 Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage 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 Anchorage Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Anchorage?

Anchorage has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Anchorage, 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 Cocoa Beach or Anchorage?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Anchorage. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Anchorage because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cocoa Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C).

Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Anchorage. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Anchorage in the Autumn?

Both Anchorage and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

It's quite cold in Anchorage in the autumn. In October, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Cocoa Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in January than Anchorage. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Anchorage in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Anchorage. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the spring for the natural beauty.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the spring. In the spring, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Anchorage averages at about 36°F (2°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Cocoa Beach