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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Boone?

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 Boone. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Boone

Boone is a relaxing, quaint, and picturesque town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Boone attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and nightlife. See Boone travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Boone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Blue Ridge Parkway


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Boone?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boone. Although Cocoa Beach and Boone are popular destinations, Boone has more sights and attractions for tourists. Boone is very popular for its skiing, nightlife, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cocoa Beach attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, and beaches. Cocoa Beach is famous for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Boone is famous for its proximity to great hiking, skiing, and small town charm. It is also well known for the Blue Ridge Parkway.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Boone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cocoa Beach or Boone Better for Skiing?

Cocoa Beach
Boone

Boone is a very popular place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cocoa Beach is not a skiing destination.

Boone draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. It's a very popular ski destination in North Carolina. There are family-friendly slopes as well as more challenging options. Head to the popular Appalachian Ski Mountain, nearby Beech Mountain, or Sugar Mountain for some of the area's best skiing.

Cocoa Beach is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cocoa Beach or Boone?

Cocoa Beach
Boone

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for its historical sights. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Cocoa Beach specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Boone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people spend the majority of their time exploring the natural beauty, but there are also several small local museums such as the Banner House Museum.

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

Cocoa Beach
Boone

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Boone offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find farm to table restaurants, local cafes, and all of the standard chain restaurants nearby. Check for a High Country Grown certification if you want to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.

Is Cocoa Beach or Boone Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Boone

Boone is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Boone has a large number of nightlife venues. It's a small town, but there are local breweries and a great nightlife scene that is, in large part, influenced by the large student population.

Cocoa Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.


Is Cocoa Beach or Boone Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Boone

Cocoa Beach is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Boone 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.

Boone is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Boone Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Boone

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for the beach. However, Boone is not a beach destination.

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Boone is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Boone Better for Hiking?

Cocoa Beach
Boone

Boone 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 Boone. The area is filled with wonderful hikes, particularly around Grandfather Mountain and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The famed Appalachian Trail passes through the area as well. Many hikes take you through beautiful forests, passed dramatic waterfalls, and to breathtaking viewpoints.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Boone?

Cocoa Beach
Boone

Boone is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Boone. Wander along King Street for some of the town's best shopping. There are independent vendors and antique shops that are fun to pop into. The town is also known for its farmer's markets.

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for shopping. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Is Cocoa Beach or Boone More Beautiful?

Cocoa Beach
Boone

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

With stunning beauty, Boone attracts visitors from all around. The surrounding area is filled with great natural beauty and wonderful hikes.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or Boone Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Boone

Cocoa Beach is an amazing beach town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boone is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Cocoa Beach is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Boone is a very family-friendly place to visit. Near town you'll find kid-friendly hikes, such as Linville Falls. There are also several places where kids can go ziplining or rock climbing. Parks and outdoor activities are abundant and the whole family will enjoy the setting.


Is Cocoa Beach or Boone Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Boone

Cocoa Beach and Boone both high quality 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 Boone frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming town has a romantic setting with local restaurants, beautiful hikes, and plenty of shopping. Couples enjoy staying at bed and breakfasts and enjoying the quaint atmosphere.

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

Cocoa Beach
Boone

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Boone. While there aren't many hostels in the area, there are plenty of campgrounds. The nearby Appalachian State University also ensures that there are plenty of fun activities for young visitors.

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 Boone Better for Students?

Cocoa Beach
Boone

Boone is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

Boone is a very popular place to visit for students. This mountain town offers a great setting for students who enjoy hiking and skiing. Appalachian State University is a fun college with plenty of activities going on.

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.


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

Cocoa Beach
Boone

Cocoa Beach is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Boone is not known for its public transit.

While Cocoa Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 Boone. You really need a car to make the most of your time.

Is Cocoa Beach or Boone a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Boone

Boone is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Boone is a very walkable destination. Head to King Street for the best shopping and the most pedestrian-friendly part of town.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Boone or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Boone?

It's fun to spend time in either Cocoa Beach or Boone. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cocoa Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Boone.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boone than Cocoa Beach 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 Boone.


  • How many days in Cocoa Beach or Boone? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cocoa Beach 2-5 
    Boone 2-4

One day in Cocoa Beach or Boone?

In Cocoa Beach, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxing destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Boone is a small town with plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Boone?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cocoa Beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Boone might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town 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 Boone?

Cocoa Beach is a fun place to experience. In Cocoa Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Because Boone is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 Boone?

You'll find food and shopping around the fun-filled destination of Cocoa Beach. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Since Boone is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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, Boone 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
    Boone Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cocoa Beach $176
    Boone $211

The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $176, while the average daily cost in Boone is $211. 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 Boone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Boone $91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Boone $182
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Boone

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Boone? 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 Boone


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 and Boone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    Boone $33

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 Boone?

Prices for flights to both Boone 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
    Boone $91

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 Boone

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Boone:


  • Restaurant Lunch for 2
    $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Boone $53

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
    Boone $26


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


Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Boone?

Boone has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Boone, 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.