A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cocoa Beach vs. Cape Cod for Families, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod?

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 Cape Cod. 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 food, beaches, and shopping. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a wealthy, maritime, and beautiful beach destination. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Cape Cod attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Cape Cod travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Cape Cod are popular destinations, Cocoa Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cocoa Beach is very popular for its museums and attractions and nightlife, while Cape Cod attracts visitors for its hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. 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. Cape Cod is famous for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach
Cape Cod

Cocoa Beach is great for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cocoa Beach
Cape Cod

Both Cocoa Beach and Cape Cod offer excellent 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cape Cod makes for a great culinary experience. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

Is Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Cape Cod

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Cocoa Beach has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Cape Cod

There are nice resorts to choose from in both Cocoa Beach and Cape Cod.

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.

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.


Is Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Cape Cod

Cocoa Beach and Cape Cod both offer excellent beaches.

Many people visit Cocoa Beach for it's beautiful 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.

Cape Cod is considered a top beach destination. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Is Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Cocoa Beach
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Cape Cod offers some nice hiking trails. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod?

Cocoa Beach
Cape Cod

Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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 Cape Cod More Beautiful?

Cocoa Beach
Cape Cod

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

With stunning beauty, Cape Cod attracts visitors from all around. Beautiful beaches, quaint towns, and picturesque scenery make this area truly unique.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Cape Cod

Cocoa Beach is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach destination for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cocoa Beach is very family-friendly. 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.

Cape Cod is a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Cape Cod

Cocoa Beach and Cape Cod both excellent 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 Cape Cod frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.


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

Cocoa Beach
Cape Cod

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination 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 Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

Is Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Cape Cod

Cocoa Beach and Cape Cod are nice when it comes to 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.

Cape Cod is somewhat walkable. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod?

Both Cocoa Beach and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Cocoa Beach. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Cape Cod. 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 Cape Cod. 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 Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cocoa Beach 2-5 
    Cape Cod 5-7

One day in Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod?

The beach town of Cocoa Beach offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Cape Cod?

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

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach destination offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod?

Cocoa Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cocoa Beach, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Even though Cape Cod is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod?

Cocoa Beach is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This beach town offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach destination.


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, Cape Cod 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
    Cape Cod Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cocoa Beach $176
    Cape Cod $227

The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $176, while the average daily cost in Cape Cod is $227. 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 Cape Cod in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Cape Cod $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Cape Cod $184
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Cape Cod

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod? 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 Cape Cod


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
    Cape Cod $50

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 Cape Cod?

Prices for flights to both Cape Cod 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
    Cape Cod $103

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Cape Cod $27

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

Tours and Activities in Cape Cod

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Cod.

  • National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike: $75
  • Provincetown West End History Tour : $38
  • The Pilgrim Monument Tour- From Harbor to Heights: $52
  • The Tides of Terror A Provincetown Hidden Horrors Tour: $68
  • Cape Cod & Provincetown Self-Guided Driving & Walking Audio Tour: $22
  • Cape Cod Explorer Tour: $80
  • Chatham Bites and Sights Walking Guided Food Tasting Tour: $98
  • Highland House and Cape Cod Lighthouse Tour: $58
  • Kayak The Creek Nature Tour: $80
  • Local Legends and Lobster Roll Tour: $92
  • Lucinda Liphol Provincetown Cemetery Tour: $30
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $20
    Cape Cod $19


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



When is the best time to visit Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod?

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 Cape Cod in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Cape Cod. The summer months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cape Cod this time of year.

Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Cape Cod in the summer. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Cape Cod. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cocoa Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Cape Cod 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Cape Cod. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cape Cod for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Cape Cod. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 53°F (12°C).

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cape Cod. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 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) 
    Cape Cod 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod in the Winter?

Both Cape Cod and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cape Cod in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Cape Cod can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Cod. In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C) 
    Cape Cod 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Cape Cod in the Spring?

Both Cape Cod and Cocoa Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the spring for the beaches. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cape Cod for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Cape Cod in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in April than Cape Cod. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 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) 
    Cape Cod 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Cape Cod
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 77°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)