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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Chattanooga?

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 Chattanooga. 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a bustling, outdoorsy, and thriving city. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Chattanooga travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Chattanooga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Chattanooga?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Chattanooga are popular destinations, Cocoa Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cocoa Beach is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, and beaches, while Chattanooga attracts visitors for its hiking. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Chattanooga and is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. It is also well known for the Kennedy Space Center. Chattanooga is famous for it's hikes, railways, and nearby natural areas.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Chattanooga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Cocoa Beach offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Chattanooga is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a thriving city and there are a number of museums to explore. The Hunter Museum of American Art is great for art enthusiasts. There's also the Creative Discovery Museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, and the 6th Cavalry Museum, as well as several smaller museums that you can visit.

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

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Cocoa Beach is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chattanooga. There are a growing number of restaurants that range from local dives to fine dining. Fried food is common, but you'll also find Mexican and classic hamburgers. Popular dishes that are local to the area include catfish, southern barbecue, and hush puppies.

Is Cocoa Beach or Chattanooga Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cocoa Beach and Chattanooga.

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.

Chattanooga has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find plenty of bars and clubs around town. There are also a number of comedy and improv clubs that are fun to check out.

Is Cocoa Beach or Chattanooga Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its resorts. However, Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Chattanooga Better for Beaches?

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

Cocoa Beach is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Chattanooga is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Chattanooga Better for Hiking?

Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga. It's proximity to the mountains means that you don't have to go far to find good hiking. Within a half hour of town there are more than 50 trailheads. Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain are both hiking destinations. Several trails have swimming spots and many pass through nice forests or head to impressive viewpoints.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Chattanooga?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Cocoa Beach and Chattanooga.

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.

Chattanooga is a great destination for shopping. Head downtown for local shops or to the larger malls if you want mainstream stores. Many visitors enjoy antiquing while they're in town, but there are also farmer's markets and thrift stores.

Is Cocoa Beach or Chattanooga Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Cocoa Beach is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Chattanooga offers lots of family activities. Many people enjoy a visit to the Tennessee Aquarium, which has a touch tank and a butterfly exhibit, among other things. Near downtown, Coolidge Park is a great place for kids to get their energy out. There's also the popular Lookout Mountain Incline Railway as well as many hiking trails in the area.

Is Cocoa Beach or Chattanooga Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for couples. Also, Chattanooga is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Cocoa Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

Chattanooga is a nice destination for couples. Many couples enjoy staying at a local inn and then dining in a nice restaurant or visiting a winery. There's an eclectic art district to explore as well as horse drawn carriages and plenty of nearby hiking trails.

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

Chattanooga is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Chattanooga offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has a convenient and free electric shuttle service. It travels through the downtown and has stops at many points of interest such as the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium.

You'll find some public transit in Cocoa Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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).

Is Cocoa Beach or Chattanooga a more walkable city?

Chattanooga 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.

Chattanooga is a very walkable destination. The city has put a lot of effort into improving its walkability. In particular, the downtown is nice to explore on foot.

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 Chattanooga Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chattanooga or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Chattanooga?

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

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

One day in Cocoa Beach or Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the adventurous beach town of Cocoa Beach. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the thriving city of Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the adventurous destination of Cocoa Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the thriving destination of Chattanooga. 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 Chattanooga?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing beach town of Cocoa Beach. 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.

The thriving city of Chattanooga offers shopping and museums. 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 Chattanooga?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cocoa Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Chattanooga. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Chattanooga?

Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga?

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 Chattanooga in the Summer?

Both Chattanooga and Cocoa Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chattanooga for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Chattanooga in the summer. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Chattanooga. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Chattanooga in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Chattanooga. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chattanooga in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Chattanooga. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Chattanooga averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Chattanooga. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Chattanooga in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Chattanooga. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Chattanooga can be very cold during winter. In January, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Chattanooga. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Chattanooga fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in January than Chattanooga. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Chattanooga in the Spring?

Both Chattanooga and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months.

Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Chattanooga in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Chattanooga fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Chattanooga. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Chattanooga receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Chattanooga and Cocoa Beach