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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Columbus?

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 Columbus. 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Columbus

Columbus is a friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Columbus travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Columbus: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Columbus?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach than Columbus, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Columbus and is known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Also, Cocoa Beach is famous for the Kennedy Space Center. Columbus is well known for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Columbus?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Columbus is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Columbus offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cocoa Beach. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Columbus. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.

Is Cocoa Beach or Columbus Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cocoa Beach and Columbus.

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.

Columbus has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.

Is Cocoa Beach or Columbus Better for Resorts?

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

Columbus is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Columbus Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Columbus 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.

Columbus is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Columbus?

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

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.

Columbus is a great destination for shopping. In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.

Is Cocoa Beach or Columbus Better for Families?

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

Columbus is a very kid-friendly beach town. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a highlight for many families. Right by it is the Zoombezi Bay Waterpark. For hands-on science-based activities check out the Center of Science and Industry. Kids will also love the Legoland Discovery Center or the Anthony-Thomas Candy Factory. There are also many outdoor parks, greenways, and playgrounds to visit.

Is Cocoa Beach or Columbus Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for romance. However, Columbus is lacking in good options for its romantic activities.

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.

Most people don't think of Columbus as a couple's destination. You'll find restaurants and music venues that make for a nice date night. There are also wine tours and other entertainment options.

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

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Columbus 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 Columbus. While there's a bus system, you'll really want to have a vehicle to get around town efficiently.

Is Cocoa Beach or Columbus a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach and Columbus are notable 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.

Columbus is somewhat walkable. The older neighborhoods are the most walkable, but if you want to get around town, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbus or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Columbus?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cocoa Beach or Columbus to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cocoa Beach than Columbus because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbus.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Columbus. 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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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 Columbus?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the friendly city of Columbus. 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 Columbus?

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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Columbus. 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 Columbus?

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.

The friendly city of Columbus offers museums and nightlife. 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 Columbus?

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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting Columbus. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 comparing the travel costs between Cocoa Beach and Columbus, we can see that Columbus is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Columbus Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Columbus?

Columbus has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Columbus, 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 Columbus?

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 Columbus in the Summer?

Both Columbus and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbus for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Columbus. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cocoa Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Columbus averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Columbus. It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Columbus. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Columbus in the Autumn?

Both Columbus and Cocoa Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Columbus in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Columbus. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and Columbus fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Columbus. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Columbus in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Columbus. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Columbus for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Columbus can be very cold during winter. Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Columbus in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and Columbus fluctuates around 30°F (-1°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbus. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 2.2 inches (56 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Columbus in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Columbus. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Columbus. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Columbus averages at about 54°F (12°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in April than Columbus. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Columbus receives 3.2 inches (81 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Columbus and Cocoa Beach