A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cocoa Beach vs. Death Valley National Park for Families, Backpackers, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Death Valley National Park?

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 Death Valley National Park. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is a striking, vast, and dramatic national park. Death Valley National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking. See Death Valley National Park travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Death Valley National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Death Valley National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Death Valley National Park are popular destinations, Cocoa Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cocoa Beach is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Death Valley National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. 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. Death Valley National Park is famous for being the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the U.S.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Death Valley National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park?

Cocoa Beach
Death Valley National Park

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Death Valley National Park specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are ghost towns and visitor centers with informational exhibits, but visitors spend most of their time exploring the outdoor environment.


Is the Food Better in Cocoa Beach or Death Valley National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cocoa Beach
Death Valley National Park

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

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.

Death Valley National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are restaurants at Furnace Creek, Stovepipe Wells, and Panamint Springs, but most visitors prefer to bring their own food so that they can enjoy picnicking in a beautiful setting.

Is Cocoa Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Death Valley National Park

Cocoa Beach is very good for its evening party scene. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for nightlife.

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.

Death Valley National Park doesn't offer many options. Beyond stargazing and relaxing around a campfire, there is no real nightlife in the area.

Is Cocoa Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Death Valley National Park

Cocoa Beach is very good for its resorts. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its luxury resorts.

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.

Death Valley National Park has a few resort options worth checking out. There are historical inns and lodges in and around the park. The privately owned Inn at Death Valley is a popular option in Furnace Creek. If you stay outside the park, you can expect long drives to get most places.


Is Cocoa Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Death Valley National Park

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for the beach. However, Death Valley National Park 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Hiking?

Cocoa Beach
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park. Hikes will take you past desert landscapes, through canyons, and along sand dunes. The views are spectacular and the setting is other-worldly. Hiking is best between the months of November and March, as temperatures can be high other times of the year, particularly during the summer months.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Death Valley National Park?

Cocoa Beach
Death Valley National Park

Cocoa Beach is very good for its shopping areas. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for shopping.

Many visitors go to Cocoa Beach to go shopping. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Shopping in Death Valley National Park can be found for those interested. There are a couple of general stores where you can pick up items that you may need.


Is Cocoa Beach or Death Valley National Park More Beautiful?

Cocoa Beach
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Death Valley National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The striking desert setting offers stunning beauty and breathtaking viewpoints. The park is at its most beautiful when the sun is low during sunrise and sunset.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Death Valley National Park

Cocoa Beach is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Death Valley National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its kid-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.

Death Valley National Park is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love hiking and exploring the vast desert. There are also ghost towns and abandoned mines that will fascinate kids and adults alike. Junior programs, operated by the National Park Service, also offer interesting and educational programming for kids.

Is Cocoa Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Death Valley National Park

Cocoa Beach and Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The stunning desert landscape will take your breathe away, particularly during sunrise and sunset, when the colors are dramatic and striking. In the evening, the sky fills with stars and couples can enjoy a bit of stargazing.


Is Cocoa Beach or Death Valley National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cocoa Beach
Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cocoa Beach is lacking in good options for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Death Valley National Park, as it is a very popular national park for budget travelers. Backpackers will enjoy hiking and camping in a unique desert environment. There are several campgrounds in the area that range from primitive to developed.

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 Death Valley National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cocoa Beach
Death Valley National Park

Cocoa Beach is very good for its public transit. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park 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 Death Valley National Park. There is no public transportation within the park.

Is Cocoa Beach or Death Valley National Park a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Death Valley National Park

Cocoa Beach is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Death Valley National Park is not a good national park for its 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.

Death Valley National Park is not a very walkable beach town. This is a huge national park that requires a car to get around.


For even more information, also check out Is Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Death Valley National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Death Valley National Park or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Death Valley National Park?

It's fun to spend time in either Cocoa Beach or Death Valley National Park. 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 Death Valley National Park.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Death Valley National Park. 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 Death Valley National Park. 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 Death Valley National Park 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 Death Valley National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cocoa Beach 2-5 
    Death Valley National Park 2-4

One day in Cocoa Beach or Death Valley National Park?

In Cocoa Beach, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this relaxing destination offers. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the striking national park of Death Valley National Park. 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 Death Valley National Park?

In Cocoa Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many people spend a weekend here. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the striking destination of Death Valley National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park 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 Death Valley National Park?

In Cocoa Beach, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this relaxing destination offers. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days.Five days is often enough time to do most activities. This beach town offers something for everyone.

The dramatic national park of Death Valley National Park offers . 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 Death Valley National Park?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beach town of Cocoa Beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Death Valley National Park. 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, Death Valley National Park 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
    Death Valley National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cocoa Beach $176
    Death Valley National Park $101

The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $176, while the average daily cost in Death Valley National Park is $101. 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 Death Valley National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Death Valley National Park $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Death Valley National Park $74
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Death Valley National Park

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Death Valley National Park? 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 Death Valley National Park


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
    Death Valley National Park $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Death Valley National Park?

Prices for flights to both Death Valley National Park 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
    Death Valley National Park $35

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:

  • Village Food Tours Lunch & History Tour: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Death Valley National Park $36

Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach

For Cocoa Beach, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Palm Bay by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • 2 Hr Dolphin & Manatee River Cruise . Melbourne, Cocoa Beach,Fl. : $30
  • Brevard County Tours, dolphin and manatee tours in Palm Bay, FL: $40
  • 1-Hour Virtual Reality Experience Skull & Books VR - Cocoa Beach: $45
  • Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tour: $48
  • Cocoa Beach Sunset Tour: $48
  • Sunset Cruise: $48
  • Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tour: $48
  • Dolphin Eco Cruise Nature Adventure in Cocoa Beach: $49
  • 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida : $49
  • Guided Kayak Tour with Manatee & Dolphin Sightings: $50
  • Manatee and Dolphin Kayak Tour: $50

Tours and Activities in Death Valley National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Death Valley National Park are as follows:

  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Death Valley National Park: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $20
    Death Valley National Park $8.57


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cocoa Beach and Death Valley National Park, we can see that Cocoa Beach is more expensive. And not only is Death Valley National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Death Valley National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Death Valley National Park 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 Cocoa Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cocoa Beach than you might in Death Valley National Park.

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 Death Valley National Park Expensive?.