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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Hood River?

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 Hood River. 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 relaxing, adventurous, and fun-filled beach town. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Hood River

Hood River is a agricultural, quaint, and scenic town. With stunning beauty, Hood River attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and hiking. See Hood River travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Hood River: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Hood River?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hood River. Although Cocoa Beach and Hood River are both popular with visitors, Hood River has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hood River is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cocoa Beach is known for its museums and attractions, resorts, and beaches. Cocoa Beach is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Hood River is popular for its waterfalls, wineries, and impressive mountains. It is also home to Multnomah Falls.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Hood River?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cocoa Beach or Hood River Better for Skiing?

Hood River is a good destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cocoa Beach is not a skiing destination.

Head to Hood River for some great skiing and other winter activities. During the winter months, Hood River makes a nice base for nearby skiing. Timberline and Cooper Spur and both less than an hour away and offer great skiing opportunities.

Cocoa Beach is not a skiing destination.

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

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hood River is lacking in good options 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.

Hood River offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of interesting museums in town such as the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automoblie Museum, the History Museum, and 301 Gallery.

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

Both Cocoa Beach and Hood River offer superb 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, Hood River makes for a great culinary experience. Head to the downtown or waterfront areas for the best selection of restaurants. Most restaurants pride themselves on using local ingredients and supporting local farms. Dishes use fresh and healthy ingredients that make simple but high quality meals.

Is Cocoa Beach or Hood River Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cocoa Beach and Hood River.

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.

Hood River has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are breweries, wineries, and local bars in the area that offer a laid back place where you can enjoy the local atmosphere.

Is Cocoa Beach or Hood River Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Hood River is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Cocoa Beach makes a nice vacation spot. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Hood River is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Hood River Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for the beach. However, Hood River 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.

Hood River is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Hood River Better for Hiking?

Hood River 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 Hood River. There's a diversity of landscapes in the area that include waterfalls, agriculture, vineyards, and high-reaching mountain peaks. The best way to experience these is through the many hiking trails. Drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway and stop off at the trails that lead to the waterfalls, or head south of town to explore the vineyards on foot, and to the north where you'll find mountain peaks.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Hood River?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Cocoa Beach and Hood River.

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.

Hood River is a great destination for shopping. Local shops sell local produce, artisan crafts, and wine. There are boutiques and independent vendors that are fun to visit and many visitors enjoy spending an afternoon shopping.

Is Cocoa Beach or Hood River More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Hood River attracts visitors from all around. There's a beautiful natural environment with wonderful hikes and local farms and wineries.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or Hood River Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hood River 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.

Hood River is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. There's swimming, tubing, hiking, and even windsurfing. Make sure you check out the Waterfront Park and Powerdale Substation.

Is Cocoa Beach or Hood River Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach and Hood River both superb 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 Hood River frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the scenic natural setting and charming hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area. There are romantic hikes, local wineries, and many great restaurants that you can try.

Is Cocoa Beach or Hood River Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hood River is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cocoa Beach is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Hood River. There are a couple of hostels and some nice campgrounds in the area as well as many great hikes and a laid back atmosphere that backpackers appreciate.

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 Hood River 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, Hood River 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 Hood River. There are buses in the area but you really need your own transportation to see the region efficiently.

Is Cocoa Beach or Hood River a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Hood River is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

Cocoa Beach is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Hood River is generally not very walkable. While there are parts of the town that are walkable, if you don't have a car you'll miss out on the surrounding natural landscapes and most of the hiking opportunities.

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

Should I spend more time in Hood River or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Hood River?

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

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Hood River. 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 Hood River. 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 Hood River 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 Hood River.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Hood River?

With museums and nightlife around the fun-filled beach town of Cocoa Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the skiing and nightlife when visiting the charming town of Hood River. 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 Hood River?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Cocoa Beach, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this beach town.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Hood River. 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 Hood River?

Cocoa Beach, a popular beach town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The charming town of Hood River offers food and shopping. 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 Hood River?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Hood River. 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 comparing the travel costs between Cocoa Beach and Hood River, we can see that Cocoa Beach 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 Hood River Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Hood River?

Cocoa Beach has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Hood River. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Hood River, 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 Hood River?

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 Hood River in the Summer?

Both Hood River 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 Hood River for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cocoa Beach is generally a little warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Hood River. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Hood River in the Autumn?

Both Hood River 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 Hood River in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Hood River in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 77°F (25°C) in October, and Hood River fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Hood River. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Hood River in the Winter?

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

Hood River can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Hood River. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cocoa Beach in January average around 63°F (17°C), and Hood River averages at about 40°F (4°C).

Hood River receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Hood River. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Hood River in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Hood River. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Hood River because of the natural beauty.

In April, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Hood River. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 73°F (23°C), and Hood River fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in April than Hood River. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Hood River receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Hood River and Cocoa Beach