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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Kennebunkport?

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 Kennebunkport. 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.

Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a character-filled, charming, and quaint town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Kennebunkport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Kennebunkport travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Kennebunkport: 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
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Kennebunkport?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach than Kennebunkport, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cocoa Beach is better known for its museums and attractions and beaches, while Kennebunkport is more popular for its resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cocoa Beach is well known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Also, Cocoa Beach is famous for the Kennedy Space Center. Kennebunkport is well known for its historic and charming atmosphere, its wonderful local seafood, and its stunning coastline.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Kennebunkport?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach
Kennebunkport

Cocoa Beach is great for its historical sights. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Kennebunkport offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of local museums around town like the Brick Store Museum, the First Families Kennebunkport Museum, and the Seashore Trolley Museum.


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

Cocoa Beach
Kennebunkport

Both Cocoa Beach and Kennebunkport 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, Kennebunkport makes for a great culinary experience. Fine dining, seafood restaurants, and local cafes all make this a wonderful town for foodies. The town's famous for its lobster, but you can also try the scallops, crab, or oysters.

Is Cocoa Beach or Kennebunkport Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Kennebunkport

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

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.

Kennebunkport has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You can check out the happy hours that many of the bars in the waterfront area host regularly.

Is Cocoa Beach or Kennebunkport Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Kennebunkport to choose from. Luxury resorts and classic inns provide traditional and local accommodation options for visitors.

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.


Is Cocoa Beach or Kennebunkport Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Kennebunkport

Cocoa Beach is great for its beaches. However, Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport is not a beach destination. It's lined with rocky and sandy coastlines that are perfect for finding critters at low tide or searching for seashells. Mother's Beach is popular with families and Gooch's Beach is a popular place for walking. Middle Beach is a great spot for climbing over rocks.

Is Cocoa Beach or Kennebunkport Better for Hiking?

Cocoa Beach
Kennebunkport

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

Kennebunkport offers some nice hiking trails. There are waterfront walks and coastal trails. There are also trails that wander through forests or past marshland.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Kennebunkport?

Cocoa Beach
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. Head to Dock's Square for the best local shops with a charming atmosphere.

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 Kennebunkport More Beautiful?

Cocoa Beach
Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Kennebunkport offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's scenic coastline and dramatic lighthouses make this a beautiful area.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or Kennebunkport Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Kennebunkport

Cocoa Beach is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kennebunkport is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Kennebunkport is a very kid-friendly beach town. You can explore the rocks around Mother's Beach or take the kids out on a lobster boat. There's also a lot of history around Dock's Square and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants in town.

Is Cocoa Beach or Kennebunkport Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Kennebunkport

Cocoa Beach and Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beaches, romantic hotels, and charming local restaurants make this a perfect couple's destination.


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

Cocoa Beach
Kennebunkport

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport. During the summer months there's a Shoreline Trolley that connects towns.

Is Cocoa Beach or Kennebunkport a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Kennebunkport

Cocoa Beach and Kennebunkport 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.

Kennebunkport is somewhat walkable. It's downtown is compact and particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Kennebunkport or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Kennebunkport?

It's fun to spend time in either Cocoa Beach or Kennebunkport. 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 Kennebunkport.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Kennebunkport 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 Kennebunkport? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cocoa Beach 2-5 
    Kennebunkport 2-4

One day in Cocoa Beach or Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adventurous destination of Cocoa Beach. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Kennebunkport is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Kennebunkport?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cocoa Beach. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Kennebunkport might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Kennebunkport?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing destination of Cocoa Beach. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Because Kennebunkport is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Kennebunkport?

You'll find food and shopping around the beach town of Cocoa Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Since Kennebunkport is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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, Kennebunkport 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
    Kennebunkport Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cocoa Beach $176
    Kennebunkport $269

The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $176, while the average daily cost in Kennebunkport is $269. 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 Kennebunkport in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Kennebunkport $124
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Kennebunkport $248
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Kennebunkport

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Kennebunkport? 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 Kennebunkport


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 and Kennebunkport Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    Kennebunkport $49

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 Kennebunkport?

Prices for flights to both Kennebunkport 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
    Kennebunkport $115

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
    Kennebunkport $21

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 Kennebunkport

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

  • 90 Minutes Ghost Walking Tour in Kennebunkport: $35
  • From Boston: Kennebunkport Day Trip & Optional Trolley Tour: $125
  • Kennebunkport, Maine: Lunchtime Culinary Walking Tour: $150
  • 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour: $50
  • A Tasty Lunchtime Walking Tour: $160
  • Haunted Ghost Walking Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $20
    Kennebunkport $31


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


Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Kennebunkport?

Cocoa Beach has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kennebunkport. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Kennebunkport, 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 Kennebunkport?

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 Kennebunkport in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Kennebunkport. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kennebunkport for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cocoa Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 69°F (20°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Kennebunkport. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cocoa Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Kennebunkport 69°F (20°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Kennebunkport in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Kennebunkport. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Kennebunkport in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Kennebunkport. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 49°F (9°C).

Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Kennebunkport. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cocoa Beach 77°F (25°C) 
    Kennebunkport 49°F (9°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Kennebunkport in the Winter?

Both Kennebunkport and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Kennebunkport for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kennebunkport can be very cold during winter. Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Kennebunkport in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and Kennebunkport fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Kennebunkport. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C) 
    Kennebunkport 21°F (-6°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Kennebunkport in the Spring?

Both Kennebunkport and Cocoa Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Kennebunkport because of the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Kennebunkport. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Kennebunkport averages at about 43°F (6°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in April than Kennebunkport. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Kennebunkport receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cocoa Beach 73°F (23°C) 
    Kennebunkport 43°F (6°C)

Typical Weather for Kennebunkport and Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Kennebunkport
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 21°F (-6°C) 3.4 inches (86 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 24°F (-5°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 33°F (1°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 63°F (17°C) 3.1 inches (79 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 69°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 67°F (20°C) 2.6 inches (66 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 59°F (15°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Oct 77°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 49°F (9°C) 3.3 inches (84 mm)
Nov 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 39°F (4°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Dec 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 27°F (-3°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)