A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cocoa Beach vs. Martha's Vineyard for Resorts, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard. 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. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Martha's Vineyard

Martha's Vineyard is a coastal, peaceful, and affluent island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Martha's Vineyard travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Martha's Vineyard: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Martha's Vineyard?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Martha's Vineyard. Although Cocoa Beach and Martha's Vineyard are popular destinations, Martha's Vineyard has more sights and attractions for tourists. Martha's Vineyard is very popular for its resorts, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cocoa Beach attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and nightlife. Cocoa Beach is famous for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Martha's Vineyard is famous for its natural beauty, charming New England towns, and upscale local shopping. It is also well known for the Aquinnah Cliffs.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Martha's Vineyard?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for its historical sights. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cocoa Beach. 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.

Martha's Vineyard offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of local museums in the area as well as the Martha's Vineyard Museum.

Is the Food Better in Cocoa Beach or Martha's Vineyard? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Cocoa Beach and Martha's Vineyard offer excellent 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, Martha's Vineyard makes for a great culinary experience. The region prioritizes sustainable agriculture and there are many local eateries that range from upscale to more casual. You'll find the greatest number of options during the peak summer months, but regardless of when you visit, you're sure to eat well.

Is Cocoa Beach or Martha's Vineyard Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Cocoa Beach has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

Most people don't head to Martha's Vineyard specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There's more of a laid back vibe, but the best towns in the evening are Edgartown and Oak Bluffs.

Is Cocoa Beach or Martha's Vineyard Better for Resorts?

Martha's Vineyard is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Martha's Vineyard for its luxury resorts. There are beautiful and luxurious resorts that attract celebrities and socialites. Many have pools and serene outdoor spaces that you can enjoy.

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 Martha's Vineyard Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach and Martha's Vineyard both offer excellent beaches.

Many people visit Cocoa Beach for it's beautiful 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.

Martha's Vineyard is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are scenic and peaceful. Head to northern side of the island for shallow water, or south for more surf. While there are some public beaches that are open to everyone, there are also beaches that require a parking or town beach permit to visit.

Is Cocoa Beach or Martha's Vineyard Better for Hiking?

Martha's Vineyard is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Martha's Vineyard offers some nice hiking trails. There are miles of trails around the island that pass through fields or along the coastline. The island is mostly flat, so the hikes are relatively easy for all skill levels.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Martha's Vineyard?

Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard. There are no malls, so you'll enjoy shopping at local stores that sell a mix of locally made items and name brand. There are many art galleries as well as craft festivals during the summer months.

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 Martha's Vineyard More Beautiful?

Martha's Vineyard is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Martha's Vineyard attracts visitors from all around. The rugged coastline and rolling hills give this area a natural beauty.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or Martha's Vineyard Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is an amazing beach town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Martha's Vineyard is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cocoa Beach is very family-friendly. 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.

Martha's Vineyard is a family-friendly place to visit. You can visit local farms or go to a local baseball game. There's also cafes, ice cream shops, and donut shops that kids will enjoy.

Is Cocoa Beach or Martha's Vineyard Better for Couples?

Martha's Vineyard is very popular for couples. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Martha's Vineyard is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's filled with charming bed and breakfasts and plenty of New England charm. Couples will enjoy the quaint restaurants and mix of history, small town charm, and outdoor adventure.

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.

Is Cocoa Beach or Martha's Vineyard Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Martha's Vineyard is not known 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 Martha's Vineyard. Access to the island is limited to boat and air. There's a bus service that connects the towns.

Is Cocoa Beach or Martha's Vineyard a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach and Martha's Vineyard are nice 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.

Martha's Vineyard is somewhat walkable. Many of the towns have walkable downtown areas, but traveling between towns and into the countryside requires a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Martha's Vineyard Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Martha's Vineyard or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Martha's Vineyard?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cocoa Beach and Martha's Vineyard. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cocoa Beach than in Martha's Vineyard. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Martha's Vineyard.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Martha's Vineyard. 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 Martha's Vineyard than Cocoa Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Martha's Vineyard that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Cocoa Beach, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

Martha's Vineyard is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Martha's Vineyard?

With museums and nightlife around the relaxing beach town of Cocoa Beach, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Martha's Vineyard might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island 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 Martha's Vineyard?

With nightlife and food around the adventurous destination of Cocoa Beach, there's plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

Because Martha's Vineyard 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 Martha's Vineyard?

Cocoa Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Since Martha's Vineyard 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.

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

When is the best time to visit Cocoa Beach or Martha's Vineyard?

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 Martha's Vineyard in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Martha's Vineyard. The summer months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Martha's Vineyard this time of year.

Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the summer. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Martha's Vineyard. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Martha's Vineyard in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Martha's Vineyard. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Martha's Vineyard for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Martha's Vineyard averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Martha's Vineyard. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Martha's Vineyard in the Winter?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Martha's Vineyard in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Martha's Vineyard can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Martha's Vineyard. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 28°F (-2°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Martha's Vineyard. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Martha's Vineyard in the Spring?

Both Martha's Vineyard and Cocoa Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Martha's Vineyard for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Martha's Vineyard in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Martha's Vineyard fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in April than Martha's Vineyard. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Martha's Vineyard receives 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Typical Weather for Martha's Vineyard and Cocoa Beach