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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Nantucket?

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 Nantucket. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Nantucket

Nantucket is a serene, peaceful, and upscale island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Nantucket travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Nantucket: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Nantucket?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Cocoa Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cocoa Beach is more popular for its museums and attractions. Cocoa Beach is well known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.

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

Nantucket is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Nantucket, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cocoa Beach makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Cocoa Beach or Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

Nantucket has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

Is Cocoa Beach or Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket to choose from. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

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 Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach and Nantucket both offer high quality 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.

Nantucket is considered a top beach destination. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

Is Cocoa Beach or Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Nantucket is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Cocoa Beach does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Cocoa Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is Cocoa Beach or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Nantucket?

Nantucket 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Nantucket attracts visitors from all around. Natural beauty and charming character make this a picturesque destination.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or Nantucket Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-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.

Nantucket is a very kid-friendly beach town. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Is Cocoa Beach or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Nantucket is very popular for couples. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Nantucket is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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 Nantucket Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Cocoa Beach and Nantucket.

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).

You'll find some public transit in Nantucket, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

Is Cocoa Beach or Nantucket a more walkable city?

Nantucket is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

Cocoa Beach is somewhat walkable. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Nantucket?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantucket 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 Nantucket.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Nantucket?

You'll find shopping and museums around the beach town of Cocoa Beach. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantucket is a small town with plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the food. 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 Nantucket?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Cocoa Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Nantucket?

You'll find nightlife and food around the fun-filled beach town of Cocoa Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

Because Nantucket 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 Nantucket?

Cocoa Beach is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Since Nantucket 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 visit for the food. 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 Nantucket, we can see that Nantucket 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 Nantucket would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantucket 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 Nantucket Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Nantucket?

Nantucket has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Nantucket, 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 Nantucket?

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 Nantucket in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Nantucket. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nantucket in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cocoa Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Nantucket averages at about 68°F (20°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Nantucket. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Nantucket in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Nantucket. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Nantucket for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Nantucket. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 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 Nantucket in the Winter?

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

The weather in Nantucket can be very cold. Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Nantucket in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nantucket. In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Nantucket in the Spring?

Both Nantucket and Cocoa Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

In the spring, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Nantucket averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Nantucket gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in April than Nantucket. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Cocoa Beach