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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Nashville?

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 Nashville. 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 nightlife, food, and beaches. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Nashville

Nashville is a country music lovers, eclectic, and southern city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and museums. See Nashville travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Nashville: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • 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
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Nashville?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nashville than Cocoa Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nashville is better known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Cocoa Beach is more popular for its museums and attractions, beaches, and shopping. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Nashville and is known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Nashville is well known for its influence in country music and its many live music venues. Also, Nashville is famous for The Grand Ole Opry.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Nashville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach
Nashville

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Nashville offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It is famous as the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It's also where you'll find the Country Music Hall of Fame and the unique Johnny Cash Museum.


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

Cocoa Beach
Nashville

Both Cocoa Beach and Nashville offer very good 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, Nashville makes for a great culinary experience. The city is known for some southern favorites including southern barbecue, mac and cheese, and biscuits and gravy.

Is Cocoa Beach or Nashville Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Nashville

Nashville is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Nashville has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is popular for it's music scene, particularly the country music scene. You can take in one of the free Honky Tonks or head to a rooftop bar. It's also a popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Cocoa Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

Is Cocoa Beach or Nashville Better for Music?

Cocoa Beach
Nashville

Nashville is very popular for its music scene. However, Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

Nashville has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for country music, blues, and rock and roll. Popular venues include The Basement, The 5 Spot, and The Cannery Complex.

Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.


Is Cocoa Beach or Nashville Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Nashville

There are notable resorts to choose from in both Cocoa Beach and Nashville.

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.

Nashville has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a couple of famous resorts in the area including the Gaylord Opryland Resort, the Hermitage Hotel, and the Omni Nashville Hotel.

Is Cocoa Beach or Nashville Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Nashville

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Nashville is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Cocoa Beach attract visitors from all over. 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.

Nashville is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Nashville?

Cocoa Beach
Nashville

Cocoa Beach is a beach town with good options for shopping. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cocoa Beach. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

If you're looking to go shopping, Nashville has some nice offerings. The town has a number of boutique shops as well as major department stores. You'll find all of the major American chains around town.


Is Cocoa Beach or Nashville Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Nashville

Cocoa Beach is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cocoa Beach is an extremely popular beach town to visit for families. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nashville. The city has a handful of kid-friendly activities like a science center and kid-friendly music venues.

Is Cocoa Beach or Nashville Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Nashville

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for romance. Also, Nashville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Nashville makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For music lovers, this is the ultimate couple's destination. There are also a number of romantic activities around town including horse drawn carriage rides through the downtown. To enjoy the beautiful weather, head to Centennial Park or take a hike in Forest Hills.

Is Cocoa Beach or Nashville Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cocoa Beach
Nashville

Nashville is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cocoa Beach is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nashville. There are one or two hostels around town and there's a great live music scene that attracts a young crowd.

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

Cocoa Beach
Nashville

Cocoa Beach is a beach town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Nashville 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 limited or non-existant in Nashville. Public transportation is very limited and you really need a car to explore the city in depth.

Is Cocoa Beach or Nashville a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Nashville

Cocoa Beach is a beach town with good options for its walkability. However, Nashville is lacking in good options for its high level of walkability.

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.

Nashville is not a walkable beach town. There aren't many parts of the city that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Nashville or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Nashville?

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

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


  • How many days in Cocoa Beach or Nashville? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cocoa Beach 2-5 
    Nashville 2-3

One day in Cocoa Beach or Nashville?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the southern city of Nashville. Most people visit for the live music. 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 Nashville?

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.

Visitors enjoy the live music and food when visiting the eclectic destination of Nashville. This city 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 Nashville?

You'll find nightlife and food around the adventurous 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.

The southern city of Nashville offers food and museums. 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 Nashville?

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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nashville. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the live music. 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, Nashville 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
    Nashville Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cocoa Beach $176
    Nashville $202

The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $176, while the average daily cost in Nashville is $202. 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 Nashville in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Nashville $99
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Nashville $198
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Nashville

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Nashville? 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 Nashville


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 Nashville Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    Nashville $21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nashville

Also for Nashville, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from John C Tune Airport-JWN: $150
  • One Way Airport Transfer Service: $60
  • Airport to Downtown Private Transfer: $70
  • Nashville Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to Nashville: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Nashville?

Prices for flights to both Nashville 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
    Nashville $72

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nashville

For Nashville, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • East Nashville Walking Food Tour with 5+ Tastings: $96
  • The Gulch Walking & Tasting Food Tour: $98
  • Secret Food Tour Nashville - 12South: $104
  • East Nashville Guided Walking Food Tour: $145
  • Dishing on Downtown: Nashville Food Tour: $145
  • Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Food Tour: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Nashville $27

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 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 Tour - Wildlife Refuge (Titusville): $60
  • Bioluminescence Rafting Tour Cocoa Beach: $82
  • Bioluminescent Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Sit-On-Top Kayak Hybrid Tour!: $100
  • Bioluminescent Kayak Tour by THE #1 Rated Company in Cocoa Beach: $79

Tours and Activities in Nashville

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

  • Franklin Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with Live Narration: $39
  • 3 Hour Back Country Can-Am Experience: $269
  • 4 Hour Back Country Can-Am Experience: $299
  • 4 Hour Can-Am Experience to Hampshire Wineries: $299
  • African American History Walking Tour [Franklin, TN] : $197
  • Bootleg & Barrels: A Tennessee Whiskey Tasting Experience: $38
  • Civil Rights Tour Of Nashville: $298
  • Civil War History Tour – The Battle of Franklin, Tennessee: $94
  • Discover Fully Narrated Half-Day City Tour: $95
  • From Memphis Tour with Graceland VIP Access: $329
  • Murder on Music Row Country Music True Crime Ghost Tour: $33
  • Nashville Downtown: Escape Room Adventure: $43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $20
    Nashville $15

Sample the Local Flavors in Nashville

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nashville:

  • Music City Pub Crawl: $25
  • Ghosts, Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • Drinkers & Thinkers Pub Crawl: $33
  • Seeking Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Live Music Bar Crawl with Local Artists: $35
  • Music History and Moonshine Pub Crawl: $35
  • Revelry Tours Nashville Bordellos, Burlesque, and Blood Tour: $35
  • Murder Mystery Interactive Party Game & Pub Crawl: $38
  • Nashville's Haunted Spirits Murder & True Crime Pub Crawl: $38
  • Hop-On Hop-Off Brewery Trolley Tour: $45
  • Nashville Bar Crawl: Guided Pub Crawl with Drinks Discounts: $48
  • Nashville's Speakeasy Secrets: True Crime Tasting Pub Crawl: $55


When comparing the travel costs between Cocoa Beach and Nashville, we can see that Nashville 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 Nashville Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Nashville?

Nashville has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Nashville, 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 Nashville?

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 Nashville in the Summer?

Both Nashville and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nashville because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Nashville. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cocoa Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Nashville averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Nashville. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.9 inches (99 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cocoa Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Nashville 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Nashville in the Autumn?

Both Nashville and Cocoa Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Nashville this time of year.

In October, Cocoa Beach is generally a little warmer than Nashville. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and Nashville fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Nashville. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 2.6 inches (67 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) 
    Nashville 62°F (17°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Nashville in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Nashville. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nashville for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nashville. Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Nashville in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and Nashville fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Nashville. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C) 
    Nashville 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Nashville in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Nashville. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Nashville in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Nashville. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Nashville averages at about 62°F (16°C).

It's quite rainy in Nashville. Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in April than Nashville. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Nashville receives 4.3 inches (110 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) 
    Nashville 62°F (16°C)

Typical Weather for Nashville and Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Nashville
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.4 inches (87 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 42°F (6°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 62°F (16°C) 4.3 inches (110 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 70°F (21°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 81°F (27°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 74°F (23°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Oct 77°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 62°F (17°C) 2.6 inches (67 mm)
Nov 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 52°F (11°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Dec 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 43°F (6°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)