A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cocoa Beach vs. Niagara Falls for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls?

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 Niagara Falls. 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. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is a impressive, iconic, and breathtaking city. With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping. See Niagara Falls travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Niagara Falls: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Niagara Falls are both popular with visitors, Cocoa Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cocoa Beach is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, and beaches, while Niagara Falls is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Niagara Falls is more touristy than Cocoa Beach and is popular for the large volume of water that flows over it. Cocoa Beach is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. It is also home to the Kennedy Space Center.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Niagara Falls?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach is notable for its sights and museums. However, Niagara Falls is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Niagara Falls specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The Niagara Falls History Museum is one of the best museums in the area. There are also more touristy museums and attractions that you can visit as well. There's also a butterfly conservancy that is worth checking out.

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

Cocoa Beach is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Niagara Falls is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Cocoa Beach. 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.

Niagara Falls is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's an iconic Canadian destination so, of course, you should try all things Canadian while you're in town. Maple syrup, poutine, butter tart, and beavertail (fried dough) are all things that should be on your list. Also make sure you sample some of the local game meat.

Is Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cocoa Beach and Niagara Falls.

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.

Niagara Falls has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There's a decent concentration of clubs, pubs, and bars around town that keep things fun late into the evening.

Is Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its resorts. However, Niagara Falls 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.

Niagara Falls is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is notable for the beach. However, Niagara Falls 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.

Niagara Falls is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls Better for Hiking?

Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls. The nearby area is filled with hiking trails that let you escape into nature and enjoy impressive views.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Cocoa Beach and Niagara Falls.

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.

Niagara Falls is a great destination for shopping. You'll find touristy souvenir shops as well as outlets and malls nearby.

Is Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Niagara Falls attracts visitors from all around. It's an impressive sight and the Canadian side offers the best views. It's definitely something you should try and see at least once.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls Better for Families?

Both Cocoa Beach and Niagara Falls are amazing family-friendly destinations.

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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Niagara Falls is a very family-friendly destination. The views and setting are spectacular, and kids will love the boat tours or taking a ride on the Whirlpool Aero Car. There's also an indoor waterpark, a butterfly conservatory, and plenty of nature to explore.

Is Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach and Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The setting has long brought to mind romance, and to this day couples still honeymoon at this iconic destination. There are boat tours, nature trails, luxury hotels, and even wineries to explore.

Is Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Niagara Falls. There's a hostel or two where you can stay for cheap and meet other travelers.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cocoa Beach and Niagara Falls.

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 Niagara Falls, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system through town.

Is Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach and Niagara Falls are good 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.

Niagara Falls is somewhat walkable. Most of the attractions and close together by the falls, so it's relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Niagara Falls or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls?

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

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls 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 Niagara Falls.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the impressive city of Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the impressive destination of Niagara Falls. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Niagara Falls?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the adventurous 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.

The impressive city of Niagara Falls offers shopping and nightlife. 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 Niagara Falls?

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.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Niagara Falls. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Canada, and The Best Camping Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cocoa Beach and Niagara Falls, we can see that Cocoa Beach is more expensive. And not only is Niagara Falls much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Niagara Falls would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Niagara Falls 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 Cocoa Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cocoa Beach than you might in Niagara Falls.

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 Niagara Falls Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Niagara Falls, 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 Niagara Falls?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Niagara Falls. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Niagara Falls for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cocoa Beach is generally a little warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Niagara Falls. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls in the Autumn?

Both Niagara Falls and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Niagara Falls in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Niagara Falls in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 77°F (25°C) in October, and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls in the Winter?

Both Niagara Falls and Cocoa Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Niagara Falls for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Niagara Falls can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Niagara Falls. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cocoa Beach in January average around 63°F (17°C), and Niagara Falls averages at about -4°C (26°F).

Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in January than Niagara Falls. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Niagara Falls in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Niagara Falls. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Niagara Falls because of the natural beauty.

In April, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Niagara Falls. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 73°F (23°C), and Niagara Falls fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Niagara Falls. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Niagara Falls receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Typical Weather for Niagara Falls and Cocoa Beach