A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cocoa Beach vs. Portland, Maine for Families, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Portland, Maine?

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 Portland, Maine. 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. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Portland, Maine

Portland, Maine is a scenic, picturesque, and seaside coastal town. With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking. See Portland, Maine travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Portland, Maine: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Portland, Maine?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Portland, Maine are popular destinations, Cocoa Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cocoa Beach is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, and resorts, while Portland, Maine attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Portland, Maine and is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. It is also well known for the Kennedy Space Center. Portland, Maine is famous for its seafood restaurants, scenic lighthouse, and coastal walks.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Portland, Maine?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine?

Cocoa Beach is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Portland, Maine does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cocoa Beach or Portland, Maine? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cocoa Beach is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Cocoa Beach is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Portland, Maine. The town has grown into a foodie destination that takes advantage of its waterfront setting. Many restaurants make use of the fresh seafood with lobster rolls and oysters on the half shell being popular. You'll also find a lot of dishes that use haddock and whole lobsters.

Is Cocoa Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Nightlife?

The nice nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cocoa Beach and Portland, Maine.

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.

Portland, Maine has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has many microbreweries, wine bars, taverns, and pubs. You'll find many places concentrated in the Old Port, which has a charming and fun atmosphere.

Is Cocoa Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its resorts. However, Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

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.

Portland, Maine is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach and Portland, Maine both offer superb 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.

Portland, Maine is considered a top beach destination. It has many sandy and calm beaches. The water may be too cold to swim, but the beaches are perfect for flying a kite or hanging out with family.

Is Cocoa Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Hiking?

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

Portland, Maine offers some nice hiking trails. In addition to bike trails, there are several good hikes in the area.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Portland, Maine?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Cocoa Beach and Portland, Maine.

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.

Portland, Maine is a great destination for shopping. The town has many nice local boutiques to explore. Head downtown for the best local venues and the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Is Cocoa Beach or Portland, Maine More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Portland, Maine attracts visitors from all around. Set against the water's edge, the town offers many beautiful scenes and picturesque settings.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is an amazing beach town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Portland, Maine offers lots of family activities. It is a charming town with a number of kid-friendly museums, walks, and waterfront activities. You can visit the Portland Observatory, Bug Light Park, or grab ice cream in the Old Port. There are also children's museums such as the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Is Cocoa Beach or Portland, Maine Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is well known for couples. Also, Portland, Maine is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Portland, Maine is a nice destination for couples. Couples will enjoy the beautiful waterfront setting, the fine dining restaurants, and everything that the city has to offer. Head to the Old Port for romantic restaurants and a great atmosphere or catch a show at Portland Stage.

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

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its public transit. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Cocoa Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 quite limited in Portland, Maine. There is a very basic bus system but you really must have a car to explore the city.

Is Cocoa Beach or Portland, Maine a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Portland, Maine is not particularly known for its 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.

Portland, Maine is generally not a very walkable beach town. Downtown is very walkable but if you want to travel to other areas you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland, Maine or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Portland, Maine?

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

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Portland, Maine. 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 Portland, Maine. 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 Cocoa Beach than Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine?

The relaxing destination of Cocoa Beach offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid-back coastal town of Portland, Maine. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Portland, Maine?

The beach town of Cocoa Beach offers food and shopping. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the scenic destination of Portland, Maine. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal 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 Portland, Maine?

Cocoa Beach is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This beach town offers something for everyone. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

The laid-back coastal town of Portland, Maine offers shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Portland, Maine?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cocoa Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Portland, Maine. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Portland, Maine, we can see that Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland, Maine 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 Portland, Maine Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Portland, Maine?

Portland, Maine has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Portland, Maine, 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 Portland, Maine?

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 Portland, Maine in the Summer?

Both Portland, Maine and Cocoa Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Portland, Maine for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Portland, Maine in the summer. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 69°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Portland, Maine. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Portland, Maine in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Portland, Maine. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Portland, Maine in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Portland, Maine. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Portland, Maine averages at about 49°F (9°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Portland, Maine. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (84 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Portland, Maine in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Portland, Maine. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Portland, Maine for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Portland, Maine can be very cold during winter. In January, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Portland, Maine. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 21°F (-6°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in January than Portland, Maine. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.4 inches (86 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Portland, Maine in the Spring?

Both Portland, Maine and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Portland, Maine because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Portland, Maine in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Portland, Maine fluctuates around 43°F (6°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Portland, Maine. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Portland, Maine receives 3.3 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Portland, Maine and Cocoa Beach