A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cocoa Beach vs. Redwood National Park for Families, Backpackers, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park?

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 Redwood National Park. 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 food, beaches, and shopping. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is a monumental, grand, and impressive park. Redwood National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the beaches and hiking. See Redwood National Park travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Redwood National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • 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 beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Redwood National Park are popular destinations, Cocoa Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cocoa Beach is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Redwood National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Cocoa Beach is famous for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. It is also well known for the Kennedy Space Center. Redwood National Park is famous for being the home of the world's tallest trees.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Redwood National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park?

Cocoa Beach
Redwood National Park

Cocoa Beach is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Redwood National Park. There is little in the form of museums, but you can visit the Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center on the south side of the park and see exhibits about Yurok culture and the area's ecology.


Is the Food Better in Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cocoa Beach
Redwood National Park

Cocoa Beach is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known 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.

While Redwood National Park is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. There are no dining or grocery options within the park but there are some options just outside the park.

Is Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Redwood National Park

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for nightlife.

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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Redwood National Park The laid back setting offers little in the form of nightlife.

Is Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Redwood National Park

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for its resorts. However, Redwood National Park 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.

Redwood National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Redwood National Park

Cocoa Beach is well known for the beach. Also, Redwood National Park is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Redwood National Park is a good option for a beach vacation. The park runs along the Pacific coastline and there are 70 miles of coastal trail in the park. Beaches are rugged and sandy and favorite sections include Gold Bluff Beach, Crescent Beach, and Enderts Beach, which has great tidal pools.

Is Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park Better for Hiking?

Cocoa Beach
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is very popular for its hiking trails. However, Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Redwood National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes range from coastal trails to world-renowned hikes through the redwoods. You'll feel humbled in the presence of these grand and majestic trees. Several of the most well-known hikes include Fern Canyon, the Cathedral Trees Trail, and Redwood Creek Trail.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park?

Cocoa Beach
Redwood National Park

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Redwood National Park is not particularly known for shopping.

Many visitors go to Cocoa Beach to go shopping. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Shopping in Redwood National Park can be found for those interested. You'll find park stores at the visitor centers if you want to pick up a small gift or souvenir.


Is Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park More Beautiful?

Cocoa Beach
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is very popular for its scenery and beauty. However, Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Redwood National Park is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The majestic redwood trees will take your breath away. These ancient forests offer a truly unique experience and you'll feel small in comparison to their grand height.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Redwood National Park

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

Redwood National Park is a very family-friendly destination. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes in the park and the kids will love exploring the varied landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Less than a mile long, Fern Canyon is the perfect hike for little kids and it's not-to-be-missed. Cathedral Trees Trail is three miles, and also a highlight of any trip to the park.

Is Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Redwood National Park

Cocoa Beach and Redwood National Park both excellent 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 Redwood National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are historic lodges that make for a romantic getaway. You can fill your days with hikes through magical landscapes and breathtaking settings surrounded by the impressive redwoods.


Is Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cocoa Beach
Redwood National Park

Redwood National Park is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cocoa Beach is lacking in good options for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Redwood National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. There are miles of backcountry trails that let you can explore the park in relative peace and solitude. This is an amazing way to experience the park, but do make sure you purchase a permit in advance.

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 Redwood National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cocoa Beach
Redwood National Park

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for its public transit. However, Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park. There's no public transportation within the park.

Is Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Redwood National Park

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Redwood National Park 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.

Redwood National Park is not a very walkable beach town. The park is large and spread out, so you'll need a car to get around.


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

Should I spend more time in Redwood National Park or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park?

In either Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Cocoa Beach has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Redwood National Park. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 3-5 days is enough time in Redwood National Park.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Redwood National Park. 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 Redwood National Park. 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 Redwood National Park 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.


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

One day in Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park?

In Cocoa Beach, you'll find shopping and museums. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the impressive park of Redwood National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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 Redwood National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cocoa Beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. It offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the grand destination of Redwood National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This park offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park?

Cocoa Beach is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the impressive park of Redwood National Park. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.


A week in Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the fun-filled destination of Cocoa Beach. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Redwood National Park. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the hiking. 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, Redwood National Park 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
    Redwood National Park Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cocoa Beach $176
    Redwood National Park $135

The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $176, while the average daily cost in Redwood National Park is $135. 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 Redwood National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Redwood National Park $44
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Redwood National Park $88
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Redwood National Park

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park? 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 Redwood National Park


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    Redwood National Park $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park?

Prices for flights to both Redwood National Park 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
    Redwood National Park $56

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Redwood National Park $33

Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach

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

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Palm Bay by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • 2 Hr Dolphin & Manatee River Cruise . Melbourne, Cocoa Beach,Fl. : $30
  • Brevard County Tours, dolphin and manatee tours in Palm Bay, FL: $40
  • 1-Hour Virtual Reality Experience Skull & Books VR - Cocoa Beach: $45
  • Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tour: $48
  • Cocoa Beach Sunset Tour: $48
  • Sunset Cruise: $48
  • Cocoa Beach Dolphin and Wildlife Tour: $48
  • Dolphin Eco Cruise Nature Adventure in Cocoa Beach: $49
  • 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida : $49
  • Guided Kayak Tour with Manatee & Dolphin Sightings: $50
  • Manatee and Dolphin Kayak Tour: $50

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $20
    Redwood National Park $11


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cocoa Beach and Redwood National Park, we can see that Cocoa Beach is more expensive. And not only is Redwood National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Redwood National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Redwood National Park 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 Redwood National Park.

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 Redwood National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park?

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 Redwood National Park in the Summer?

Both Redwood National Park and Cocoa Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Redwood National Park this time of year.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Redwood National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Redwood National Park. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cocoa Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Redwood National Park 57°F (14°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Redwood National Park. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Redwood National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Redwood National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Redwood National Park averages at about 55°F (13°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Redwood National Park. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cocoa Beach 77°F (25°C) 
    Redwood National Park 55°F (13°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Redwood National Park. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Redwood National Park. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

It's quite rainy in Redwood National Park. Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in January than Redwood National Park. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 6 inches (152 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C) 
    Redwood National Park 48°F (9°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Redwood National Park in the Spring?

Both Redwood National Park and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Redwood National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Redwood National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Redwood National Park fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Redwood National Park. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Redwood National Park receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cocoa Beach 73°F (23°C) 
    Redwood National Park 50°F (10°C)

Typical Weather for Redwood National Park and Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Redwood National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 48°F (9°C) 6 inches (152 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 49°F (10°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 50°F (10°C) 5.3 inches (135 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 50°F (10°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 53°F (12°C) 1.5 inches (37 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 56°F (13°C) 0.5 inches (13 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 57°F (14°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.5 inches (12 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 58°F (14°C) 0.9 inches (23 mm)
Oct 77°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 55°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 52°F (11°C) 6.5 inches (164 mm)
Dec 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 49°F (9°C) 6 inches (153 mm)