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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Santa Cruz?

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 Santa Cruz. 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. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz is a laid back, coastal, and scenic town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Santa Cruz travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Santa Cruz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Santa Cruz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Santa Cruz than Cocoa Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Santa Cruz is better known for its nightlife and hiking, while Cocoa Beach is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, and resorts. Cocoa Beach is well known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Santa Cruz is well known for its dramatic coastline, fun-filled boardwalk, and beautiful beaches. Also, Santa Cruz is famous for Santa Cruz Wharf.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Santa Cruz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Santa Cruz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Local museums in town include the Surfing Museum, Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and Santa Cruz Mission.

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

Cocoa Beach is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Santa Cruz has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Sampling local seafood is a top priority for many visitors. Most restaurants have a casual vibe and serve up high quality dishes in a relaxed setting. You'll find cafes, Mexican food, and Italian eateries among other options.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Cruz Better for Nightlife?

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

Santa Cruz has a large number of nightlife venues. You'll find a range of nighttime options around town that include live entertainment, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

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 Santa Cruz Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its resorts. However, Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

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.

Santa Cruz is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Cruz Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach and Santa Cruz 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.

Santa Cruz is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are beautiful and fun. Head to Main Beach for the most activity. This is where you'll find the town's boardwalk, which has a historic carousel and several classic amusement rides. For a more peaceful and scenic spot, check out Natural Bridges State Beach or Seacliff State Beach.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Cruz Better for Hiking?

Santa Cruz is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Santa Cruz offers some nice hiking trails. There are several great parks in the area and trails that follow along the rugged coastline or go through the impressive redwood forests.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Santa Cruz?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Cocoa Beach and Santa Cruz.

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.

Santa Cruz is a great destination for shopping. Downtown Santa Cruz is where you'll find some of the best shopping.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Cruz Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santa Cruz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Santa Cruz is very family-friendly. It's filled with beaches, parks, playgrounds, and museums that kids and adults will enjoy. Highlights for many families include visiting the boardwalk, playing around at Seacliff State Beach, entertaining the kids at Seymour Center at Long Marine Lab, and taking in the beauty at Natural Bridges State Beach.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Cruz Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach and Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dining in downtown Santa Cruz, hiking through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and relaxing on the beach at Natural Bridges State Beach all make for a romantic getaway.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Cruz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Santa Cruz. There's a laid back vibe that is fun to experience and there's even a hostel in town.

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

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its public transit. However, Santa Cruz is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Cocoa Beach has a few 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 mostly limited in Santa Cruz. There are buses that travel around town.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Cruz a more walkable city?

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Santa Cruz. It's considered to be one of the most walkable cities in California.

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 Santa Cruz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santa Cruz or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Santa Cruz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cocoa Beach or Santa Cruz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cocoa Beach than Santa Cruz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 1-2 days is enough time in Santa Cruz.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Santa Cruz?

With museums and nightlife around the relaxing beach town of Cocoa Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic town of Santa Cruz. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Santa Cruz?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Cocoa Beach, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this beach town.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Santa Cruz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This 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 Santa Cruz?

Cocoa Beach, a popular beach town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

The scenic town of Santa Cruz offers shopping and museums. 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 Santa Cruz?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santa Cruz. 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 comparing the travel costs between Cocoa Beach and Santa Cruz, we can see that Cocoa Beach 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 Santa Cruz Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz?

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 Santa Cruz in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cocoa Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 67°F (19°C).

Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Santa Cruz. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.1 inches (1 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Santa Cruz in the Autumn?

Both Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

In October, Cocoa Beach is generally a little warmer than Santa Cruz. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Santa Cruz in the Winter?

Both Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Santa Cruz in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and Santa Cruz fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in January than Santa Cruz. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Santa Cruz in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Santa Cruz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Santa Cruz averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Santa Cruz. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Santa Cruz receives 1 inches (26 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Santa Cruz and Cocoa Beach