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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe?

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 Fe. 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. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Santa Fe

Santa Fe is a cultural, historic, and charming historic town. Santa Fe offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, skiing, and live music. See Santa Fe travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Santa Fe: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Santa Fe. Although Cocoa Beach and Santa Fe are popular destinations, Santa Fe has more sights and attractions for tourists. Santa Fe is very popular for its skiing, music, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cocoa Beach attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Santa Fe and is known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Santa Fe is famous for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. It is also well known for The Museum of New Mexico Complex.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Santa Fe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santa Fe and Cocoa Beach. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe Better for Skiing?

Santa Fe is a good destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cocoa Beach is not a skiing destination.

Head to Santa Fe for some great skiing and other winter activities. There are a few good ski resorts not far from Santa Fe. Popular options include Taos Ski Valley, Ski Santa Fe, Pajarito Mountain Ski Area, and Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort.

Cocoa Beach is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe?

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for its historical sights. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Cocoa Beach specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Fe is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Head to the Museum of New Mexico Complex, which has four museums that give a great overview of the history of the area. Also make sure you visit the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

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

Both Cocoa Beach and Santa Fe offer high quality 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, Santa Fe makes for a great culinary experience. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach is very good for its evening party scene. However, Santa Fe is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Cocoa Beach has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

Most people don't head to Santa Fe specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe Better for Music?

Santa Fe is a good destination for its music scene. However, Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Santa Fe. The town has an eclectic music scene that includes a mix of the blues, country, Latin American music, and bluegrass.

Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Santa Fe 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.

Santa Fe is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for the beach. However, Santa Fe is not a beach destination.

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place to visit for its 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 Fe is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe Better for its Old Town?

Santa Fe is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Cocoa Beach does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Santa Fe. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.

Cocoa Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe Better for Hiking?

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

Santa Fe offers some nice hiking trails. Because it's located right by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, there are many beautiful hikes right outside of town. Popular trails include the Picacho Peak Trail and the Nambe Lake Trail. Bandelier National also has many places to hike.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Santa Fe. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for shopping. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe More Beautiful?

Santa Fe is a good destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Santa Fe offers plenty of beauty for visitors. This cultural city has a unique beauty that is hard to find anywhere else.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for its family-friendly activities.

Cocoa Beach is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Santa Fe is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kids' museums in Santa Fe including the Santa Fe Children's Museum and the Meow Wolf Art Complex. Kids also enjoy the botanical gardens at Museum Hill and Bandelier National Monument just outside of the city.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for couples. Also, Santa Fe is not as popular, but is still a nice historic town for romance.

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

Santa Fe is a nice destination for couples. There are many romantic inns around town, each with a lot of character. The town also has a lot of atmosphere that makes for a romantic getaway.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe Better for Students?

Santa Fe is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Santa Fe. There are a few colleges and universities in town and students will appreciate the reasonable cost of living and outdoor activities nearby.

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cocoa Beach is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Santa Fe is not known for its public transit.

While Cocoa Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 generally limited in Santa Fe. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.

Is Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe a more walkable city?

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

Santa Fe is a very walkable destination. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.

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 Fe Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe?

In either Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Santa Fe has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Santa Fe than Cocoa Beach. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe?

The beach town of Cocoa Beach offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic historic town of Santa Fe. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Santa Fe?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this beach town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cocoa Beach, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Santa Fe. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This historic 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 Fe?

Cocoa Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cocoa Beach, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and skiing when visiting the historic historic town of Santa Fe. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Santa Fe?

Cocoa Beach is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This beach town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the skiing and live music when visiting Santa Fe. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 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 Fe, we can see that Santa Fe 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 Fe Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Santa Fe?

Santa Fe has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Santa Fe, 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.