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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Sonoma?

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 Sonoma. 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 nightlife, food, and beaches. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Sonoma

Sonoma is a scenic, serene, and relaxing county. Sonoma is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and hiking. See Sonoma travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Sonoma: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Sonoma?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sonoma. Although Cocoa Beach and Sonoma are popular destinations, Sonoma has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sonoma is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cocoa Beach attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Sonoma is more touristy than Cocoa Beach and is known for its world-class winemaking and sustainable agriculture. It is also well known for Buena Vista Winery. Cocoa Beach is famous for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Sonoma?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for its historical sights. However, Sonoma is not known for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Sonoma offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While most people don't think of museums when they think of Sonoma, there are actually some interesting local options. The California Indian Museum, the Cotati Museum, and the Depot Park Museum are also local are fascinating.

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

Sonoma is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Sonoma, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Although wine may be the first thing you think about, the region is also filled with farm-to-table restaurants and award-winning dining options. The food is almost always fresh and local. You can sample many local ingredients such as vegetables, cheeses, olive oils, and fish.

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.

Is Cocoa Beach or Sonoma Better for Nightlife?

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

Sonoma has a large number of nightlife venues. Lounges, wine bars, and live music venues offer a variety of activities for visitors during the evening hours.

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 Sonoma Better for Resorts?

Sonoma is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Sonoma to choose from. Spa hotels, charming inns, and beautiful resorts all offer a variety of options for visitors.

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.

Is Cocoa Beach or Sonoma Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach and Sonoma both offer very good 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.

Sonoma is considered a top beach destination. The county has a coastline that includes several great beaches as well as rocky shoreline. The beaches include secluded coves and picturesque cliffs as well as sand dunes and sandy beaches.

Is Cocoa Beach or Sonoma Better for Hiking?

Sonoma 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 Sonoma. In between wine tastings you can explore the area's stunning natural beauty. There are hikes through the vineyards, along the coast, or through forested parks. Some of the best hikes are found in Jack London State Historic Park, Sugarloaf State Park, and Armstrong Woods State Park.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Sonoma?

Sonoma 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 Sonoma. You'll find a range of local vendors in the area, selling everything from jewelry to art, home decor, and olive oil.

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 Sonoma More Beautiful?

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

Sonoma is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The lined vineyards are strikingly beautiful and the setting offers stunning viewpoints and a serene beauty.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or Sonoma Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sonoma is not as popular, but is still a nice county for its family-friendly activities.

Cocoa Beach is an extremely popular beach town to visit for families. 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.

Sonoma is a family-friendly place to visit. While most people think immediately of wine tours, there's actually a lot more to Sonoma County. Kids will enjoy the many outdoor activities in the area, which include beaches, parks, wildlife viewing, and more. There's also horseback riding and even ziplining opportunities.

Is Cocoa Beach or Sonoma Better for Couples?

Sonoma is very popular for couples. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Sonoma is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It has long been a favorite honeymoon destination for couples who come for the vineyards and wine tours. There are also charming hotels, award winning restaurants, and beautiful beaches.

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.

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

Cocoa Beach is a beach town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Sonoma 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 limited or non-existant in Sonoma. While there are buses, they are almost never used by tourists. There is the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley which you should purchase tickets for in advance.

Is Cocoa Beach or Sonoma a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach is a beach town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Sonoma is not 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.

Sonoma is not a walkable beach town. You really must have a car to get around the area and explore it efficiently.

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

Should I spend more time in Sonoma or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Sonoma?

It's fun to spend time in either Cocoa Beach or Sonoma. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cocoa Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Sonoma.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Sonoma. 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 Sonoma than Cocoa Beach. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Sonoma that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sonoma 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 Sonoma.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Sonoma?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cocoa Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 relaxing county of Sonoma. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the food. 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 Sonoma?

Cocoa Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Sonoma. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This county 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 Sonoma?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cocoa Beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The serene county of Sonoma offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Sonoma?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Cocoa Beach. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Sonoma. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the food. 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 Sonoma, we can see that Sonoma 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 Sonoma would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sonoma 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 Sonoma Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Sonoma?

Cocoa Beach has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Sonoma. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Sonoma, 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 Sonoma?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Sonoma in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Sonoma. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Sonoma because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Sonoma in the summer. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Sonoma fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Sonoma. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Sonoma in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Sonoma. The autumn months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sonoma this time of year.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Sonoma. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Sonoma averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Sonoma. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Sonoma in the Winter?

Both Sonoma and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sonoma for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Sonoma. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Sonoma fluctuates around 46°F (8°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Sonoma. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Sonoma in the Spring?

Both Sonoma and Cocoa Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Sonoma in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Sonoma in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Sonoma fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in April than Sonoma. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Sonoma receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Typical Weather for Sonoma and Cocoa Beach