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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg. 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.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a charming, quaint, and well-preserved town. Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Williamsburg travel costs.

Cocoa Beach and Williamsburg: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Williamsburg. Although Cocoa Beach and Williamsburg are popular destinations, Williamsburg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Williamsburg is very popular for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cocoa Beach attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Cocoa Beach is famous for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Williamsburg is famous for its historic and colonial charm, its award winning amusement parks, and its historical reenactments. It is also well known for Colonial Williamsburg.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Williamsburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach
Williamsburg

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Williamsburg and Cocoa Beach.

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.

Williamsburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Colonial Williamsburg is like a living museum with reenactments and historic buildings that date back to the colonial days. In addition to the historic area, there are folk art museums and other historic sights in the area.


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

Cocoa Beach
Williamsburg

Both Cocoa Beach and Williamsburg offer excellent 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, Williamsburg makes for a great culinary experience. Head to Historic Williamsburg if you want to try some colonial classics. There are historic taverns that maintain their old world charm and serve dishes such as peanut soup and stewed beef. Around town you'll also find casual restaurants with pizza, macaroni and cheese, and burgers.

Is Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Williamsburg

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for its evening party scene. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options 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.

Williamsburg doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Despite its student population, there isn't much of a nightlife scene in town. There are restaurants where you can enjoy fine wine or cocktails, but nightclubs and bars are limited.

Is Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Williamsburg

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for its resorts. However, Williamsburg 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.

Williamsburg is not a resort destination.


Is Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Williamsburg

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for the beach. However, Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

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.

Williamsburg is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg Better for its Old Town?

Cocoa Beach
Williamsburg

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

Williamsburg has a world-famous historical area. Colonial Williamsburg is an impressively maintained area with museums, shops, and taverns. There are live reenactments of historic events as well as blacksmiths, wig shops, and carriage rides. You can wander around without a ticket, but for access to many parts of the historic area you'll need to purchase a pass.

Cocoa Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg?

Cocoa Beach
Williamsburg

Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg. Charming shops both in the historic area and just outside sell unique items that reflect the city's past. There are souvenirs, food items, cookbooks, and home decor to choose from.

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 Williamsburg More Beautiful?

Cocoa Beach
Williamsburg

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

Williamsburg offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The area's colonial architecture gives it a historic and traditional beauty that appeals to visitors and residents alike.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Williamsburg

Both Cocoa Beach and Williamsburg are terrific family-friendly destinations.

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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Williamsburg is a very family-friendly destination. Older kids will appreciate the history in the area. For kids of all ages there are a number of amusement parks and water parks such as Great Wolf Lodge, Busch Gardens, and the award winning Water Country USA.

Is Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Williamsburg

Cocoa Beach and Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Historic Williamsburg is filled with inns and charming restaurants that make this a beautiful destination for couples. There are quaint restaurants that serve colonial food and interesting southern shops with unique trinkets. You can also wander around the campus of William and Mary College.


Is Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg Better for Students?

Cocoa Beach
Williamsburg

Williamsburg is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

Williamsburg is a very popular place to visit for students. The College of William and Mary has a beautiful campus and students enjoy the charming atmosphere with colonial architecture around town. There are also good restaurants and a great collegiate vibe.

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

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

Cocoa Beach
Williamsburg

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for its public transit. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options 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 mostly limited in Williamsburg. There are buses around town, and they offer access to Historic Williamsburg, but for most places you'll need to have your own car.

Is Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Williamsburg

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for its ease of walking around. However, Williamsburg is a town with minimal options 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.

Williamsburg is generally not a very walkable beach town. Historic Williamsburg and the neighborhoods around the College of William and Mary are all walkable, but if you plan to visit the amusement parks then you'll absolutely need a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Williamsburg or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg?

It's fun to spend time in either Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cocoa Beach 2-5 
    Williamsburg 2-4

One day in Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg?

In Cocoa Beach, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this adventurous beach town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint town of Williamsburg. 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 Williamsburg?

Cocoa Beach is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Williamsburg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Williamsburg?

In Cocoa Beach, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this fun-filled destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The quaint town of Williamsburg offers museums and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Williamsburg?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting Williamsburg. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Williamsburg 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
    Williamsburg Prices
    USA Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Cocoa Beach $176
    Williamsburg $135

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



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Williamsburg $66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Williamsburg $132
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Williamsburg

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg? 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 Williamsburg


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 and Williamsburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    Williamsburg $11

Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg?

Prices for flights to both Williamsburg 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
    Williamsburg $54

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
    Williamsburg $34

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

Tours and Activities in Williamsburg

Here are a few actual costs in Williamsburg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Colonial Williamsburg Ghost Stories and Walking Tour: $25
  • 1 Hour Christmastide Walking Tour in Virginia Past and Present : $25
  • 2-Hour Private Guided The best of Williamsburg Walking Tour: $250
  • Busch Gardens Williamsburg Admission Ticket: $82
  • Civil War Ghost Tour: $25
  • Colonial Contradictions Self Guided Walking Tour of Williamsburg: $9.99
  • Colonial Ghosts: Ghostly Whispers of Williamsburg Ghost Tour: $26
  • Colonial Ghosts: Ghostly Whispers of Williamsburg Ghost Tour: $26
  • Colonial History Tour in Williamsburg Virginia: $25
  • Colonial Williamsburg Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $13
  • Colonial Christmas Walking Tour: $25
  • Colonial Colonial History Guided Walking Tour: $25

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $20
    Williamsburg -

Sample the Local Flavors in Williamsburg

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Williamsburg:

  • Williamsburg Ghosts and Brews Haunted Pub Crawls: $29
  • Colonial Ghosts Haunted Pub Crawl: $30
  • The Murder Tour and Pub Crawl: $48


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

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 Williamsburg Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg?

Cocoa Beach has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Williamsburg. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Williamsburg, 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 Williamsburg?

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 Williamsburg in the Summer?

Both Williamsburg 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. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Williamsburg this time of year.

Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Williamsburg in the summer. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

Williamsburg gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Williamsburg. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 4.7 inches (120 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cocoa Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Williamsburg 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Williamsburg. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Williamsburg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Williamsburg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Williamsburg averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Williamsburg. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 2.8 inches (71 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) 
    Williamsburg 61°F (16°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Williamsburg. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Williamsburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Williamsburg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Williamsburg. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Williamsburg fluctuates around 38°F (4°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in January than Williamsburg. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3.6 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C) 
    Williamsburg 38°F (4°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Williamsburg in the Spring?

Both Williamsburg 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 Williamsburg for the natural beauty during these months.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Williamsburg in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Williamsburg fluctuates around 57°F (14°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Williamsburg. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Williamsburg receives 3 inches (76 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) 
    Williamsburg 57°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Williamsburg and Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Williamsburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 38°F (4°C) 3.6 inches (93 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 41°F (5°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 49°F (9°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 57°F (14°C) 3 inches (76 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 66°F (19°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (105 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 78°F (26°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 78°F (25°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 72°F (22°C) 4.6 inches (118 mm)
Oct 77°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 61°F (16°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Nov 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 52°F (11°C) 3.2 inches (81 mm)
Dec 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 43°F (6°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)