A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Merida vs. Cocoa Beach for Families, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Merida or Cocoa Beach?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Merida or Cocoa Beach, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Merida

Merida is a traditional, colonial, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Merida travel costs.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a adventurous, fun-filled, and relaxing beach town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Merida and Cocoa Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Merida or Cocoa Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Merida. Although Merida and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations, Merida has more sights and attractions for tourists. Merida is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Cocoa Beach attracts visitors for its resorts and beaches. Merida is famous for its vibrant plazas, long running history, and colonial architecture. It is also well known for Grand Plaza. Cocoa Beach is famous for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.

How is Merida different from Cocoa Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Cocoa Beach and Merida.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Merida can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with culture and traditional heritage, and there are many museums and architectural landmarks that will educate and inform visitors on the area. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya is a highlight for many visitors. It's also worth visiting Museo Casa Montejo and Museo Palacio Canton. If you want to visit ruins, then the Dzibilchaltun Mayan Ruins are about 45 minutes outside of town.

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.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Merida and Cocoa Beach.

Merida has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a top foodie destination in the Yucatan region and visitors will enjoy the many local restaurants and diverse local dishes that are influenced by the Mayan, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. The most well known local dish is cochinita pibil, which is marinated pork shoulder. Other popular dishes include sopa de lima (lime soup), papadzules (enchiladas with pumpkin seed sauce), and relleno negro (a local stew).

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 Merida or Cocoa Beach Better for Nightlife?

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

Merida has a large number of nightlife venues. Most tourists take advantage of the nightlife scene in the city's downtown area, while locals congregate in the northern part of town. The city has bars, theaters, night clubs, and live music that keeps the energy high late into the night.

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 Merida or Cocoa Beach Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Merida 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.

Merida is not a resort destination.

Is Merida or Cocoa Beach Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is an excellent place to visit for the beach. However, Merida is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cocoa Beach. 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.

Merida is not a beach destination.

Is Merida or Cocoa Beach Better for its Old Town?

Merida 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 Merida. Centered around the city's Grand Plaza, the old town is filled with colonial architecture and colorful buildings. The Catedral de San Ildefonso was the first cathedral built in the Americas. There are also monuments and examples of Mayan art and culture.

Cocoa Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Merida or Cocoa Beach?

Merida 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 Merida. There are colorful markets that are filled with artisan crafts and traditional clothing. Visitors enjoy discovering the unique vendors and picking up souvenirs that are unique to the area.

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 Merida or Cocoa Beach Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cocoa Beach is an amazing family-friendly beach town to visit. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Merida. The weekend is the best time to visit the city, as this is when there are the most activities. There are live performances that educate visitors on Mayan traditions. There are also historic museums, bike-friendly streets, and a vibrant central market.

Is Merida or Cocoa Beach Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Merida is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Merida is a nice destination for couples. If you're interested in Mayan culture and history, then this is a wonderful destination. There are also romantic hotels, excellent restaurants, and plenty of fascinating activities that couples will enjoy.

Is Merida or Cocoa Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Merida is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cocoa Beach is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Merida. It's a relatively large city with a number of hostels and budget hotels, so backpackers will have no problem finding a place to stay.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Merida and Cocoa Beach.

Merida has some public transit options. While there are local bus routes, they can be a bit challenging to figure out when you first arrive.

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).

Is Merida or Cocoa Beach a more walkable city?

Merida 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.

Merida is a very walkable destination. It's a very walkable city and most visitors don't have a car.

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 Merida Worth Visiting? and Is Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cocoa Beach or Merida?

How long in Merida or Cocoa Beach?

In either Merida or Cocoa Beach, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Merida because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Merida, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cocoa Beach.

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

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

One day in Merida or Cocoa Beach?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical city of Merida. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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.

A weekend in Merida or Cocoa Beach?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the colonial destination of Merida. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city 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.

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.

Five days in Merida or Cocoa Beach?

The historical city of Merida offers shopping and museums. 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.

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.

A week in Merida or Cocoa Beach?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Merida. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adventurous 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Northern Lights Tours in Alaska, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Merida Expensive? and Is Cocoa Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Merida or Cocoa Beach?

Merida has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Merida and Cocoa Beach, 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 Merida or Cocoa Beach?

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 Merida or Cocoa Beach in the Summer?

Both Cocoa Beach and Merida are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Merida for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Merida is cooler than Cocoa Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. In July, Merida usually receives less rain than Cocoa Beach. Merida gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Merida or Cocoa Beach in the Autumn?

Both Cocoa Beach and Merida during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Merida in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Merida is cooler than Cocoa Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Merida in October average around 21°C (70°F), and Cocoa Beach averages at about 77°F (25°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Merida. Merida usually gets more rain in October than Cocoa Beach. Merida gets 210 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Should I visit Merida or Cocoa Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Merida and Cocoa Beach. Most visitors come to Merida for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Merida is generally a little warmer than Cocoa Beach. Daily temperatures in Merida average around 20°C (68°F), and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In January, Merida usually receives less rain than Cocoa Beach. Merida gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Merida or Cocoa Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Merida as well as Cocoa Beach. The spring months attract visitors to Merida because of the activities around the city. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year.

Merida is around the same temperature as Cocoa Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Merida averages around 21°C (70°F) in April, and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Merida receives a lot of rain in the spring. Merida usually gets more rain in April than Cocoa Beach. Merida gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 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 Cocoa Beach and Merida