A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Cape Canaveral for Attractions, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a picture-perfect, scenic, and stunning town. With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food. See Playa del Carmen travel costs.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a unique, iconic, and fascinating town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food. See Cape Canaveral travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Cape Canaveral: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations, Playa del Carmen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Playa del Carmen is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cape Canaveral attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Cape Canaveral and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Cape Canaveral is famous for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Cape Canaveral?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cape Canaveral and Playa del Carmen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral?

Cape Canaveral is an amazing town to visit for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Cape Canaveral on the map. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

While most people don't head to Playa del Carmen specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. If you're willing to head out of town, there are world class Mayan ruins not far away, but if you want to hang out near town, then you'll likely spend most of your time enjoying outdoor water activities.

Is the Food Better in Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Playa del Carmen and Cape Canaveral can be difficult as they are each nice in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Playa del Carmen area. You'll find a good number of overpriced tourist restaurants in the area, but if you do some research you'll also find amazing and authentic Mexican food as well. There is everything from food trucks to fine dining that offer ceviche, tacos, or burritos. There are also plenty of places to grab pizza or burgers.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cape Canaveral. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Playa del Carmen is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It rivals some of the country's best nightlife and you'll find plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from dive bars to swanky cocktail lounges. Head to the main walking street for some of the most active venues.

Most people don't head to Cape Canaveral specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Playa del Carmen offers an unforgettable resort vacation. You'll find a huge number of luxury resorts in the area, particularly along the beach. There are fancy pools and beachfront properties that offer the perfect vacation retreat.

Cape Canaveral has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Canaveral is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Playa del Carmen specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. There's not a lot to see right off of the beach, but there are plenty of snorkeling excursions in the area that take you to beautiful reefs. The diving is world class as well and you'll find wonderful reefs, bull sharks, and hidden gems.

Cape Canaveral is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

The beaches in Playa del Carmen are among the best in the world. The area is filled with world class beaches, long stretches of white sand, and beautiful blue water. You might even stumble across a sea turtle or two while you're swimming.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cape Canaveral. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen has hiking trails worth exploring. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cape Canaveral and Playa del Carmen.

Many visitors go to Playa del Carmen to go shopping. Much of the shopping is geared towards the tourists, but you'll find some local items, interesting galleries, and colorful markets to explore.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cape Canaveral. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is a great town for its scenery and beauty. However, Cape Canaveral is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Playa del Carmen attracts visitors from all around. From beautiful beaches to inland jungles, this is a truly stunning destination.

Cape Canaveral is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Playa del Carmen is a very family-friendly destination. From eco parks to kid-friendly snorkeling opportunities, there are many activities for kids of all ages. There are also adventure parks and playgrounds that are perfect for a fun afternoon.

Cape Canaveral is one of the most popular family destinations. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral Better for Couples?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Playa del Carmen has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Beautiful beaches and tropical jungles make this a paradise honeymoon destination. You'll find luxury resorts, fine dining restaurants, and countless opportunities to enjoy the stunning setting. Take a sunset cruise of explore one of the many natural wonders in the area.

Cape Canaveral is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Playa del Carmen. It's filled with tourists staying at luxury resorts, but you'll also find a couple of hostels tucked away in town. If you're interesting in scuba diving, then it's well worth the trip.

Cape Canaveral is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You won't find any hostels in the area, but you may have some luck finding affordable accommodation nearby.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Playa del Carmen is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its public transit.

While Playa del Carmen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

Playa del Carmen is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a compact and very walkable town. La Quinta is the main strip and it's pedestrian-only.

Cape Canaveral is not a walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.

For even more information, also check out Is Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Cape Canaveral Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cape Canaveral or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Playa del Carmen and Cape Canaveral. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than in Cape Canaveral. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Cape Canaveral.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Cape Canaveral. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Playa del Carmen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Cape Canaveral. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Playa del Carmen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Cape Canaveral 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral?

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find museums and food around the iconic destination of Cape Canaveral. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral?

Playa del Carmen is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the fascinating town of Cape Canaveral. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Five days in Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Playa del Carmen. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

Cape Canaveral is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral?

In Playa del Carmen, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Cape Canaveral is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the museums. 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 in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Playa del Carmen and Cape Canaveral, we can see that Cape Canaveral is more expensive. And not only is Playa del Carmen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Playa del Carmen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Playa del Carmen 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 Cape Canaveral would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Canaveral than you might in Playa del Carmen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Playa del Carmen Expensive? and Is Cape Canaveral Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen and Cape Canaveral, 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 Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral?

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 Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral in the Summer?

Both Cape Canaveral and Playa del Carmen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Cape Canaveral in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Cape Canaveral fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

Cape Canaveral gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in July than Cape Canaveral. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Cape Canaveral receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Cape Canaveral. Many visitors come to Playa del Carmen in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Cape Canaveral. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Cape Canaveral averages at about 74°F (24°C).

Cape Canaveral receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Playa del Carmen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Cape Canaveral. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Cape Canaveral receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to October in Playa del Carmen is the hurricane season. June to November in Cape Canaveral is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Cape Canaveral. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Cape Canaveral. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Cape Canaveral fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in January than Cape Canaveral. Playa del Carmen gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cape Canaveral receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cape Canaveral in the Spring?

Both Cape Canaveral and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Cape Canaveral in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Cape Canaveral fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Cape Canaveral. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cape Canaveral receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Playa del Carmen is June to October. The hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.

Typical Weather for Cape Canaveral and Playa del Carmen