A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Playa del Carmen vs. Cocoa Beach for Nightlife, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach?

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach? 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 stunning, vibrant, and picture-perfect 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.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a adventurous, fun-filled, and relaxing beach town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Playa del Carmen and Cocoa Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Playa del Carmen. Although Playa del Carmen and Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach attracts visitors for its museums and attractions and food. Playa del Carmen is more touristy than Cocoa Beach and is popular for its coral reefs, luxury resorts, and white sand beaches. It is also well known for La Quinta Avenida. Cocoa Beach is famous for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.

How is Playa del Carmen different from Cocoa Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Playa del Carmen is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

Cocoa Beach offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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 Cocoa Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Playa del Carmen is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Cocoa Beach is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Playa del Carmen. 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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach Better for Nightlife?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Playa del Carmen is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

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 Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach Better for Resorts?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Vacationers flock to Playa del Carmen for its luxury resorts. 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.

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 Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cocoa Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen. 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.

Cocoa Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach Better for Beaches?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for the beach. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Playa del Carmen offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Cocoa Beach is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach Better for Hiking?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Playa del Carmen offers some nice hiking trails. There are well marked trails in the area that get you out in nature or take you along the coastline.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach More Beautiful?

Playa del Carmen is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Cocoa Beach 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.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach.

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.

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.

Is Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach Better for Couples?

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

Playa del Carmen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

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 Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Playa del Carmen is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cocoa Beach is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Playa del Carmen and Cocoa Beach.

You'll find some public transit in Playa del Carmen, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses, collectivos and the ADO bus.

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).

Is Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach a more walkable city?

Playa del Carmen is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

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 Playa del Carmen Worth Visiting? and Is Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cocoa Beach or Playa del Carmen?

How long in Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach?

In either Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Cocoa Beach because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Playa del Carmen, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cocoa Beach.

Families should spend more time in Playa del Carmen than Cocoa Beach. 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 Cocoa Beach. 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 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 Playa del Carmen.

One day in Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic town of Playa del Carmen. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxing destination of Cocoa Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

A weekend in Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the picture-perfect destination of Playa del Carmen. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find shopping and museums around the fun-filled beach town of Cocoa Beach. If you have a weekend, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. 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 Cocoa Beach?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the picture-perfect town of Playa del Carmen. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Cocoa Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Playa del Carmen. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Cocoa Beach is a great place to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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, 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 Playa del Carmen and Cocoa Beach, we can see that Cocoa Beach 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 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 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 Cocoa Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach?

Playa del Carmen has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Playa del Carmen 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 Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach?

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 Cocoa Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Playa del Carmen as well as Cocoa Beach. Most visitors come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Cocoa Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 28°C (82°F) in July, and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. Playa del Carmen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Playa del Carmen usually gets less rain in July than Cocoa Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 156 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach in the Autumn?

Both Cocoa Beach and Playa del Carmen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Playa del Carmen because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year.

In the autumn, Playa del Carmen is around the same temperature as Cocoa Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Playa del Carmen in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Cocoa Beach averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. It's quite rainy in Playa del Carmen. In October, Playa del Carmen usually receives more rain than Cocoa Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach in the Winter?

Both Cocoa Beach and Playa del Carmen during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Playa del Carmen this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Playa del Carmen is generally a little warmer than Cocoa Beach. Daily temperatures in Playa del Carmen average around 23°C (73°F), and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

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

Should I visit Playa del Carmen or Cocoa Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Playa del Carmen and Cocoa Beach. Many travelers come to Playa del Carmen for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the spring for the beaches.

Playa del Carmen is a little warmer than Cocoa Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Playa del Carmen averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In April, Playa del Carmen usually receives less rain than Cocoa Beach. Playa del Carmen gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Cocoa Beach and Playa del Carmen