A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tulum vs. Cocoa Beach for Attractions, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Tulum or Cocoa Beach?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tulum and Cocoa Beach can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tulum

Tulum is a tropical, active, and lively town. With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Tulum travel costs.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and adventurous beach town. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Tulum and Cocoa Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tulum or Cocoa Beach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Tulum than Cocoa Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Tulum is more touristy than Cocoa Beach and is popular for its archeological sights, beautiful beaches, and dramatic cenotes. Also, Tulum is famous for the Tulum archeological ruins. Cocoa Beach is well known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.

How is Tulum different from Cocoa Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tulum is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Tulum has many famous sights for visitors. It's famous for its world-renowned archeological ruins. The Tulum Archeological Site is very popular for its Mayan temples and castles. You can also travel a bit further to see the Cobá Ruins.

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.

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

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Tulum makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being well established as a top tourist destination in Mexico, you'll still find authentic and delicious local cuisine. Favorite dishes around town include the ceviche, tacos al pastor, and sopa de lima (chicken soup).

Cocoa Beach has a huge number of terrific 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.

Is Tulum or Cocoa Beach Better for Nightlife?

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

Tulum is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It's world renowned for its wild nightlife scene and you'll find iconic beach parties, jungle raves, and trendy Tuluminati parties. Most of the local places that are a bit more affordable are in town, and the more touristy and expensive places are around the Middle Beach Zone.

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 Tulum or Cocoa Beach Better for Resorts?

Tulum 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 Tulum for its luxury resorts. If you're on a budget, you can stay in town for a more reasonable price, but if you want a classic beach vacation, head to the Zona Hotelera stretch along the coast. There are luxury hotels as well as resorts with beachfront pools and luxury restaurants.

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 Tulum or Cocoa Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tulum 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 Tulum. The water along the coast is shallow and clear, which is perfect for snorkeling. There are also dive trips that take you a short distance out to diverse and beautiful reefs.

Cocoa Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tulum or Cocoa Beach Better for Beaches?

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

Tulum offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. World class beaches with turquoise water and long stretches of sand make this a true beach-lovers paradise. Playa Paraíso is a favorite beach in the area and many consider it among the most beautiful beaches in Mexico.

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 Tulum or Cocoa Beach Better for Hiking?

Tulum 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 Tulum. There are coastal walks and routes that take you through the jungle or by archeological ruins. There are many places where you can enjoy a stroll through nature.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tulum or Cocoa Beach?

Tulum 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 Tulum. Quirky souvenir shops, local artisan boutiques, and colorful bazaars make shopping a fun experience. Make sure you check out Mercado Maya or the Tulum Bazaar while you're in town.

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 Tulum or Cocoa Beach More Beautiful?

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

With stunning beauty, Tulum attracts visitors from all around. Clear blue water, sandy beaches, jungle covered archeological ruins, and hidden cenotes make this a stunningly beautiful place to visit.

Cocoa Beach is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Tulum or Cocoa Beach Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Tulum is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Tulum is very family-friendly. Kids will love the beaches and archeological sights as much as adults. You can also visit a cenote or see the sea turtles at Akumal Bay. If you're open to getting out of town, there are many adventure parks in the area as well.

Is Tulum or Cocoa Beach Better for Couples?

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

Tulum is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Beautiful beaches, world famous archeological sights, and a wild nightlife scene make this a great honeymoon or couple's destination. There are also spas, cenotes, and even cooking classes that you can take together.

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 Tulum or Cocoa Beach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tulum 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 Tulum. It's no longer an undiscovered backpacker paradise, but there are still affordable options in the area and there's a great nightlife scene.

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

Both Tulum and Cocoa Beach offer notable public transit options.

Tulum has a few public transit options. There are shared vans, Collectivos, that provide transportation through the area. The Tiburon is also a local bus that runs along the coastline.

Cocoa Beach has some public transit options. 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 Tulum or Cocoa Beach a more walkable city?

Tulum 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.

Tulum is a very walkable destination. It's easy to walk around downtown Tulum and explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cocoa Beach or Tulum?

How long in Tulum or Cocoa Beach?

In either Tulum or Cocoa Beach, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Tulum has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Tulum than Cocoa Beach. In general, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Tulum, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cocoa Beach.

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

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

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

One day in Tulum or Cocoa Beach?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the ancient town of Tulum. 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.

In Cocoa Beach, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this adventurous destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tulum or Cocoa Beach?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the tropical destination of Tulum. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cocoa Beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tulum or Cocoa Beach?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the lively town of Tulum. 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 fun place to experience. In Cocoa Beach, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tulum or Cocoa Beach?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Tulum. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the adventurous destination of Cocoa Beach. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Mexico, The Best Historical Tours 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 Tulum and Cocoa Beach, we can see that Cocoa Beach is more expensive. And not only is Tulum much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tulum would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tulum 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 Tulum.

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

Which is Bigger, Tulum or Cocoa Beach?

Cocoa Beach has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Tulum. When comparing the sizes of Tulum 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 Tulum 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 Tulum or Cocoa Beach in the Summer?

Both Cocoa Beach and Tulum during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tulum this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tulum is generally around the same temperature as Cocoa Beach. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 28°C (83°F), and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Tulum. Tulum usually gets less rain in July than Cocoa Beach. Tulum gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Cocoa Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tulum and Cocoa Beach. Many travelers come to Tulum for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Tulum is around the same temperature as Cocoa Beach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tulum averages around 27°C (81°F) in October, and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tulum gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tulum usually receives more rain than Cocoa Beach. Tulum gets 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. November to April in Tulum is the dry season. Also, June to October is the rainy season in Tulum. The hurricane season in Tulum is June to October. The hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Should I visit Tulum or Cocoa Beach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tulum as well as Cocoa Beach. Many visitors come to Tulum in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Tulum is a little warmer than Cocoa Beach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tulum in January average around 23°C (74°F), and Cocoa Beach averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Tulum usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cocoa Beach. Tulum gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tulum or Cocoa Beach in the Spring?

Both Cocoa Beach and Tulum are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tulum for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches.

In April, Tulum is generally a little warmer than Cocoa Beach. Daily temperatures in Tulum average around 27°C (81°F), and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In April, Tulum usually receives less rain than Cocoa Beach. Tulum gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Tulum is November to April. The rainy season in Tulum is June to October. June to October is the hurricane season in Tulum. June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Typical Weather for Cocoa Beach and Tulum