A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cocoa Beach vs. Daytona Beach for Nightlife, Families, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach?

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 Daytona Beach. 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is a party-hard, energetic, and lively beach city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and live music.

Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Daytona Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach are popular destinations, Daytona Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Daytona Beach is very popular for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Cocoa Beach attracts visitors for its museums, food, resorts, beaches, and shopping. Daytona Beach is more touristy than Cocoa Beach and is popular for its spring break culture, wild parties, and the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. It is also well known for The Daytona International Speedway. Cocoa Beach is famous for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Daytona Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Daytona Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its restaurants.

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.

Daytona Beach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. This beach is more about the parties and drinks than it is about the food.

Is Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach Better for Nightlife?

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

Daytona Beach is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Spring break is when the parties are at their peak. For the most active nightlife head to A1A from Ormond-by-the-Sea to Ponce Inlet, Main and Beach Streets, and Seabreeze Boulevard, ONE DAYTONA and International Speedway Boulevard in Daytona Beach, and Granada Boulevard in Ormond Beach.

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 Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach Better for Music?

Daytona Beach is a good destination for its music scene. However, Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Daytona Beach. You can see live music at the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach Bandshell and The Roof.

Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its resorts. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its luxury resorts.

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.

Daytona Beach has a few resort options worth checking out. Many resorts in the area focus more on affordability than luxury. The oceanfront hotels usually have nice beachfront pools and rooms with balconies and oceanfront views. You'll pay a bit more for the waterfront rooms.

Is Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for the beach. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for its beaches.

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.

Many people head to Daytona Beach to enjoy the beach. The city's beaches are lively and festive, so if you're looking for a beach with music, drinking, and partying, then this is your place. In the surrounding areas you'll find some quieter, more family-friendly beaches. It's also best to avoid the Spring Break crowds if you're hoping for a quieter and more family-friendly vacation.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its shopping areas. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for shopping.

Many visitors go to Cocoa Beach to go shopping. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Daytona Beach is a good destination for shopping. Souvenir shops and t-shirt shops are the main shopping you'll find in this area. The boardwalk is lined with gimmicky shops where you can pick up magnets or beach paraphernalia.

Is Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Cocoa Beach is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Daytona Beach is not always a place people visit with their families. Although it's best avoided during spring break, Daytona with kids can be fun when the crowds aren't too bad. There are water parks, surfing lessons, and of course the beach. The restaurants are usually family-friendly as well with many offering kid's menus and early opening hours.

Is Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for couples. Also, Daytona Beach is not as famous, but is still a good beach city to visit for romance.

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

Daytona Beach is a nice destination for couples. While romance isn't exactly what comes to mind when you first think of Daytona, couples who like to party and be out and about will enjoy a visit to Daytona Beach. There's plenty to do and some very great seafood restaurants in the area, so it's not hard to turn it into a couple's destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach Better for Students?

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

Daytona Beach is a very popular place to visit for students. It's one of the original Spring Break destinations, and the trend continues. If you're a student looking to cut loose, you'll find plenty of likeminded vacationers in the area, with many bars and hotels catering specifically to the younger crowd.

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

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

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its public transit. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city for times when you don't have a car.

Cocoa Beach has a few 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).

Public transit is quite limited in Daytona Beach. There's limited transportation options around town so you really must have a private vehicle. If you've been out drinking, you can call a taxi or an Uber.

Is Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Daytona Beach is not a good beach city 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.

Daytona Beach is not a very walkable beach town. This area requires a car if you want to access restaurants, nightlife, or anything away from your hotel.

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

Should I spend more time in Daytona Beach or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach?

Both Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Daytona Beach than in Cocoa Beach. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 7 days is enough time in Daytona Beach.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Daytona Beach. 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 Daytona Beach. 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 Daytona 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 Cocoa Beach.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adventurous destination of Cocoa Beach. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the party-hard beach city of Daytona Beach. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 Daytona Beach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cocoa Beach. Most people come for the beaches. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting the lively destination of Daytona Beach. This beach 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.

Five days in Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing destination of Cocoa Beach. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the energetic beach city of Daytona Beach. 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.

A week in Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach?

You'll find food and shopping around the beach town of Cocoa Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Visitors enjoy the live music and nightlife when visiting the destination of Daytona Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people visit for the nightlife. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this beach city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America, and The Best Adventure Tours to United States of America.

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

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 Daytona Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach?

Daytona Beach has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Daytona 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 Cocoa Beach or Daytona 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 Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Daytona Beach. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Daytona Beach for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite rainy in Daytona Beach. Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Daytona Beach. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Daytona Beach receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach in the Autumn?

Both Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Daytona Beach in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Daytona Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Daytona Beach averages at about 74°F (23°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Daytona Beach. It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Daytona Beach. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Daytona Beach receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach in the Winter?

Both Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Daytona Beach for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Cocoa Beach is generally a little warmer than Daytona Beach. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Daytona Beach fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in January than Daytona Beach. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Daytona Beach receives 2.8 inches (70 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Daytona Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Daytona Beach. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Daytona Beach because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Daytona Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Daytona Beach fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Daytona Beach. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Daytona Beach receives 2.2 inches (57 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Daytona Beach and Cocoa Beach