A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Acapulco de Juarez vs. Cocoa Beach for Nightlife, Resorts, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach?

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

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez 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.

Acapulco de Juarez

Acapulco de Juarez is a vibrant, built-up, and well-known city. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Cocoa Beach

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

Acapulco de Juarez and Cocoa Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Acapulco de Juarez. Although Acapulco de Juarez and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations, Acapulco de Juarez has more sights and attractions for tourists. Acapulco de Juarez is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling, while Cocoa Beach attracts visitors for its museums & sights and food. Acapulco de Juarez is famous for its large hotels, golf courses, and lively bars and clubs. It is also well known for the cliff divers of La Quebrada. Cocoa Beach is famous for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.

How is Acapulco de Juarez different from Cocoa Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach?

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Acapulco de Juarez is a city 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 Acapulco de Juarez specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of history and cultural museums in the city that can be a nice way to spend a rainy day.

Is the Food Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez. The local cuisine is influenced by the area's indigenous cultures combined with Hispanic influences. Seafood is common as well.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach Better for Nightlife?

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

Acapulco de Juarez is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The nightlife scene is part of what originally put this city on the map. Spring break is a prime time for partying and you'll find many bars along Costera Street, with the liveliest around Condesa 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 Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach Better for Resorts?

Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez for its luxury resorts. You'll find no shortage of resorts in the city, most with large pools and beachfront views.

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 Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Acapulco de Juarez is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cocoa Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Acapulco de Juarez. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and scuba diving trips to premier spots.

Cocoa Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Acapulco de Juarez and Cocoa Beach are superb choices.

Acapulco de Juarez is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are well developed with restaurants, hotels and bars lining the long stretches of sand. You'll find all kinds of water sports and activities nearby and several of the most popular beaches include Condesa Beach, Caleta Beach, and Icacos Beach.

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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 the Shopping Better in Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Cocoa Beach and Acapulco de Juarez.

Many visitors go to Acapulco de Juarez to go shopping. You'll find tons of beachside shops where you can pick up any beach supplies you may need as well as souvenirs from your trip. The city also has retail outlets and shopping centers.

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 Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Acapulco de Juarez is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Acapulco de Juarez is a very family-friendly destination. It may have been made famous by spring breakers, but families with kids will find plenty to do as well. There are water parks, playgrounds, museums and, of course, the beach.

Is Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach Better for Couples?

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

Acapulco de Juarez is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Whether you're looking for an active nightlife scene, or romantic sunset walks, then this city has it all. The beach is active and beautiful, there are also botanical gardens and wonderful restaurants to experience.

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 Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez and Cocoa Beach.

You'll find some public transit in Acapulco de Juarez, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's an elaborate and fun bus system that travels around the city.

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 Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach a more walkable city?

Acapulco de Juarez and Cocoa Beach both are nice when exploring on foot.

Acapulco de Juarez is a somewhat walkable city. The downtown and beachfront areas are the most walkable and many sights are within a short distance of each other.

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 Acapulco de Juarez Worth Visiting? and Is Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cocoa Beach or Acapulco de Juarez?

How long in Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach?

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

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

One day in Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the well-known city of Acapulco de Juarez. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the adventurous destination of Cocoa Beach. This beach town offers something for everyone. 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 Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the built-up destination of Acapulco de Juarez. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Cocoa Beach is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the relaxing beach town of Cocoa Beach. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cocoa Beach has to offer.

Five days in Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the built-up city of Acapulco de Juarez. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Cocoa Beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cocoa Beach has to offer.

A week in Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach?

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

Cocoa Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico, The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, and The Best Walking Tours in United States of America.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach?

Acapulco de Juarez has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez 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 Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Acapulco de Juarez as well as Cocoa Beach. Most visitors come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches, snorkeling, 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.

Acapulco de Juarez is around the same temperature as Cocoa Beach in the summer. The daily temperature in Acapulco de Juarez averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 81°F (27°C).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. Acapulco de Juarez receives a lot of rain in the summer. Acapulco de Juarez usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Cocoa Beach. Acapulco de Juarez gets 209 mm (8.2 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach in the Autumn?

Both Cocoa Beach and Acapulco de Juarez are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Acapulco de Juarez because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year.

In the autumn, Acapulco de Juarez is a little warmer than Cocoa Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez in October average around 28°C (83°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 Acapulco de Juarez. In October, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives more rain than Cocoa Beach. Acapulco de Juarez gets 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach in the Winter?

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

In January, Acapulco de Juarez is generally much warmer than Cocoa Beach. Daily temperatures in Acapulco de Juarez average around 26°C (79°F), and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Acapulco de Juarez usually gets less rain in January than Cocoa Beach. Acapulco de Juarez gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Acapulco de Juarez or Cocoa Beach in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Acapulco de Juarez and Cocoa Beach. Many travelers come to Acapulco de Juarez for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the spring for the beaches.

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

In April, Acapulco de Juarez usually receives less rain than Cocoa Beach. Acapulco de Juarez gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Cocoa Beach and Acapulco de Juarez