A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Boca Raton vs. Cocoa Beach for Beaches, Families, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Boca Raton or Cocoa 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 Boca Raton and Cocoa 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.

Boca Raton

Boca Raton is a posh, outdoorsy, and relaxed coastal city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Boca Raton travel costs.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a adventurous, fun-filled, and relaxing beach town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping. See Cocoa Beach travel costs.

Boca Raton and Cocoa Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Boca Raton. Although Boca Raton and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations, Boca Raton has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Boca Raton and is known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Boca Raton is famous for its golf courses, outdoor recreational activities, and safe atmosphere. It is also well known for Red Reef Park.

How is Boca Raton different from Cocoa Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Cocoa Beach and Boca Raton.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Boca Raton. While most visitors focus on the beaches and outdoor activities in the area, there are also a surprising number of museums that you can visit. On a rainy day head to the Boca Raton Museum of Art or the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum. Sports enthusiasts will like the Sports Immortals Museum and kids will want to check out the Children's Science Explorium.

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 Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Boca Raton and Cocoa Beach both to be excellent destinations.

Boca Raton has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find a mix of local and international flavors with both casual and upscale dining available. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekend nights. For the health-conscious, there's also a nice selection of healthy eateries to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cocoa Beach makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach Better for Nightlife?

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

Boca Raton has a large number of nightlife venues. You'll find plenty of upscale wine bars, cocktail bars, and live music venues that will keep you entertained late into the evening.

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 Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach Better for Resorts?

Boca Raton is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Boca Raton to choose from. You'll find many luxury beachside resorts that offer all of the amenities, from access to golf course to family-friendly kids clubs.

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 Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Boca Raton is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cocoa Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Boca Raton. Head to the "Aqua Zoo", which is just to the south of Boca Inlet to see stingrays, groupers, and moray eels. Red Reef Park offers excellent snorkeling as well.

Cocoa Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach Better for Beaches?

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

Boca Raton offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There's a two mile stretch of beautiful sandy beaches that are all monitored by lifeguards. The beaches offer all of the facilities that you might need such as picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. Many beaches are part of park land and some offer nice snorkeling. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Spanish River Park, Bark Park Dog Beach, Red Reef Beach, and South Beach Park.

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 Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach Better for Hiking?

Boca Raton is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Boca Raton offers some nice hiking trails. There's a surprising number of nature parks in the area that have hiking trails, nature walks, and beach paths that are fun to explore.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach?

Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton. It's an upscale area, and you'll find no shortage of luxury shopping around town. Popular areas for shopping include Downtown Boca, Mizner Park, and the Town Center at Boca Raton.

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 Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Boca Raton is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cocoa Beach is very family-friendly. 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.

Boca Raton is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's an upscale area with a family-friendly atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Many of the hotels have kids clubs that will keep the young ones entertained. The area also has nature centers, children's museums, and waterparks that will ensure everyone stays entertained.

Is Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach Better for Couples?

Boca Raton and Cocoa Beach both excellent destinations for a couple.

Boca Raton is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. There's an upscale vibe with plenty of nature trails and nice beaches. Many of the hotels offer a touch of luxury that honeymooning couples will appreciate. You can also head to the downtown area for music, events, and museums.

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.

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

Boca Raton and Cocoa Beach both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Boca Raton offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Downtowner is a fleet of free, oversized golf cars that shuttle visitors around town, passing by many top sites such as Mizner Park, Red Reef Park, and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center. There's also a public bus system, Palm Tran, that offers service around town.

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).

Is Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach a more walkable city?

Boca Raton and Cocoa Beach are nice when it comes to walkability.

Boca Raton is a somewhat walkable coastal city. There are some communities within the city that are more walkable than others, particularly East Boca Raton, Royal Palm Place, and Mizner Park. There are also many pedestrian and bike paths around town. Even so, you really must have a car to explore the area in depth.

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 Boca Raton Worth Visiting? and Is Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cocoa Beach or Boca Raton?

How long in Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton.

One day in Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the luxurious coastal city of Boca Raton. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Most people visit for the beaches. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the relaxing beach town of Cocoa Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the luxurious destination of Boca Raton. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Cocoa Beach, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this beach town.

Five days in Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the posh coastal city of Boca Raton. 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, a popular beach town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Boca Raton. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people visit for the beaches. 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. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Wildlife Tours to United States of America, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, and The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Boca Raton and Cocoa Beach, we can see that Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton Expensive? and Is Cocoa Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach?

Boca Raton has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Boca Raton 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 Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Boca Raton and Cocoa Beach. The summer months attract visitors to Boca Raton because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year.

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

Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Boca Raton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Boca Raton usually receives less rain than Cocoa Beach. Boca Raton gets 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Boca Raton as well as Cocoa Beach. The hiking trails and the shopping scene are the main draw to Boca Raton this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Cocoa Beach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Boca Raton in October average around 78°F (25°C), and Cocoa Beach averages at about 77°F (25°C).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. Boca Raton receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Boca Raton usually gets more rain in October than Cocoa Beach. Boca Raton gets 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Boca Raton is June to November. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach in the Winter?

Both Cocoa Beach and Boca Raton are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Boca Raton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Boca Raton is generally around the same temperature as Cocoa Beach. Daily temperatures in Boca Raton average around 65°F (19°C), and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

In January, Boca Raton usually receives more rain than Cocoa Beach. Boca Raton gets 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Boca Raton or Cocoa Beach in the Spring?

Both Cocoa Beach and Boca Raton during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Boca Raton in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months.

Boca Raton is around the same temperature as Cocoa Beach in the spring. The daily temperature in Boca Raton averages around 74°F (23°C) in April, and Cocoa Beach fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Boca Raton usually gets more rain in April than Cocoa Beach. Boca Raton gets 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain, while Cocoa Beach receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Boca Raton. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Typical Weather for Cocoa Beach and Boca Raton