A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Canaveral vs. Alexandria for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Alexandria?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Alexandria, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral is a iconic, fascinating, and wonder-filled town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Alexandria

Alexandria is a charming, quaint, and historic city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cape Canaveral and Alexandria: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mount Vernon
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Alexandria?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Alexandria. Although Cape Canaveral and Alexandria are popular destinations, Alexandria has more sights and attractions for tourists. Alexandria is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cape Canaveral attracts visitors for its museums, resorts, and beaches. Cape Canaveral is famous for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. Alexandria is famous for its long-running history, beautiful architecture, and small town atmosphere. It is also well known for Mount Vernon.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Alexandria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Canaveral or Alexandria?

Cape Canaveral
Alexandria

Cape Canaveral is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Alexandria is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Cape Canaveral has many famous sights for visitors. The area has become synonymous with the Kennedy Space Center. Visitors head to the Space Coast to see the museums, learn about the space program, or possibly even see a rocket launch. The attractions are world class and offer a truly unique glimpse into the evolution of space travel.

Alexandria offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. George Washington's Mount Vernon home is an iconic destination in Alexandria. There are also many other museums in town that focus on the region's history. The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and the Gadsby's Tavern Museum are both interesting. There's Gunston Hall and the Carlyle House, as well as an archeology museum and many historic landmarks around town.


Is the Food Better in Cape Canaveral or Alexandria? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Canaveral
Alexandria

Dining out at restaurants in both Cape Canaveral and Alexandria can be an enjoyable experience.

Cape Canaveral is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a small town but there's no shortage of excellent seafood in the area. Many restaurants have outdoor seating and patios that let you take advantage of the Florida sunshine. You'll find crab, mussels, shrimp, and clams on many menus around town.

Alexandria offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The food, like the city itself, reflects the area's history. There are many southern classic dishes as well as a lot of seafood. You'll find lots of local restaurants that serve high quality dishes and a quaint atmosphere.

Is Cape Canaveral or Alexandria Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
Alexandria

Alexandria is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Alexandria has a few options to choose from. There's a great bar scene, as well as tons of restaurants that make for a relaxing night out.

Most people don't head to Cape Canaveral specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The area isn't known for its nightlife scene, but there are enough places that you can go out for a good meal and drink.

Is Cape Canaveral or Alexandria Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
Alexandria

Cape Canaveral is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Alexandria is not a resort destination.

Cape Canaveral has a few great resort options. There are a number of resorts in the area that attract visitors. Some of the most popular are the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Resort and the Radisson Resort.

Alexandria is not a resort destination.


Is Cape Canaveral or Alexandria Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
Alexandria

Cape Canaveral is a good destination for the beach. However, Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Cape Canaveral offers a nice beach destination. You'll likely want to head to the Cocoa Beach area for the best beaches. Jetty Park Beach and Pier is one of the most popular nearby areas for fishing and camping, but visitors must purchase a pass. Other popular beaches include Playalinda Beach and Cherie Down Park.

Alexandria is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Alexandria Better for its Old Town?

Cape Canaveral
Alexandria

Alexandria is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Canaveral does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Alexandria offers plenty to see. At the heart of the city is the historic old town. Its lined with townhomes that date back to the 18th century. There are many historic sights that have stories from the early days of the country. There are also cobblestone streets and a great waterfront.

Cape Canaveral does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Alexandria?

Cape Canaveral
Alexandria

Alexandria is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Alexandria. King Street is the main shopping street in town and it offers the largest concentration of independently owned boutiques in the Washington D.C. area. It's the perfectly place to spend an afternoon shopping.

Cape Canaveral is a great destination for shopping. There are some nice local shopping areas around town. For a little retail therapy, head to Banana River Square, White Rose Shopping Center, or Belair Courtyard.


Is Cape Canaveral or Alexandria Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
Alexandria

Cape Canaveral is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Alexandria is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cape Canaveral is very family-friendly. What sets this area apart is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. There are many kid-friendly activities that outer space enthusiasts will love. Planet Play is a highlight, and if your timing is right, you might even see a rocket launch. In addition to the Kennedy Space Center, the area is a quintessential beach town. There are parks and outdoor areas as well as places where kids can interact with animals.

Alexandria is not the most family-friendly destination. The waterfront area is nice to walk around. You can break up the history with an ice cream shop and kids will also enjoy taking a boat tour.

Is Cape Canaveral or Alexandria Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
Alexandria

Cape Canaveral and Alexandria are both great to visit as a couple.

Cape Canaveral is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful Florida beaches, combined with the unique opportunity to visit the Kennedy Space Center, make this a fascinating couple's destination. There are also many nice restaurants and great places to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

Alexandria is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charm of the old town makes this a quaint and romantic destination. There's a waterfront area and many historic buildings. There are also romantic restaurants and plenty of places to grab brunch.

Is Cape Canaveral or Alexandria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Canaveral
Alexandria

Alexandria is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Alexandria. There aren't any true hostels in town, but you will find some cheap motels.

Cape Canaveral is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You won't find any hostels in the area, but you may have some luck finding affordable accommodation nearby.


Is Cape Canaveral or Alexandria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cape Canaveral
Alexandria

Alexandria is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its public transit.

Visitors in Alexandria can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. DASH is the local bus system, but the city is also connected into the Washington DC metro system.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cape Canaveral. There are very limited public transportation options, but there are a few shuttle buses and SCAT (the Space Coast Area Transit). Route 9 travels from Cocoa to Port Canaveral with service available Monday through Saturday.

Is Cape Canaveral or Alexandria a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
Alexandria

Alexandria is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

Alexandria is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's a very easy city to walk around, particularly in the historic heart where most tourists spend their time.

Cape Canaveral is not a walkable town. It's not a walkable area, which can be particularly challenging if you're arriving by cruise ship.

For even more information, also check out Is Cape Canaveral Worth Visiting? and Is Alexandria Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Alexandria or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Alexandria?

It's fun to spend time in either Cape Canaveral or Alexandria. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alexandria due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alexandria.

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

Couples should spend more time in Alexandria than Cape Canaveral. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Alexandria that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Alexandria than Cape Canaveral 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 Alexandria.


  • How many days in Cape Canaveral or Alexandria? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Canaveral 1-3 
    Alexandria 2-4

One day in Cape Canaveral or Alexandria?

With museums and food around the unique town of Cape Canaveral, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cape Canaveral, one day is sufficent for most.

In Alexandria, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Alexandria?

With food and shopping around the destination of Cape Canaveral, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Alexandria is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Cape Canaveral or Alexandria?

Cape Canaveral, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alexandria. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cape Canaveral or Alexandria?

Cape Canaveral is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Alexandria. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.


Which place is cheaper, Alexandria or Cape Canaveral?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Canaveral is $220, while the average daily cost in Alexandria is $0.00. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Cape Canaveral and Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    Alexandria $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    Alexandria $76
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral or Alexandria? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Cape Canaveral


Hotels in Alexandria


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    Alexandria -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

Also for Cape Canaveral, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $282
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport: $282
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Windermere: $270
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Reunion: $270
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Ocoee: $254
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Celebration: $247
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Altamonte Springs: $246
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Sand Lake: $239
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to SeaWorld: $239
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to New Smyrna Beach: $239
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Pointe Orlando: $232
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Melbourne: $216

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Canaveral or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria and Cape Canaveral change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Cape Canaveral $43
    Alexandria -

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cape Canaveral

For Cape Canaveral, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Port Canaveral Food Tours : $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $17
    Alexandria -

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cape Canaveral.

  • Cape Canaveral Private Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructor: $70
  • Wizard of Oz Museum Entry Ticket: $32
  • Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket: $58
  • Cocoa Beach Night Time Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $79
  • Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area: $65
  • Fully Guided Kayaking Backwater Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $75
  • SUP Paddleboard Lesson and Tour - Port Canaveral & Cocoa Beach: $95
  • Self-Guided Kayaking Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $55
  • Two Hour Bioluminescence Kayak Tour Near Orlando: $60
  • Victory Cruises Casino Luxury Transportation: $75
  • Wizard of OZ Museum Ticket with Guided Tour by the Owner: $125
  • Wizard of OZ Museum tour: $30

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Alexandria.

  • American Revolution Guided Walking Tour: $30
  • Full-Day Bike Tour to Mt Vernon w/ Optional Boat: $68
  • Phantoms of the Potomac Walking Tour: $26
  • Private Tour of George Washington's Mount Vernon: $165
  • Ultimate Dead of Night Walking Ghost Tour: $38
  • Old Town Alexandria Tour: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Old Town Southern Comfort Food & History Tour: $127
  • Philadelphia Tour from Alexandria by Rail: $329

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    Alexandria -

Sample the Local Flavors in Alexandria

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Alexandria:

  • Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and Alexandria, 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 Cape Canaveral or Alexandria?

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 Cape Canaveral or Alexandria in the Summer?

Both Alexandria and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Alexandria in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Alexandria in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Alexandria fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Alexandria. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Canaveral 80°F (27°C) 
    Alexandria 79°F (26°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Cape Canaveral during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Alexandria for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Alexandria. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Canaveral in October average around 74°F (24°C), and Alexandria averages at about 60°F (15°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in October than Alexandria. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Canaveral 74°F (24°C) 
    Alexandria 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Alexandria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Alexandria. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Alexandria because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Alexandria can be very cold. In January, Cape Canaveral is generally much warmer than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 60°F (15°C), and Alexandria fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Canaveral 60°F (15°C) 
    Alexandria 35°F (1°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Alexandria. The spring months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the beaches. Additionally, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Alexandria this time of year.

Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Alexandria in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Alexandria fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Alexandria. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Alexandria receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Canaveral 70°F (21°C) 
    Alexandria 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 35°F (1°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 37°F (3°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 65°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 47°F (8°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 56°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (72 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 66°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 75°F (24°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 79°F (26°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 78°F (26°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 71°F (22°C) 3.3 inches (85 mm)
Oct 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 60°F (15°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Dec 62°F (16°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 39°F (4°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)