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

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Arlington?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Arlington, 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 wonder-filled, unique, and iconic town. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Arlington

Arlington is a educational, international, and historical city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cape Canaveral and Arlington: 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
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Home to Arlington National Cemetery
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Arlington?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cape Canaveral. Although Cape Canaveral and Arlington are popular destinations, Cape Canaveral has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cape Canaveral is very popular for its museums, resorts, and beaches, while Arlington attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Cape Canaveral is famous for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. It is also well known for The Kennedy Space Center. Arlington is famous for its international connections, its biking and walking trails, and being the location of the Pentagon.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Arlington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Canaveral
Arlington

Cape Canaveral is terrific for its museums and history. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Arlington. Arlington National Cemetery is where you'll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as the tomb of John F. Kennedy Jr. There are many memorials around town, with the most famous being the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial. There are also several museums like the DEA Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.


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

Cape Canaveral
Arlington

Arlington is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Arlington has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's a global city, and the restaurants reflect that. You'll find amazing Thai, Japanese, and Mexican restaurants. There are also less common cuisines to choose from such as Ethiopian, Moroccan, and Peruvian.

Cape Canaveral offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Is Cape Canaveral or Arlington Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
Arlington

Arlington is a great city for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Arlington has something for everybody. The city has a huge young population that drives the nightlife scene. There are clubs, bars, and lounges in many neighborhoods. There are also comedy clubs and plenty of live music.

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 Arlington Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
Arlington

Cape Canaveral is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Arlington 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.

Arlington is not a resort destination.


Is Cape Canaveral or Arlington Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
Arlington

Cape Canaveral is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Arlington is not a beach destination.

Cape Canaveral has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Arlington is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Arlington?

Cape Canaveral
Arlington

If you're looking to go shopping, Cape Canaveral and Arlington both offer plenty of nice spots.

Cape Canaveral has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Arlington is a great destination for shopping. Many neighborhoods have local shops or farmer's markets. There are also shopping centers and malls such as Ballston Quarter, The Crossing Clarendon, and The Village at Shirlington.

Is Cape Canaveral or Arlington Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
Arlington

Cape Canaveral is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cape Canaveral is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Arlington. Kids will enjoy seeing the planes talk off from Gravelly Point park. There are also plenty of outdoor spaces and educational opportunities in the area, including world class museums.


Is Cape Canaveral or Arlington Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
Arlington

Cape Canaveral is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Arlington is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cape Canaveral makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Arlington is a nice destination for couples. There's a vibrant cultural scene and many international restaurants that couples can enjoy. It's also a great place to take in a show or concert.

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

Cape Canaveral
Arlington

Arlington is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Arlington. There are a couple of hostels and many free activities nearby. There's also great public transportation that makes for a convenient backpacker destination.

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 Arlington Better for Students?

Cape Canaveral
Arlington

Arlington is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.

Arlington is a great city to visit as a student. There are a huge number of colleges and museums in the area as well as many great internship and educational opportunities.

Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.


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

Cape Canaveral
Arlington

Arlington 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 Arlington can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is a reliable bus system around town as well as many metro connections.

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 Arlington a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
Arlington

Arlington is a great city for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

Arlington is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian-friendly areas around town, particularly in the neighborhoods that are concentrated around metro stations.

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 Arlington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Arlington or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Arlington?

It's fun to spend time in either Cape Canaveral or Arlington. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Arlington 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 Arlington.

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

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


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

One day in Cape Canaveral or Arlington?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Cape Canaveral. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Canaveral has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Arlington, you'll find museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Arlington?

You'll find museums and food around the wonder-filled destination of Cape Canaveral. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Arlington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Arlington?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the unique town of Cape Canaveral. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arlington. 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 Arlington?

Cape Canaveral is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Arlington. 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, Arlington 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 Arlington is $264. 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 Arlington in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    Arlington $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    Arlington $262
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Arlington

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral or Arlington? 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 Arlington


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: Arlington Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    Arlington $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Round Trip NASA Space Center/Port Canaveral Private Transfer: $67
  • Round Trip MCO Orlando Airport/Port Canaveral Private Transfer: $170
  • Private Transfer: Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO in Luxury SUV: $113
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Windermere: $270
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to SeaWorld: $239
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Sand Lake: $239
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Reunion: $270
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Pointe Orlando: $232
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport: $282
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $282
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Ocoee: $254
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to New Smyrna Beach: $239

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Arlington

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

  • Ronald Reagan DCA Airport Transfers: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Canaveral or Arlington?

Prices for flights to both Arlington 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
    Arlington $81

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
    Arlington $11

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    Arlington $17


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

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 Arlington Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Arlington?

Arlington has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and Arlington, 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 Arlington?

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 Arlington in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Arlington. The summer months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Arlington this time of year.

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

Cape Canaveral gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Arlington. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Arlington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Arlington in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Arlington. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Arlington for the shopping scene.

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

Cape Canaveral receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in October than Arlington. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Arlington 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) 
    Arlington 60°F (15°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Arlington in the Winter?

Both Arlington and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Arlington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Arlington can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Cape Canaveral is generally much warmer than Arlington. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 60°F (15°C), and Arlington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

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


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

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Arlington in the Spring?

Both Arlington and Cape Canaveral during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the spring for the beaches.

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

Cape Canaveral usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Arlington. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Arlington 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) 
    Arlington 56°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Arlington and Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral Arlington
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)