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

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod, 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.

Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a wealthy, maritime, and beautiful beach destination. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Cape Canaveral and Cape Cod: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod?

Both Cape Cod and Cape Canaveral have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Cape Canaveral is very popular for its museums and nightlife, while Cape Cod attracts visitors for its food, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cape Canaveral is famous for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. Cape Cod is famous for its long scenic coastline, charming compact towns, and magnificent migrating whales.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Cape Cod?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Canaveral
Cape Cod

Cape Canaveral is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Cape Cod does not have 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.

Cape Cod does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Cape Canaveral
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a great beach destination 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.

Cape Cod has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The region is famous for its fresh seafood and popular dishes include the fried clams and broiled lobster. There are also many diners and brunch cafes where you can enjoy pancakes or eggs benedict.

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 Cape Cod Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
Cape Cod

Cape Canaveral is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Cape Cod is not a good destination for nightlife.

Cape Canaveral doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Cape Cod for the nightlife. This area isn't really known for its nightlife, but the downtown of Hyannis has some activity at night.

Is Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
Cape Cod

With a similar set of options, nice resorts can be found in both Cape Canaveral and Cape Cod.

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.

Cape Cod has a handful of resorts to choose from. Wequassett Resort and Golf Club, White Elephant Resorts, and Chatham Bars Inn are favorite resorts in the Cape Cod area.


Is Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a great beach destination for the beach. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cape Cod. Beaches in the area include long stretches of soft sand as well as tidal pools where kids can play. Several of the best beaches around Cape Cod include Mayflower Beach, Marconi Beach, and Race Point Beach.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cape Canaveral. 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.

Is Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod Better for Hiking?

Cape Canaveral
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Cape Cod has hiking trails worth exploring. Hikes range from casual strolls to longer trails. Popular options include Bass Hole Boardwalk in Yarmouth and the 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail.

Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod?

Cape Canaveral
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a great beach destination 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 Cape Cod. Many of the area's towns have charming Main Streets where you can enjoy shopping and dining.

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 Cape Cod Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
Cape Cod

Cape Canaveral is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cape Cod is not as popular, but is still a nice beach 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.

Cape Cod is a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal towns have a number of kid-friendly activities. In the Upper Cape, Falmouth is one of the best towns for families. On Mid Cape, Dennis and Yarmouth are both kid-friendly. Dennis has a resorty vibe and Yarmouth has kid-friendly museums. On the Lower Cape, both Harwich and Orleans are family-friendly options.

Is Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
Cape Cod

Cape Canaveral and Cape Cod 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.

Cape Cod is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its charming character and relaxing beach setting, honeymooners and couples will appreciate all that the area has to offer. There are peaceful settings and charming villages to explore. There are also award-winning restaurants and beautiful views.

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

Cape Canaveral
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cape Cod. While there are buses and shuttles to help you get around, a car really is necessary to explore the area.

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 Cape Cod a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
Cape Cod

Cape Cod is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

Cape Cod is a somewhat walkable beach destination. Many of the small towns in the area have compact and walkable areas, but the region is spread out so it's helpful to have a car to get from place to place.

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 Cape Cod Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cape Cod or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod?

Both Cape Canaveral and Cape Cod have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cape Cod than in Cape Canaveral. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 5-7 days is enough time in Cape Cod.

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


  • How many days in Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Canaveral 1-3 
    Cape Cod 5-7

One day in Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod?

The town of Cape Canaveral offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Cape Cod might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod?

Cape Canaveral is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cape Canaveral, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Cape Cod is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.


Five days in Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod?

Cape Canaveral is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Cod. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod?

Cape Canaveral is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Cape Cod is a small town with plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.


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, Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod is $183. 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 Cape Cod in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    Cape Cod $92
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    Cape Cod $184
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Cape Cod

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod? 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 Cape Cod


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    Cape Cod $50

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 Cape Cod?

Prices for flights to both Cape Cod 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
    Cape Cod $60

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
    Cape Cod $27

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 Cape Cod

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

  • National Seashore Tour with Guided Hike: $65
  • 3-Hour Private Sightseeing Outdoor Escape Game in Eastham: $39
  • Cape Cod Explorer Tour: $80
  • Cape Cod Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Cape Cod Sunset Kayak Tour: $80
  • Kayak The Creek Nature Tour: $80
  • Mayflower Trolley Tour!: $36
  • Plymouth Puzzling Adventure: $35
  • Private Open-Air Pedicab Tour in Provincetown: $117
  • Private Province Town Pedicab Tour: $149
  • The Anne Hutchinson Tour of Provincetown: $30
  • Truro Cape Cod Lighthouse and Highland House Museum Tour: $65

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    Cape Cod $19


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

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 Cape Cod Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod?

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 Cape Cod in the Summer?

Both Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Cape Cod in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Cape Cod. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Canaveral 80°F (27°C) 
    Cape Cod 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod in the Autumn?

Both Cape Cod 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 Cape Cod for the hiking trails, 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 Cape Cod. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Canaveral in October average around 74°F (24°C), and Cape Cod averages at about 53°F (12°C).

Cape Cod gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Cape Cod. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.4 inches (111 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) 
    Cape Cod 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Cape Cod. 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 Cape Cod because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Cape Cod can be very cold. In January, Cape Canaveral is generally much warmer than Cape Cod. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 60°F (15°C), and Cape Cod fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Cape Cod receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than Cape Cod. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Canaveral 60°F (15°C) 
    Cape Cod 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Cape Cod in the Spring?

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

Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Cape Cod in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Cape Cod fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

It's quite rainy in Cape Cod. Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in April than Cape Cod. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Cape Cod receives 4.1 inches (103 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) 
    Cape Cod 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Cape Cod and Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral Cape Cod
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 65°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 62°F (16°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)