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

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge, 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 fascinating, wonder-filled, and unique town. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Columbia River Gorge

Columbia River Gorge is a beautiful, scenic, and natural region. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Cape Canaveral and Columbia River Gorge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Cape Canaveral have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Cape Canaveral is better known for its museums, resorts, and beaches, while Columbia River Gorge is more popular for its food, nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cape Canaveral is well known for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. Columbia River Gorge is well known for its hiking, biking, and high number of waterfalls.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Columbia River Gorge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Cape Canaveral is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a good region for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Cape Canaveral that are not to be missed. 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.

While most people don't head to Columbia River Gorge specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most visitors spend their time exploring the region's natural beauty.

Is the Food Better in Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Columbia River Gorge is a great region 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.

Columbia River Gorge has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find many great restaurants in the area that serve local dishes that make use of the region's agricultural scene.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Nightlife?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge has a few options to choose from. Local breweries, wineries, and bars offer a relaxing setting with a local vibe.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Cape Canaveral has a handful of resorts to choose from. 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a resort destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Columbia River Gorge 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.

Columbia River Gorge is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge Better for Hiking?

Columbia River Gorge is a great region for hiking. However, Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails. There are world-class hikes that take you to iconic waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints, and along scenic waterways.

Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cape Canaveral and Columbia River Gorge both offer plenty of notable 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.

Columbia River Gorge is a great destination for shopping. Art galleries feature local artwork and artisan crafts. There are photography shops and other venues that sell items highlighting the region's beauty.

Is Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Columbia River Gorge is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Columbia River Gorge is very family-friendly. Kids will love exploring the waterfalls and mountains as much as the adults do. There are kid-friendly hikes as well as bakeries and restaurants with many kid options.

Is Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral and Columbia River Gorge are both superb 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.

Columbia River Gorge is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will love the romantic hikes and waterfalls. There are also beautiful scenic viewpoints and wonderful restaurants.

Is Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Columbia River Gorge is a great region for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Columbia River Gorge. You'll find hostels and campgrounds in the area that are perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Columbia River Gorge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge. There are some buses, but don't rely on them to efficiently explore.

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 Columbia River Gorge a more walkable city?

Neither Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge are walkable places.

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

Columbia River Gorge is not a walkable town. You really need a car to explore the area, but some visitors rely on a bike.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia River Gorge or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Canaveral and Columbia River Gorge. In our opinion, Columbia River Gorge has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Columbia River Gorge than Cape Canaveral. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 2-3 days is enough time in Columbia River Gorge.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Columbia River Gorge 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 Columbia River Gorge.

One day in Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Cape Canaveral. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Canaveral has to offer.

In Columbia River Gorge, you'll find nightlife and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge?

Cape Canaveral is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

Columbia River Gorge is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Many people visit Cape Canaveral for five days. You'll find museums and food around the town of Cape Canaveral. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Columbia River Gorge. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Columbia River Gorge?

The wonder-filled destination of Cape Canaveral offers food and shopping. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the region of Columbia River Gorge. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

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

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 Columbia River Gorge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge?

Columbia River Gorge has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and Columbia River Gorge, 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 Columbia River Gorge?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge in the Summer?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Cape Canaveral during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Columbia River Gorge this time of year.

In the summer, Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Canaveral in July average around 80°F (27°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in July than Columbia River Gorge. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Columbia River Gorge. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Columbia River Gorge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cape Canaveral is generally much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 74°F (24°C), and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Cape Canaveral gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Columbia River Gorge. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Columbia River Gorge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Columbia River Gorge can get quite cold in the winter. Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Columbia River Gorge fluctuates around 40°F (4°C).

It's quite rainy in Columbia River Gorge. Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in January than Columbia River Gorge. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Columbia River Gorge in the Spring?

Both Columbia River Gorge and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Columbia River Gorge for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Columbia River Gorge. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Canaveral in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Columbia River Gorge averages at about 51°F (11°C).

In April, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Columbia River Gorge. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Columbia River Gorge receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Cape Canaveral is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Columbia River Gorge and Cape Canaveral