A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cape Canaveral vs. Everglades National Park for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park, 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.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a unique, natural, and wild national park. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Cape Canaveral and Everglades National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cape Canaveral. Although Cape Canaveral and Everglades National Park are popular destinations, Cape Canaveral has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cape Canaveral is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Everglades National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. 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. Everglades National Park is famous for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Everglades National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park?

Cape Canaveral
Everglades National Park

Cape Canaveral is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. However, Everglades National Park is not known 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.

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.


Is the Food Better in Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Canaveral
Everglades National Park

Cape Canaveral is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
Everglades National Park

Cape Canaveral is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known 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 Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
Everglades National Park

Cape Canaveral is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Everglades National Park 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.

Everglades National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
Everglades National Park

Cape Canaveral is very good for the beach. However, Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Cape Canaveral to enjoy the beach. 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.

Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park Better for Hiking?

Cape Canaveral
Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a great national park for hiking. However, Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Everglades National Park for the hiking trails. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park?

Cape Canaveral
Everglades National Park

Cape Canaveral is very good for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

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.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.


Is Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
Everglades National Park

Cape Canaveral is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-friendly activities.

Cape Canaveral is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Everglades National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.

Is Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
Everglades National Park

Cape Canaveral is a great town for couples. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

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.

Everglades National Park is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

Is Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Canaveral
Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a great national park for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Everglades National Park. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

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 Everglades National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cape Canaveral
Everglades National Park

Neither Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park offer decent public transit.

Public transit is quite limited 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.

Is Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

Everglades National Park is generally not a very walkable national park. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

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 Everglades National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Everglades National Park or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Canaveral and Everglades National Park. In our opinion, Cape Canaveral has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cape Canaveral than Everglades National Park. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 2-3 days is enough time in Everglades National Park.

Families should spend more time in Cape Canaveral than Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park.


  • How many days in Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Canaveral 1-3 
    Everglades National Park 2-3

One day in Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park?

With shopping and museums around the iconic town of Cape Canaveral, there's plenty to do. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Everglades National Park, you'll find . 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 Everglades National Park?

With museums and food around the fascinating destination of Cape Canaveral, there's plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park?

You'll find food and shopping around the unique town of Cape Canaveral. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One of the main draws to the area is 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 Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park?

Cape Canaveral is a great place to explore. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the national park of Everglades National Park. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park is $146. 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 Everglades National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    Everglades National Park $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    Everglades National Park $160
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Everglades National Park

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park? 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 Everglades National Park


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
    Everglades National Park $56

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: $281
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport: $281
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Windermere: $269
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Reunion: $269
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Ocoee: $254
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Lake Mary: $254
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Altamonte Springs: $247
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Sand Lake: $239
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to SeaWorld: $239
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to International Drive: $239
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to New Smyrna Beach: $239
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Melbourne: $215

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park?

Prices for flights to both Everglades National Park 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
    Everglades National Park $31

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
    Everglades National Park $28

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 Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • 2 Hour Chokoloskee Island Kayak Tour: $80
  • 4 Hour Everglades Kayak Tour: $120
  • 6 Hour Everglades Mangroves Kayak Tour: $200
  • Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 hours): $120
  • Everglades National Park Small Group Guided Boating & Walking Tour Expedition: $200
  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $48
  • Small Group Boat, Kayak and Walking Guided Eco Tour in Everglades National Park: $200
  • Small-Group Everglades Boating Kayaking and Walking Eco Tour: $200
  • Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    Everglades National Park $7.86


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

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 Everglades National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park?

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 Everglades National Park in the Summer?

Both Everglades National Park and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Everglades National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Everglades National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Everglades National Park fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Everglades National Park. It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Everglades National Park. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Canaveral 80°F (27°C) 
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park in the Autumn?

Both Everglades National Park and Cape Canaveral during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year.

In the autumn, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Everglades National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Canaveral in October average around 74°F (24°C), and Everglades National Park averages at about 78°F (26°C).

Everglades National Park 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 less rain in October than Everglades National Park. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November. Also, the hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Canaveral 74°F (24°C) 
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Everglades National Park. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Everglades National Park for the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Cape Canaveral is generally cooler than Everglades National Park. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 60°F (15°C), and Everglades National Park fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives around the same amount of rain as Everglades National Park. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Canaveral 60°F (15°C) 
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Everglades National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Everglades National Park. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Everglades National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Cape Canaveral is cooler than Everglades National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Everglades National Park fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in April than Everglades National Park. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Everglades National Park.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Canaveral 70°F (21°C) 
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Everglades National Park and Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral Everglades National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 65°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm)
Oct 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 62°F (16°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)