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

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks?

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

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

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a unique, outdoorsy, and remote city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, hiking, and shopping.

Cape Canaveral and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cape Canaveral. Although Cape Canaveral and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Cape Canaveral has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cape Canaveral is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cape Canaveral is more touristy than Fairbanks and is known 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. Fairbanks is famous for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is adequate for skiing. However, Cape Canaveral is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Fairbanks for snow skiing. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Cape Canaveral is not a skiing destination.

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

Cape Canaveral is an amazing town to visit for its museums and history. Also, Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

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

Cape Canaveral is a popular place for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral is a decent place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cape Canaveral. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral is a popular place for the beach. However, Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Cape Canaveral is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks is a great city for hiking. However, Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Fairbanks for the hiking trails. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cape Canaveral and Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is a great destination for shopping. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Is Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Cape Canaveral is a very family-friendly destination. 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 Fairbanks. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

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

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

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Fairbanks. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

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 Fairbanks Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Neither Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Neither Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is not a walkable town. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks?

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

Families should spend more time in Cape Canaveral than Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks.

One day in Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks?

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 Fairbanks, you'll find museums and shopping. 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 Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and food around the fascinating 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.

Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the iconic 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 Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks?

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 Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks, we can see that Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks?

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 Fairbanks in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Fairbanks. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 80°F (27°C) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

Cape Canaveral gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. In the autumn, Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Canaveral in October average around 74°F (24°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

Cape Canaveral receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks in the Winter?

Both Fairbanks and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Fairbanks this time of year.

It's quite cold in Fairbanks in the winter. In January, Cape Canaveral is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 60°F (15°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Fairbanks in the Spring?

Both Fairbanks and Cape Canaveral during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Fairbanks. Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Cape Canaveral