A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cape Canaveral vs. Fort Lauderdale for Resorts, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale, 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 unique, iconic, and fascinating town. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a spirited, luxury, and high energy coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Cape Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Fort Lauderdale than Cape Canaveral, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Fort Lauderdale is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Cape Canaveral is more popular for its museums. Fort Lauderdale is more touristy than Cape Canaveral and is popular for its canals, beaches, walkable waterfront, and luxury resorts. Also, Fort Lauderdale is famous for The Local Beaches. 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.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Fort Lauderdale?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Canaveral is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Fort Lauderdale does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Cape Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

Fort Lauderdale offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Seafood is the obvious option with popular dishes being fish tacos, sea bass, and scallop risotto. There are many waterfront restaurants or you could head to Las Olas Boulevard, which has many bistros, cafes, and restaurants.

Is Cape Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Fort Lauderdale has something for everybody. Trendy and upscale partying is the name of the game in this Florida city. Most people head to the beach, Las Olas Blvd, River Front and The New Hard Rock Seminole Hotel Complex for the best bars and clubs. You'll find the most activity around the weekends, but there really is something going on any night of the week.

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 Fort Lauderdale Better for Resorts?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Fort Lauderdale offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury beachfront resorts are plentiful in the area. Several of the most impressive include the Ritz-Carlton, W Fort Lauderdale, and the Dalmar. Most resorts have a beachfront pool, hot tubs, and depending on the resort, a kid's club.

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.

Is Cape Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fort Lauderdale is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Canaveral is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Fort Lauderdale has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Although the snorkeling doesn't compare to what you'll find further south around the Florida Keys, there are some great places to pull your mask and fins out in the area. Popular snorkeling spots nearby include the Vista Park Reef, Pompano Beach, and Hollywood North Beach Park.

Cape Canaveral is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale Better for Beaches?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

The beaches in Fort Lauderdale are among the best in the world. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches, a fun boardwalk, and impressive views, the beaches here are among the best in the area. They are surprisingly walkable and, while there can be crowds, there's still a laid-back and relaxing atmosphere.

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 the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale?

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

Fort Lauderdale is a great destination for shopping. For interesting local boutiques head to Las Olas Boulevard and for name brand stores you'll want to visit Sawgrass Mills Mall.

Is Cape Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Fort Lauderdale is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Fort Lauderdale is very family-friendly. With seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches and a number of kid-oriented activities, the kids will love it here. Fun activities include Bluefoot Pirate Adventures, Butterfly World, and Funderdome. On sunny days there are many outdoor recreation areas and when the weather isn't cooperating, there are hands-on museums.

Is Cape Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale Better for Couples?

Fort Lauderdale is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Fort Lauderdale has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Fine dining, beautiful beaches, and great shopping make for a great romantic getaway. Couples and honeymooners love relaxing at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. A sunset walk on the beach and a stay at a romantic resort will make for an unforgettable trip.

Cape Canaveral is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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

Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale. Transportation options include a water taxi and the Sun Trolley Hop-on Bus.

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 Fort Lauderdale a more walkable city?

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

Fort Lauderdale is a very walkable destination. It is one of the most walkable Florida communities with a boardwalk and several pedestrian areas that are fun to wander around.

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 Fort Lauderdale Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fort Lauderdale or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale?

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

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

One day in Cape Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale?

The wonder-filled destination of Cape Canaveral offers shopping and museums. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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 Fort Lauderdale?

The town of Cape Canaveral offers museums and food. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Fort Lauderdale is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Fort Lauderdale?

Cape Canaveral is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. 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 Fort Lauderdale. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Cape Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Cape Canaveral. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Fort Lauderdale, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. 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 reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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.

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

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 Fort Lauderdale Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale?

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

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 Fort Lauderdale in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Fort Lauderdale. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Fort Lauderdale in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Canaveral in July average around 80°F (27°C), and Fort Lauderdale averages at about 83°F (28°C).

It's quite rainy in Fort Lauderdale. Cape Canaveral receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in July than Fort Lauderdale. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale in the Autumn?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Fort Lauderdale for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Cape Canaveral is generally around the same temperature as Fort Lauderdale. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 74°F (24°C), and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fort Lauderdale. It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In October, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than Fort Lauderdale. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale in the Winter?

Both Fort Lauderdale and Cape Canaveral during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Fort Lauderdale because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Cape Canaveral is cooler than Fort Lauderdale in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Fort Lauderdale fluctuates around 67°F (20°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Fort Lauderdale. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Fort Lauderdale in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Fort Lauderdale. The spring months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Fort Lauderdale this time of year.

In the spring, Cape Canaveral is cooler than Fort Lauderdale. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Canaveral in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Fort Lauderdale averages at about 75°F (24°C).

In April, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than Fort Lauderdale. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Fort Lauderdale receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Cape Canaveral is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Fort Lauderdale and Cape Canaveral