A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Canaveral vs. Glacier National Park for Families, Backpackers, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Glacier 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 Glacier 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 fascinating, wonder-filled, and unique town. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is a gorgeous, stunning, and breathtaking park. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Cape Canaveral and Glacier National Park: 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 popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Going-to-the-Sun Road
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less family-friendly


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Glacier National Park than Cape Canaveral, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Glacier National Park is better known for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Cape Canaveral is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping. Glacier National Park is more touristy than Cape Canaveral and is popular for its miles of hiking trails, impressive glaciers, and pristine lakes. Also, Glacier National Park is famous for Going-to-the-Sun Road. 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 Glacier National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Canaveral
Glacier National Park

Cape Canaveral is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Glacier National Park. There are a couple of local museums in the area, but most people head straight for the park.


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

Cape Canaveral
Glacier National Park

Cape Canaveral is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Glacier National Park. You'll find several restaurants and cafes both within and near the park, but this is an incredibly crowded park so you'll want to make reservations well in advance.

Is Cape Canaveral or Glacier National Park Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
Glacier National Park

Cape Canaveral is a moderate town for nightlife. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for nightlife and partying.

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.

Glacier National Park doesn't offer many options. People visit for the scenery, not the nightlife scene.

Is Cape Canaveral or Glacier National Park Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
Glacier National Park

With a similar set of options, notable resorts can be found in both Cape Canaveral and Glacier National Park.

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.

Glacier National Park has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are several lodges, cabins, and inns near or within the park, but reservations are recommended well in advance.


Is Cape Canaveral or Glacier National Park Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
Glacier National Park

Cape Canaveral is a popular place for its beaches. However, Glacier National Park 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.

Glacier National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Glacier National Park Better for Hiking?

Cape Canaveral
Glacier National Park

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

Many visitors go to Glacier National Park for the hiking trails. There are more than 700 miles of trails in the park. For the best experience, you should purchase a permit and explore the parks backcountry. Other popular trails include Highline Trail, Grinnell Glacier Trail, and Avalanche Lake Trail. It's best to start in the early morning as this is a popular park and the trails get busier as the day progresses.

Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

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

Cape Canaveral
Glacier National Park

Cape Canaveral is a popular place for shopping. However, Glacier National Park is a mediocre park for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Glacier National Park has some nice offerings. There are park stores where you can pick up books, souvenirs, and gifts.


Is Cape Canaveral or Glacier National Park Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
Glacier National Park

Cape Canaveral is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Glacier National Park is not as famous, but is still a good park to visit for its kid-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.

Glacier National Park is a family-friendly town. The landscapes are spectacular, but the crowds can be intense, which means it can be hard to find places to pull over and park during the peak seasons. Keep this in mind when you're traveling with kids because you may end up spending more time in the car than you'd expected.

Is Cape Canaveral or Glacier National Park Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
Glacier National Park

Cape Canaveral and Glacier National Park are both very good 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.

Glacier National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. Drive along the scenic Going-to-the-Sun-Road and take in the truly breathtaking scenery. Many people consider this to be a top destination for a honeymoon and couples will appreciate the impressive hikes, dramatic waterfalls, and adventure-filled activities.

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

Cape Canaveral
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Glacier National Park, as it is a very popular park for budget travelers. The backcountry is truly pristine, and obtaining a Wilderness Permit and getting off-the-beaten-path will help you escape some of the crowds that the park is known for.

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

Cape Canaveral
Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park 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 Glacier National Park. There's a free shuttle along Going-to-the-Sun Road that's available on a first-come, first-served basis, but expect crowds. The road can get quite congested during peak times. There are also tours that take you along the road so you can enjoy the scenery without having to focus on driving.

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 Glacier National Park a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
Glacier National Park

Neither Cape Canaveral or Glacier National Park 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.

Glacier National Park is not a walkable town. You'll need a car to get almost anywhere in the park.

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

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

How long in Cape Canaveral or Glacier National Park?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cape Canaveral and Glacier 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 Glacier National Park. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 2-3 days is enough time in Glacier National Park.

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


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

One day in Cape Canaveral or Glacier National Park?

In Cape Canaveral, you'll find shopping and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cape Canaveral, one day is sufficent for most.

In Glacier 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 Glacier National Park?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Canaveral. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town. It offers something for everyone.

Glacier 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 Glacier National Park?

Cape Canaveral is a fun place to experience. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glacier 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 Glacier National Park?

You'll find shopping and museums around the wonder-filled destination of Cape Canaveral. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the when visiting the park of Glacier 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, Glacier 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 Glacier National Park is $127. 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 Glacier National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    Glacier National Park $56
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    Glacier National Park $112
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Glacier National Park

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral or Glacier 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 Glacier 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
    Glacier National Park $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

Also for Cape Canaveral, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Round Trip NASA Space Center/Port Canaveral Private Transfer: $67
  • Private Van Transfer from Port Canaveral,Cocoa Beach to MCO: $70
  • Canaveral Cruise Port to Orlando Airport (MCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
  • Canaveral Cruise Port to Orlando Airport (MCO)-Departure Transfer: $84
  • One Way MCO Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral Private Transfer: $85
  • Private Transfer: Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO in Luxury SUV: $113
  • Orlando Airport to/from Port Canaveral Sedan Transfer up to 3 pax: $145
  • Round Trip MCO Orlando Airport/Port Canaveral Private Transfer: $170
  • Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO and Hotels Private Transfer: $195
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Melbourne: $216
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Pointe Orlando: $232
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Sand Lake: $239

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

Prices for flights to both Glacier 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
    Glacier National Park $28

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Glacier National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Glacier National Park.

  • Half Day Whitewater Rafting with Riverside Dinner: $113

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $17
    Glacier National Park $34

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Wizard of OZ Museum tour: $30
  • Wizard of Oz Museum Entry Ticket: $32
  • Self-Guided Kayaking Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $55
  • Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures ticket: $58
  • Two Hour Bioluminescence Kayak Tour Near Orlando: $60
  • Dolphin & Manatee Kayaking Tour in Orlando Area: $65
  • Cape Canaveral Private Surf Lesson with Experienced Instructor: $70
  • Fully Guided Kayaking Backwater Manatee and Dolphin Tour: $75
  • Victory Cruises Casino Luxury Transportation: $75
  • Cocoa Beach Night Time Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $79
  • SUP Paddleboard Lesson and Tour - Port Canaveral & Cocoa Beach: $95
  • Wizard of OZ Museum Ticket with Guided Tour by the Owner: $125

Tours and Activities in Glacier National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Glacier National Park are as follows:

  • Combo Tour: Driving and Snowshoe Trek of Glacier National Park: $220
  • Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $220
  • Full Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure - With Lunch!: $152
  • Full Day Whitewater Adventure Trip with Included Lunch: $157
  • Glacier National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour: $17
  • Half Day Bike and Hike Tour in around Whitefish: $175
  • Half-Day Glacier National Park Whitewater Rafting Adventure: $87
  • Self Guided Bike Tour in Glacier National Park : $65
  • Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Glacier National Park: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    Glacier National Park $8.41


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