A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cape Canaveral vs. Islamorada for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Islamorada?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Islamorada, 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Islamorada

Islamorada is a tropical, adventurous, and relaxing village. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cape Canaveral and Islamorada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Islamorada?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Islamorada than Cape Canaveral, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Islamorada is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Cape Canaveral is more popular for its museums. 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. Islamorada is well known for its sportfishing, state parks, and local vibe. Also, Islamorada is famous for Theater of the Sea.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Islamorada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Canaveral is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Islamorada is not as popular, but is still a nice village for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Cape Canaveral from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. 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.

Islamorada offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a variety of museums and aquariums in the area such as the History of Diving Museum, the Keys History and Discovery Center, and the famous Theater of the Sea.

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

Islamorada is a great village 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.

Islamorada has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Has a sports fishing destination, you'll find no shortage of seafood options in the area. There are cafes and bistros that have an old school Florida Key's atmosphere. Popular dishes include grilled fish and curry seafood.

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 Islamorada Better for Nightlife?

Islamorada 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 Islamorada has a few options to choose from. The nightlife consists of mostly bars and restaurants that serve cocktails and frozen drinks. There are sports bars and casual eateries where you can enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.

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 Islamorada Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Islamorada has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find plenty of resorts with spas, pools or oceanfront views in the area.

Is Cape Canaveral or Islamorada Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Islamorada has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are plenty of dive shops that offer snorkeling and dive trips to the surrounding areas. You could also grab a mask and head out into the water on your own. You're sure to see some beautiful marine life.

Cape Canaveral is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Islamorada Better for Beaches?

Islamorada is a great village for the beach. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Islamorada. Blue water and white sand make the beaches a true paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Anne's Beach, which has a boardwalk and mangroves, Library Beach, which is small and well maintained, Holiday Isle Beach, which is near the hotels and restaurants, and Long Key State Park, which has camping and picnic spots.

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 Islamorada?

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

Islamorada is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a few jewelry boutiques as well as sporting goods shops and souvenir stands.

Is Cape Canaveral or Islamorada Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral and Islamorada are both amazing destinations for the whole family.

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.

Islamorada is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Theater of the Sea is a highlight for kids and adults alike. You'll have the opportunity to interact with many types of sea life including dolphins, sea lions, and even sharks. Founders Park is another great place to take the kids. You can have a picnic, hang out at the beach, or hit up the playground. There's also plenty of snorkeling and diving in the area, particularly around Alligator Reef Lighthouse.

Is Cape Canaveral or Islamorada Better for Couples?

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

Islamorada has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples will enjoy the resorts, spas, beaches, and adventures in the area. Head to Little Palm Spa for a little relaxation or hit up Florida Keys Brewing Company for some live music. There's also snorkeling, diving, and some good restaurants nearby as well.

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

Neither Cape Canaveral or Islamorada 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 Islamorada. There's no real public transit in the area and you must have your own vehicle.

Is Cape Canaveral or Islamorada a more walkable city?

Neither Cape Canaveral or Islamorada 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.

Islamorada is not a walkable town. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, it's not very walkable and you'll need a car to get around.

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

Should I spend more time in Islamorada or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Islamorada?

Both Cape Canaveral and Islamorada have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Islamorada than in Cape Canaveral. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 4-7 days is enough time in Islamorada.

Families should spend more time in Islamorada than Cape Canaveral. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Islamorada, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Islamorada 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 Islamorada.

One day in Cape Canaveral or Islamorada?

With museums and food around the iconic town of Cape Canaveral, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cape Canaveral, one day is sufficent for most.

In Islamorada, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Islamorada?

With food and shopping around the destination of Cape Canaveral, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Islamorada is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Islamorada?

Cape Canaveral, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Islamorada. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Cape Canaveral or Islamorada?

Cape Canaveral is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Islamorada, you'll find shopping and museums. 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 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 Islamorada, we can see that Cape Canaveral is more expensive. And not only is Islamorada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Islamorada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Islamorada 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 Islamorada.

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 Islamorada Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Islamorada?

Cape Canaveral has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Islamorada. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and Islamorada, 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 Islamorada?

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 Islamorada in the Summer?

Both Islamorada and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Islamorada this time of year.

In the summer, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Islamorada. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Canaveral in July average around 80°F (27°C), and Islamorada averages at about 84°F (29°C).

It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Islamorada. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Islamorada in the Autumn?

Both Islamorada and Cape Canaveral during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Islamorada for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cape Canaveral is generally cooler than Islamorada. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 74°F (24°C), and Islamorada fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

Islamorada 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 Islamorada. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cape Canaveral is the hurricane season. Also, June to November in Islamorada is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Islamorada in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Islamorada. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Islamorada in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cape Canaveral is cooler than Islamorada in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Islamorada fluctuates around 70°F (21°C).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Islamorada. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Islamorada in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Islamorada. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Islamorada for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cape Canaveral is cooler than Islamorada. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Canaveral in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Islamorada averages at about 77°F (25°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in April than Islamorada. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Islamorada receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November. Also, the hurricane season in Islamorada is June to November.

Typical Weather for Islamorada and Cape Canaveral