A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cape Canaveral vs. Jacksonville for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Jacksonville?

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

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

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a under-rated, lively, and youthful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cape Canaveral and Jacksonville: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Jacksonville?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville. Although Cape Canaveral and Jacksonville are popular destinations, Jacksonville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jacksonville is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Cape Canaveral attracts visitors for its museums and resorts. Cape Canaveral is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Jacksonville?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Canaveral is renowned for its museums and history. Also, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

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

Jacksonville is a great city 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.

Jacksonville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

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 Jacksonville Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in Jacksonville has something for everybody. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

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 Jacksonville Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Jacksonville Better for Beaches?

Jacksonville is a great city 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 Jacksonville. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

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 Jacksonville?

Jacksonville is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

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.

Is Cape Canaveral or Jacksonville Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Cape Canaveral or Jacksonville Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville 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.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

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

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

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 Jacksonville Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.

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

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its public transit.

While Jacksonville offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

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 Jacksonville a more walkable city?

Jacksonville is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

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 Jacksonville Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Jacksonville or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Jacksonville?

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

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

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

One day in Cape Canaveral or Jacksonville?

In Cape Canaveral, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this unique town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

In Jacksonville, you'll find museums 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 Jacksonville?

Cape Canaveral is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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 Jacksonville?

You'll find food and shopping around the unique destination of Cape Canaveral. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jacksonville. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Jacksonville?

Cape Canaveral is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Jacksonville. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 comparing the travel costs between Cape Canaveral and Jacksonville, we can see that Cape Canaveral is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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 Jacksonville Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Jacksonville?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville?

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 Jacksonville in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Jacksonville. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Jacksonville in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Jacksonville receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cape Canaveral gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Jacksonville. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Jacksonville in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Jacksonville. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Jacksonville for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Jacksonville. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cape Canaveral in October average around 74°F (24°C), and Jacksonville averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Cape Canaveral receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in October than Jacksonville. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November. Also, the hurricane season in Jacksonville is June to November.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Jacksonville in the Winter?

Both Jacksonville and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Jacksonville because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Cape Canaveral is generally a little warmer than Jacksonville. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 60°F (15°C), and Jacksonville fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than Jacksonville. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Jacksonville in the Spring?

Both Jacksonville and Cape Canaveral during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Jacksonville this time of year.

Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Jacksonville in the spring. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 70°F (21°C) in April, and Jacksonville fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Jacksonville. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Jacksonville receives 2.8 inches (72 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 Jacksonville.

Typical Weather for Jacksonville and Cape Canaveral