A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cape Canaveral vs. Key West for Families, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Key West?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or Key West, 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. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Key West

Key West is a lively, quaint, and laid-back town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and food.

Cape Canaveral and Key West: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Key West?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Key West. Although Cape Canaveral and Key West are both popular with visitors, Key West has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Key West is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cape Canaveral is known for its museums and shopping. Key West is more touristy than Cape Canaveral and is popular for its festive nightlife, quirky town center, colorful personality, adrenaline-filled watersports, stunning beaches, turquoise water, and location at the southernmost point of the continental U.S. It is also home to Duval Street. Cape Canaveral is popular 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 Key West?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Canaveral is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Cape Canaveral are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Key West does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Cape Canaveral and Key West 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.

Key West offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Head to town for local restaurants with quirky atmospheres. There are many local dishes to sample, be the town is most known for its stone crabs, conch fritters, and Mahi Mahi sandwiches. You'll also find cold drinks and waterfront dining areas.

Is Cape Canaveral or Key West Better for Nightlife?

Key West is a great town for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in Key West has something for everybody. This area has some of the most lively nightlife in the Florida Keys. There are quirky bars and fun hangouts where you can spend the evening. The party starts at Mallory Square around sunset and many bars stay open well into the early hours. You can also enjoy sunset cruises or pass your time at one of the many tiki bars.

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 Key West Better for Resorts?

Key West is a great town for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Key West is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of high end resorts around the island, many with recognizable names such as the Hyatt and Hilton. Prices can be high, but these resorts often come with reliable luxury.

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 Key West Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Key West has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are a number of dive shops and snorkeling excursions that leave from Key West. Like many tourist areas these days, the coral shows its damage from the crowds, but you'll likely see some barracuda or a Grouper.

Cape Canaveral is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Key West Better for Beaches?

Key West is a great town 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 Key West. One of the best beaches in the area is Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park. The beach has soft sand and stunning turquoise water. As is typical in the Keys, the water stays shallow for great distances.

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 Cape Canaveral or Key West Better for its Old Town?

Key West is a great town for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Canaveral does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Key West to see the historical old town. The town has the most charming Old Town areas in the Florida Keys. Head to Mallory Square for the sunset street performers and explore the historic streets around Duval Street.

Cape Canaveral does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Key West?

Cape Canaveral is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Key West is a mediocre town for its shopping areas.

Cape Canaveral offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Key West has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. While it definitely has its share of gimmicky souvenir shops and t-shirt stores, there are still a number of art galleries and local shops around Key West where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Cape Canaveral or Key West Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Key West is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Key West. Families that enjoy snorkeling, aquariums, water sports, and exploring new places will enjoy visiting this part of the Florida Keys. There are many ways to get out on the water from kayaking and snorkeling to glass bottom boat tours and sunset cruises. There are also many kid-friendly beaches in the area. The town can have a party atmosphere, but it's not hard to find a more family-friendly area where everyone can have fun.

Is Cape Canaveral or Key West Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral and Key West 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.

Key West is a very popular place to visit for couples. From Mallory Square to the beautiful nearby parks, Key West makes a wonderful, romantic destination. Whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a couples' retreat, Key West is a great option. You can sip wine on a sunset cruise or dine at one of the many character-filled restaurants in town. If you are looking for a party, it's not hard to find, but if you want a more laid back holiday, that's also possible.

Is Cape Canaveral or Key West Better for Students?

Key West is a great town for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.

Key West is a great town to visit as a student. It's a great spring break destination with a quirky personality and many great activities.

Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.

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

Neither Cape Canaveral or Key West 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 Key West. Public transportation in Key West is limited to a few buses.

Is Cape Canaveral or Key West a more walkable city?

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

Key West is a somewhat walkable town. The town is the most walkable part of the Florida Keys. The area around Mallory Square and Duval Street is the most pedestrian friendly.

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 Key West Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Key West or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Key West?

Both Cape Canaveral and Key West have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key West than in Cape Canaveral. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 5-7 days is enough time in Key West.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Key West 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 Key West.

One day in Cape Canaveral or Key West?

The town of Cape Canaveral offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Key West, you'll find nightlife and food. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Key West?

Cape Canaveral is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cape Canaveral, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Key West 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 Key West?

Cape Canaveral is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Key West. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Key West?

Cape Canaveral is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

In Key West, you'll find nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Adventure Tours to United States of America, The Best Train & Rail Tours in United States of America, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United States of America, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Canaveral and Key West, we can see that Key West 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 Key West would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Key West 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 Key West Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Key West?

Key West has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and Key West, 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 Key West?

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 Key West in the Summer?

Both Key West and Cape Canaveral during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Key West for the beaches, snorkeling, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Cape Canaveral is generally around the same temperature as Key West. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 80°F (27°C), and Key West fluctuates around 84°F (29°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in July than Key West. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 3.3 inches (83 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Key West in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Key West. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Key West because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Cape Canaveral is cooler than Key West in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 74°F (24°C) in October, and Key West fluctuates around 80°F (27°C).

Key West receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cape Canaveral gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than Key West. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November. The hurricane season in Key West is June to November.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Key West in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Key West. The winter months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Key West this time of year.

In the winter, Cape Canaveral is cooler than Key West. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Canaveral in January average around 60°F (15°C), and Key West averages at about 70°F (21°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in January than Key West. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 1.7 inches (43 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Key West in the Spring?

Both Key West and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Key West for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Cape Canaveral is generally cooler than Key West. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 70°F (21°C), and Key West fluctuates around 77°F (25°C).

In April, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Key West. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Key West receives 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral. June to November is the hurricane season in Key West.

Typical Weather for Key West and Cape Canaveral