A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Canaveral vs. Nantucket for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Nantucket?

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

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

Nantucket

Nantucket is a upscale, charming, and serene island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cape Canaveral and Nantucket: 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 for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Nantucket?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantucket than Cape Canaveral, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantucket is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, 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. Nantucket is well known for its pristine beaches, upscale atmosphere, and history of whaling. Also, Nantucket is famous for Great Point Lighthouse.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Nantucket?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Canaveral
Nantucket

Cape Canaveral is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Nantucket offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums around town that educate visitors on the island's whaling history and maritime past.


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

Cape Canaveral
Nantucket

Nantucket is an unbeatable place 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.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nantucket is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Upscale eateries where you can look out on the water make dining on this island a true experience. There are raw bars, seafood restaurants, and local cafes with elaborate salads and duck carnitas. Dishes usually use the highest quality fresh ingredients and chefs bring their "A game" with every customer.

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 Nantucket Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
Nantucket

Nantucket 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 Nantucket has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of bars and a lively singles scene in town. There's also live music and a laid back but active atmosphere in the evening.

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 Nantucket Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
Nantucket

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

Nantucket is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. Luxury resorts and upscale inns offer guests a relaxed setting with oceanfront views and family-friendly activities.

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 Nantucket Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
Nantucket

Nantucket is a great island 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 Nantucket. You'll find the calmest water at the northern beaches, and cooler water with rougher surf to the south. Many of the beaches are accessible from town, but parking can be limited. There are both public and private beaches, each with beautiful settings and relaxing vibes.

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 Nantucket Better for its Old Town?

Cape Canaveral
Nantucket

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

Many visitors go to Nantucket to see the historical old town. The Historic District is filled with New England charm, cobblestone streets, and upscale boutiques. There are many great restaurants and a lot of historic character.

Cape Canaveral does not have a historic old town.

Is Cape Canaveral or Nantucket Better for Hiking?

Cape Canaveral
Nantucket

Nantucket is a great island for hiking. However, Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Nantucket for the hiking trails. The island is easy to explore on foot, and its covered with hiking trails that follow the serene coastline or take you through forests, bogs, and marshland.

Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Nantucket?

Cape Canaveral
Nantucket

Nantucket is a great island 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 Nantucket. The Historic District is filled with boutiques, art galleries, and upscale shops. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon wandering around and shopping.

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 Nantucket Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
Nantucket

Cape Canaveral is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nantucket is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Cape Canaveral is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Nantucket is a very kid-friendly town. There's a calm beach that's perfect for kids as well as quaint ice cream shops and plenty of New England charm. The town is also filled with hiking and biking trails.

Is Cape Canaveral or Nantucket Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
Nantucket

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

Nantucket has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The New England charm, natural beauty, and relaxing coastal atmosphere make this a perfect romantic destination. There are also many romantic places to stay and great local restaurants.

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

Cape Canaveral
Nantucket

Nantucket 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 Nantucket offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are shuttle buses around the island that operate with greater frequency during the summer months.

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 Nantucket a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
Nantucket

Nantucket is a great island for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

Nantucket is a very walkable destination. The town is very walkable and parking can be challenging, so it's best to leave your car in the ferry parking lot.

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 Nantucket Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantucket or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Nantucket?

It's fun to spend time in either Cape Canaveral or Nantucket. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nantucket due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 2-4 days is enough time in Nantucket.

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

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


  • How many days in Cape Canaveral or Nantucket? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Canaveral 1-3 
    Nantucket 2-4

One day in Cape Canaveral or Nantucket?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Cape Canaveral. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Canaveral has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantucket might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Nantucket?

You'll find museums and food around the unique destination of Cape Canaveral. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Nantucket is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Nantucket?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the wonder-filled town of Cape Canaveral. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantucket. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cape Canaveral or Nantucket?

Cape Canaveral is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Nantucket is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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, Nantucket 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 Nantucket is $350. 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 Nantucket in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    Nantucket $237
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    Nantucket $474
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and Nantucket

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral or Nantucket? 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 Nantucket


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nantucket Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    Nantucket $47

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $282
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport: $282
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Windermere: $270
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Reunion: $270
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Ocoee: $254
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Celebration: $247
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Altamonte Springs: $246
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Sand Lake: $239
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to SeaWorld: $239
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to New Smyrna Beach: $239
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Pointe Orlando: $232
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Melbourne: $216

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Canaveral or Nantucket?

Prices for flights to both Nantucket 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
    Nantucket $81

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $17
    Nantucket $34

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

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

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    Nantucket $35


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


Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Nantucket?

Nantucket has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and Nantucket, 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 Nantucket?

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 Nantucket in the Summer?

Both Nantucket and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nantucket because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Canaveral in July average around 80°F (27°C), and Nantucket averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than Nantucket. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Canaveral 80°F (27°C) 
    Nantucket 68°F (20°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Nantucket in the Autumn?

Both Nantucket and Cape Canaveral during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantucket this time of year.

In October, Cape Canaveral is generally much warmer than Nantucket. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 74°F (24°C), and Nantucket fluctuates around 53°F (12°C).

Nantucket 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 around the same amount of rain in October as Nantucket. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.4 inches (111 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cape Canaveral is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Canaveral 74°F (24°C) 
    Nantucket 53°F (12°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Nantucket in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Nantucket. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantucket for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nantucket. Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Nantucket in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Nantucket fluctuates around 31°F (-0°C).

Nantucket receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than Nantucket. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Canaveral 60°F (15°C) 
    Nantucket 31°F (-0°C)

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Nantucket in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Nantucket. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Nantucket in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Nantucket. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Canaveral in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Nantucket averages at about 45°F (7°C).

It's quite rainy in Nantucket. Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in April than Nantucket. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Nantucket receives 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Canaveral 70°F (21°C) 
    Nantucket 45°F (7°C)

Typical Weather for Nantucket and Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral Nantucket
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 60°F (15°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 31°F (-0°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Feb 59°F (15°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 32°F (-0°C) 4.6 inches (117 mm)
Mar 65°F (19°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 38°F (3°C) 4 inches (102 mm)
Apr 70°F (21°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 45°F (7°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm)
May 74°F (24°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.9 inches (99 mm)
Jun 78°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Jul 80°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Aug 80°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
Sep 79°F (26°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 62°F (17°C) 4.2 inches (106 mm)
Oct 74°F (24°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 53°F (12°C) 4.4 inches (111 mm)
Nov 64°F (18°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 46°F (8°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Dec 62°F (16°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 36°F (2°C) 4.5 inches (115 mm)