A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cape Canaveral vs. Orlando for Resorts, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Orlando?

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

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

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and food.

Cape Canaveral and Orlando: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Orlando?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Orlando than Cape Canaveral, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, resorts, and shopping, while Cape Canaveral is more popular for its museums and beaches. Orlando is more touristy than Cape Canaveral and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. 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 Orlando?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Cape Canaveral or Orlando Better for Theater?

Orlando is a nice place to visit for its shows and theatre. However, Cape Canaveral is not a theatre destination.

If you have some extra time in Orlando, take in a show. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Cape Canaveral is not a theatre destination.

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

Orlando 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.

Orlando has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

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 Orlando Better for Nightlife?

Orlando 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 Orlando has a few options to choose from. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

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 Orlando Better for Resorts?

Orlando is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

Orlando offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park resort.

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 Orlando Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral is a popular place for its beaches. However, Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Orlando?

Orlando 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 Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

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 Orlando Better for Christmas?

Orlando is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Cape Canaveral does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Orlando. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Cape Canaveral does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cape Canaveral or Orlando Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral and Orlando are both fantastic 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.

Orlando is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Is Cape Canaveral or Orlando Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral is great for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Cape Canaveral or Orlando Better for Students?

Orlando 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 Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.

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

Orlando 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 Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

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 Orlando a more walkable city?

Neither Cape Canaveral or Orlando 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.

Orlando is not a walkable town. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Orlando or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Orlando?

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

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

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

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

One day in Cape Canaveral or Orlando?

In Cape Canaveral, you'll find museums and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Orlando, you'll find theater and nightlife. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Cape Canaveral or Orlando?

In Cape Canaveral, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cape Canaveral has to offer.

Orlando 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 Orlando?

Cape Canaveral is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Orlando?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Canaveral. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Cape Canaveral. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

In Orlando, you'll find shopping and theater. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Orlando, we can see that Orlando 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 Orlando would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orlando 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 Orlando Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Orlando?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and Orlando, 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 Orlando?

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 Orlando in the Summer?

Both Orlando and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Orlando. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Canaveral in July average around 80°F (27°C), and Orlando averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orlando. It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives around the same amount of rain as Orlando. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Orlando in the Autumn?

Both Orlando and Cape Canaveral during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Orlando because of the shopping scene.

In October, Cape Canaveral is generally around the same temperature as Orlando. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 74°F (24°C), and Orlando fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

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

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Orlando in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Orlando. The winter months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Orlando this time of year.

Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Orlando in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Orlando fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives around the same amount of rain as Orlando. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Orlando in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Orlando. The beaches are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year.

In the spring, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Orlando. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Canaveral in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Orlando averages at about 72°F (22°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Orlando. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.

Typical Weather for Orlando and Cape Canaveral