A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Canaveral vs. San Diego for Attractions, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or San Diego?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or San Diego, 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. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

San Diego

San Diego is a fun-filled, hip, and dynamic coastal city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Cape Canaveral and San Diego: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or San Diego?

Tourists will generally find more to do in San Diego. Although Cape Canaveral and San Diego are both popular with visitors, San Diego has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. San Diego is more popular for its nightlife, music, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cape Canaveral is known for its museums. San Diego is more touristy than Cape Canaveral and is known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere, its many kid-friendly sights, and its beautiful beaches with critter-filled tidal pools. It is also home to The San Diego Zoo. 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 San Diego?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Canaveral is renowned for its historical sights. Also, San Diego is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Cape Canaveral are world-renowned. 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.

San Diego offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. While the city is famous for it's beaches, zoos, and aquariums, don't overlook the museums and other landmarks. Popular options include the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, the Old Town State Historic Park, and Point Loma and Cabrillo Monument.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Cape Canaveral and San Diego 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.

San Diego offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city has great seafood and a diversity of cuisines. There are many casual dining options that serve informal foods like burgers or salads, but there are also award-winning fine dining restaurants with elegant atmospheres. Popular local dishes include fish tacos and California burritos.

Is Cape Canaveral or San Diego Better for Nightlife?

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

The nightlife in San Diego has something for everybody. The heart of the city's nightlife scene is in the Gaslamp District, which is filled with bars, clubs, and music venues. There's a young student population that keeps the nightlife scene casual and fun.

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 San Diego Better for Music?

San Diego is a great coastal city for its music scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not a live music destination.

San Diego has a thriving music scene. Popular venues include the House of Blues, The Belly Up, and The Shout House.

Cape Canaveral is not a live music destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or San Diego Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, good resorts can be found in both Cape Canaveral and San Diego.

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.

San Diego has a handful of resorts to choose from. Most people prefer to stay in hotels or VRBOs, but several popular resorts include Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Paradise Point, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

Is Cape Canaveral or San Diego Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

San Diego has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. Popular snorkeling and diving spots include La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay, and Turtle Town. The water's a bit chili, but it's still worth going for a dive or popping on a mask and snorkeling around for a bit.

Cape Canaveral is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or San Diego Better for Beaches?

San Diego is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

The beaches in San Diego are among the best in the world. The city has great beaches with tidal pools and interesting sea life at low tide. Adults and kids alike will enjoy hitting the beach when the tides are out and looking for local critters in the tidal pools. Popular beaches in the area include La Jolla Cove Beach, Coronado Beach, and Pacific 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 Cape Canaveral or San Diego Better for Hiking?

San Diego is a great coastal city for hiking. However, Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to San Diego for the hiking trails. The city is filled with parks and has tons of natural beauty. There is plenty of urban hiking in town, or you can visit more natural areas just out of town. Head to Torrey Pines State Park or Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail for some nice hikes.

Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or San Diego?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cape Canaveral and San Diego both offer plenty of good 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.

San Diego is a great destination for shopping. Head to Fashion Valley or Westfield UTC for some fun shopping. There are suburban shopping malls in the area as well as souvenir shops in the more touristy areas.

Is Cape Canaveral or San Diego Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral and San Diego are both world-class 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.

San Diego is an extremely popular town to visit for families. The city is filled with kid-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy. There's the world-class zoo, several amusement parks, the beaches, aquariums, and more. The year-round warm weather makes it easy to spend plenty of time outdoors in parks, playgrounds, and beaches where kids can stretch their legs and run around.

Is Cape Canaveral or San Diego Better for Couples?

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

San Diego has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. For adventurous couples, there are many outdoor activities that you can enjoy together. The beaches offer a great playground for adults who enjoy the water and warm weather. There are also restaurants and a great nightlife in San Diego.

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 San Diego Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Diego 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 San Diego. Backpackers will enjoy the young vibe of the city. There are a few great hostels near the beach or in town.

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 San Diego Better for Students?

San Diego is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.

San Diego is a great destination for students. With its young population and many universities, international students will feel right at home in San Diego. There are also many great outdoor activities for the adventurous.

Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.

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

San Diego 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 San Diego. The city has a trolley (light rail system) as well as a bus system. Most people depend on cars to get around, and you'll likely enjoy your trip a bit more if you have your own vehicle.

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 San Diego a more walkable city?

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

San Diego is a somewhat walkable coastal city. The downtown area is walkable, but if you want to travel further, you'll need to find a different form of transportation.

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 San Diego Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Diego or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or San Diego?

In either Cape Canaveral or San Diego, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in San Diego than Cape Canaveral because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cape Canaveral, and 3-5 days is enough time in San Diego.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Diego 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 San Diego.

One day in Cape Canaveral or San Diego?

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.

In San Diego, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. 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 San Diego?

You'll find museums and food around the wonder-filled 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.

San Diego 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 San Diego?

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 San Diego. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Cape Canaveral or San Diego?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the coastal city of San Diego. 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 beaches. 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or San Diego?

San Diego has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and San Diego, 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 San Diego?

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 San Diego in the Summer?

Both San Diego and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to San Diego in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cape Canaveral is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 80°F (27°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than San Diego. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0 inches (1 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or San Diego in the Autumn?

Both San Diego and Cape Canaveral during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Diego for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than San Diego in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 74°F (24°C) in October, and San Diego fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in October than San Diego. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or San Diego in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and San Diego. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to San Diego because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as San Diego. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cape Canaveral in January average around 60°F (15°C), and San Diego averages at about 57°F (14°C).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than San Diego. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 1.8 inches (46 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or San Diego in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as San Diego. The spring months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the beaches. Additionally, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Diego this time of year.

In April, Cape Canaveral is generally a little warmer than San Diego. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 70°F (21°C), and San Diego fluctuates around 62°F (17°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in April than San Diego. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while San Diego receives 0.8 inches (20 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cape Canaveral is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for San Diego and Cape Canaveral