A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cape Canaveral vs. South Lake Tahoe for Attractions, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe, 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.

South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a idyllic, scenic, and breathtaking town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

Cape Canaveral and South Lake Tahoe: 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 nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in South Lake Tahoe. Although Cape Canaveral and South Lake Tahoe are both popular with visitors, South Lake Tahoe has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. South Lake Tahoe is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Cape Canaveral is known for its museums and beaches. Cape Canaveral is popular for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. South Lake Tahoe is popular for its casino resorts, ski resorts, and beautiful setting. It is also home to the Heavenly Gondola.

How is Cape Canaveral different from South Lake Tahoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between South Lake Tahoe and Cape Canaveral. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe Better for Skiing?

Cape Canaveral
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a great town for skiing. However, Cape Canaveral is not a skiing destination.

South Lake Tahoe draws a large crowd in the winter for its impressive snow skiing opportunities. There are three ski resorts in the area. Heavenly Mountain Resort is the largest, but if you're looking for something smaller, head to Kirkwood, which is tucked away and less well known. There's also Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, which is popular with groups and families because it caters to a range of skill levels.

Cape Canaveral is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe?

Cape Canaveral
South Lake Tahoe

Cape Canaveral is an amazing town to visit for its sights and museums. However, South Lake Tahoe is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to South Lake Tahoe specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people spend their time exploring the area's nature, but you can also stop by Tallac Historic Site or the Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum.

Is the Food Better in Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Canaveral
South Lake Tahoe

Dining out at restaurants in both Cape Canaveral and South Lake Tahoe 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.

South Lake Tahoe offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. While most resorts have their own restaurants, there are a number of options around town that specialize in "alpine comfort cuisine", which is worth sampling. You'll also find plenty of cafes that serve up a hearty breakfast - the perfect way to start an active day.

Is Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe Better for Nightlife?

Cape Canaveral
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in South Lake Tahoe is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The resort town has plenty of nightclubs, bars, and music venues. There are outdoor options when the weather is warm as well as indoor settings for cooler weather. You'll also find casinos and live shows.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a great town for its luxury resorts. Also, Cape Canaveral is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its resorts.

South Lake Tahoe is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. It's a resort town, so there are plenty of options to choose from, many with pools, spas, or casinos.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Beaches?

Cape Canaveral
South Lake Tahoe

Cape Canaveral is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, South Lake Tahoe is not a beach destination.

Cape Canaveral has a beach worth visiting. 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.

South Lake Tahoe is not a beach destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe Better for Hiking?

Cape Canaveral
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is an unbeatable place for hiking. However, Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, South Lake Tahoe draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are miles of beautiful hikes in the area that follow the lake's shore or explore the diverse terrain. Skyline Trail Hike is a favorite. It is accessible by lift and offers spectacular views. For a relaxing stroll check out Fallen Leaf Lake Hike.

Cape Canaveral is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe?

Cape Canaveral
South Lake Tahoe

If you're looking to go shopping, Cape Canaveral and South Lake Tahoe 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.

South Lake Tahoe is a great destination for shopping. Most of the shopping involves retailers selling ski gear or outdoor equipment. There are also clothing shops, gift stores, and some art galleries.

Is Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral
South Lake Tahoe

Cape Canaveral and South Lake Tahoe are both amazing 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.

South Lake Tahoe is an extremely popular town to visit for families. Kids will love the outdoor adventures that the area is filled with. There are gondolas, lakefront beaches, adventure parks, and tubing. There are also miles of hiking trails and a beautiful setting that even the young ones will appreciate.

Is Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral
South Lake Tahoe

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

South Lake Tahoe has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's beautiful setting and wide variety of adventurous activities make this the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. The lake has hidden coves and nearby hiking trails. There are also hot springs, gondolas, and carriage rides. You can go hiking when the weather is warm or skiing when the weather is cold.

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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Canaveral
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe. There are a couple of hostels in the area and the skiing and hiking attracts 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 South Lake Tahoe Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cape Canaveral
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe. While there are some shuttles and buses, if you really want to explore the area, you'll need your own car.

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 South Lake Tahoe a more walkable city?

Cape Canaveral
South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is a great town for its ease of walking around. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for its walkability.

South Lake Tahoe is a very walkable destination. Once you get to town, the area is very walkable.

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 South Lake Tahoe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in South Lake Tahoe or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe?

In either Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe.


  • How many days in Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Canaveral 1-3 
    South Lake Tahoe 3-5

One day in Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe?

You'll find museums and food around the unique destination of Cape Canaveral. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In South Lake Tahoe, you'll find shopping and skiing. 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 South Lake Tahoe?

You'll find food and shopping around the iconic town of Cape Canaveral. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities.

South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe?

Cape Canaveral is a popular choice for travelers. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in South Lake Tahoe. 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. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.


A week in Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe?

Cape Canaveral is a great place to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Most people head to the area for the museums. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the town of South Lake Tahoe. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.


Which place is cheaper, South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe is $118. 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 South Lake Tahoe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Canaveral $155
    South Lake Tahoe $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Canaveral $310
    South Lake Tahoe $108
Compare Hotels in Cape Canaveral and South Lake Tahoe

Looking for a hotel in Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe? 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 South Lake Tahoe


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: South Lake Tahoe Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Canaveral $35
    South Lake Tahoe $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cape Canaveral

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

  • Round Trip NASA Space Center/Port Canaveral Private Transfer: $67
  • Private Van Transfer from Port Canaveral,Cocoa Beach to MCO: $70
  • Canaveral Cruise Port to Orlando Airport (MCO) - Departure Private Transfer: $84
  • Canaveral Cruise Port to Orlando Airport (MCO)-Departure Transfer: $84
  • One Way MCO Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral Private Transfer: $85
  • Private Transfer: Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO in Luxury SUV: $113
  • Orlando Airport to/from Port Canaveral Sedan Transfer up to 3 pax: $145
  • Round Trip MCO Orlando Airport/Port Canaveral Private Transfer: $170
  • Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport MCO and Hotels Private Transfer: $195
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Melbourne: $216
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Pointe Orlando: $232
  • Private Transfer from Port Canaveral to Sand Lake: $239

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe?

Prices for flights to both South Lake Tahoe 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
    South Lake Tahoe $38

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
    South Lake Tahoe $56

Tours and Activities in Cape Canaveral

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

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

Tours and Activities in South Lake Tahoe

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for South Lake Tahoe are as follows:

  • 2 Hour Sailing Cruise on Lake Tahoe: $140
  • Clear Kayak Paddle Tour at Sand Harbor: $150
  • Clear Kayak Tour of Lake Tahoe: $165
  • Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Audio Tour From Tahoe City to Incline Village: $9.99
  • Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour From Incline Village to South Lake Tahoe: $12
  • Driving Lake Tahoe: A Self-Guided Tour from South Lake Tahoe to Tahoe City: $12
  • Electric Dirtbike Adventure in Lake Tahoe: $200
  • Emerald Bay Helicopter Tour of Lake Tahoe: $110
  • Emerald Bay Private Luxury Boat Tours: $750
  • Full-Day Lake Tahoe Circle Tour including Squaw Valley: $80
  • Guided Tour of Historic Virginia City and Carson City from South Lake Tahoe: $70
  • Introductory Snowshoe Shared Experience: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Canaveral $13
    South Lake Tahoe $34

Sample the Local Flavors in South Lake Tahoe

Also in South Lake Tahoe, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise: $150


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cape Canaveral and South Lake Tahoe, we can see that Cape Canaveral is more expensive. And not only is South Lake Tahoe much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to South Lake Tahoe would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in South Lake Tahoe 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 Cape Canaveral would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Canaveral than you might in South Lake Tahoe.

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 South Lake Tahoe Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or South Lake Tahoe?

South Lake Tahoe has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and South Lake Tahoe, 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.