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

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or West Palm Beach?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cape Canaveral or West Palm Beach, 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.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a vibrant, fun-filled, and diverse beach area. It's also popular because of the beaches, nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cape Canaveral and West Palm Beach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or West Palm Beach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cape Canaveral than West Palm Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cape Canaveral is better known for its museums, food, and shopping, while West Palm Beach is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. 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. Also, Cape Canaveral is famous for The Kennedy Space Center. West Palm Beach is well known for its nice resorts, a lively boardwalk, great seafood, and fun watersports.

How is Cape Canaveral different from West Palm Beach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Canaveral is very popular for its historical sights. However, West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cape Canaveral is a popular place for its local flavors and cuisine. However, West Palm Beach is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Cape Canaveral. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in West Palm Beach. Oceanfront restaurants usually have a great view and offer local and fresh seafood. There are also many local restaurants concentrated around Clematis Street and CityPlace districts.

Is Cape Canaveral or West Palm Beach Better for Nightlife?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for its evening party scene. However, Cape Canaveral is not known for nightlife.

The nightlife in West Palm Beach has something for everybody. With rooftop bars and clubs, oceanfront venues, and plenty of nightlife options downtown, this city rivals most places when it comes to nightlife. The nightlife scene is particularly active during spring break, when university students head to town.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Resorts?

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

West Palm Beach offers an unforgettable resort vacation. All of the major names are present including the Hilton, Marriott, and Four Seasons.

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 West Palm Beach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

West Palm Beach is a great beach area for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Canaveral is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to West Palm Beach to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Check out Phil Foster Park in Rivera Beach. It's a man-made reef that is surprisingly clear.

Cape Canaveral is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or West Palm Beach Better for Beaches?

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach are among the best in the world. From bustling beaches with a boardwalk to quieter, more relaxing beaches surrounded by parkland, there are are number of options in the area.

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 the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or West Palm Beach?

Cape Canaveral is a popular place for shopping. However, West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cape Canaveral. 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.

West Palm Beach is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or West Palm Beach Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, West Palm Beach is not as popular, but is still a nice beach area for its family-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.

West Palm Beach is a very kid-friendly town. Animal lovers will appreciate the zoos and aquariums in the area. Check out McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary, Manatee Lagoon, the Palm Beach Zoo, and the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.

Is Cape Canaveral or West Palm Beach Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral and West Palm Beach 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.

West Palm Beach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples will enjoy kayaking, dining out, or simply relaxing on the beach. It's fun to spend a day exploring the botanical gardens and an evening wandering around Clematis Street.

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

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a downtown trolley, a commuter trail line (connecting West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale), and a bus system with about 30 lines.

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 West Palm Beach a more walkable city?

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

West Palm Beach is a somewhat walkable beach area. West Palm Beach has a surprisingly walkable area and it's possible to explore the downtown area on foot.

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 West Palm Beach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in West Palm Beach or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or West Palm Beach?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cape Canaveral than West Palm Beach 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 Cape Canaveral.

One day in Cape Canaveral or West Palm Beach?

The unique destination of Cape Canaveral offers shopping and museums. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In West Palm Beach, you'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Cape Canaveral or West Palm Beach?

The town of Cape Canaveral offers museums and food. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach?

Cape Canaveral is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in West Palm Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 West Palm Beach?

Many people enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting Cape Canaveral. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In West Palm Beach, you'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. 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 West Palm Beach, we can see that West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or West Palm Beach?

West Palm Beach has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and West Palm Beach, 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 West Palm Beach?

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 West Palm Beach in the Summer?

Both West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in West Palm Beach. It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives more rain than West Palm Beach. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 6.5 inches (166 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or West Palm Beach in the Autumn?

Both West Palm Beach and Cape Canaveral during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cape Canaveral for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Cape Canaveral is generally around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 74°F (24°C), and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 78°F (25°C).

West Palm Beach 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 less rain in October than West Palm Beach. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 8.7 inches (222 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cape Canaveral is the hurricane season. Also, June to November in West Palm Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or West Palm Beach in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and West Palm Beach. The winter months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to West Palm Beach this time of year.

Cape Canaveral is cooler than West Palm Beach in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and West Palm Beach fluctuates around 65°F (19°C).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than West Palm Beach. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 2.6 inches (66 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or West Palm Beach in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as West Palm Beach. The beaches are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year. Also, many travelers come to West Palm Beach for the beaches.

In the spring, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as West Palm Beach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Canaveral in April average around 70°F (21°C), and West Palm Beach averages at about 74°F (23°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets less rain in April than West Palm Beach. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while West Palm Beach receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November. Also, the hurricane season in West Palm Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for West Palm Beach and Cape Canaveral