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

Should you visit Cape Canaveral or Wilmington?

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

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

Wilmington

Wilmington is a welcoming, charming, and historic city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cape Canaveral and Wilmington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cape Canaveral or Wilmington?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Wilmington than Cape Canaveral, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Wilmington is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Cape Canaveral is more popular for its museums and resorts. Cape Canaveral is more touristy than Wilmington and is known for being the location of the Kennedy Space Center and at the heart of space exploration in the United States. Wilmington is well known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. Also, Wilmington is famous for the Battleship North Carolina.

How is Cape Canaveral different from Wilmington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cape Canaveral is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Wilmington offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are art, history, and science museums around town. The Battleship North Carolina is a popular destination. Science enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science or the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher. For art, head to the Cameron Art Museum or Art in Bloom Gallery.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Cape Canaveral and Wilmington 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.

Wilmington offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Is Cape Canaveral or Wilmington Better for Nightlife?

Wilmington 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 Wilmington has a few options to choose from. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun 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 Wilmington Better for Resorts?

Cape Canaveral is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Wilmington is not a resort destination.

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.

Wilmington is not a resort destination.

Is Cape Canaveral or Wilmington Better for Beaches?

Wilmington is a great city 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 Wilmington. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

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 Wilmington Better for its Old Town?

Wilmington is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Canaveral does not have a historic old town.

Wilmington has an old town worth visiting. The Historic District is along the waterfront and has 18th and 19th century architecture. There are also great restaurants and interesting shops.

Cape Canaveral does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Canaveral or Wilmington?

If you're looking to go shopping, Cape Canaveral and Wilmington both offer plenty of notable 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.

Wilmington is a great destination for shopping. Head downtown for the most interesting local shops. You'll find boutiques and souvenir shops where you can pick up art, accessories, or antiques.

Is Cape Canaveral or Wilmington Better for Families?

Cape Canaveral is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Wilmington is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Wilmington is a very kid-friendly town. Near town you'll find several beaches - Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They're all family-friendly and perfect for a day's activity. The city also has the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, the Children's Museum of Wilmington, and the Wilmington Railroad Museum. For a rainy day there are also indoor play areas and entertainment centers.

Is Cape Canaveral or Wilmington Better for Couples?

Cape Canaveral and Wilmington are both superb 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.

Wilmington is a very popular place to visit for couples. The beaches are great for a relaxing day of swimming and sunbathing. In the evening head into town and enjoy one of the local seafood restaurants on the waterfront. You'll also find great shopping and historical sights in the area.

Is Cape Canaveral or Wilmington Better for Students?

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is a popular school that brings many students to town.

Cape Canaveral is not popular with students.

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

Wilmington 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 Wilmington. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to 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 Wilmington a more walkable city?

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

Wilmington is a somewhat walkable city. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

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 Wilmington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Wilmington or Cape Canaveral?

How long in Cape Canaveral or Wilmington?

In either Cape Canaveral or Wilmington, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Wilmington 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 2-5 days is enough time in Wilmington.

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

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

One day in Cape Canaveral or Wilmington?

With museums and food around the wonder-filled town of Cape Canaveral, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cape Canaveral, one day is sufficent for most.

In Wilmington, you'll find museums 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 Wilmington?

With food and shopping around the destination of Cape Canaveral, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Wilmington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Wilmington?

Cape Canaveral, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Cape Canaveral is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Wilmington. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Cape Canaveral and Wilmington, 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 Wilmington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cape Canaveral or Wilmington?

Wilmington has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cape Canaveral. When comparing the sizes of Cape Canaveral and Wilmington, 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 Wilmington?

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 Wilmington in the Summer?

Both Wilmington and Cape Canaveral are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cape Canaveral because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Wilmington this time of year.

In the summer, Cape Canaveral is around the same temperature as Wilmington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Canaveral in July average around 80°F (27°C), and Wilmington averages at about 81°F (27°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Wilmington. It's quite rainy in Cape Canaveral. In July, Cape Canaveral usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wilmington. Cape Canaveral gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 8.1 inches (207 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Wilmington in the Autumn?

Both Wilmington and Cape Canaveral during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cape Canaveral this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Wilmington for the shopping scene.

In October, Cape Canaveral is generally a little warmer than Wilmington. Daily temperatures in Cape Canaveral average around 74°F (24°C), and Wilmington fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cape Canaveral. Cape Canaveral usually gets more rain in October than Wilmington. Cape Canaveral gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.7 inches (68 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 Wilmington in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Canaveral and Wilmington. Many travelers come to Cape Canaveral for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Wilmington in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cape Canaveral is much warmer than Wilmington in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Canaveral averages around 60°F (15°C) in January, and Wilmington fluctuates around 45°F (7°C).

In January, Cape Canaveral usually receives less rain than Wilmington. Cape Canaveral gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cape Canaveral or Wilmington in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cape Canaveral as well as Wilmington. Many visitors come to Cape Canaveral in the spring for the beaches. Additionally, most visitors come to Wilmington for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Cape Canaveral is a little warmer than Wilmington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Canaveral in April average around 70°F (21°C), and Wilmington averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Cape Canaveral usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Wilmington. Cape Canaveral gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Wilmington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cape Canaveral is June to November.

Typical Weather for Wilmington and Cape Canaveral