A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cocoa Beach vs. Austin for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Austin?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Cocoa Beach and Austin. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach is a fun-filled, relaxing, and adventurous beach town. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Austin

Austin is a unconventional, lively, and entrepreneurial city. With a variety of activities, it's a big city. This is beautiful destination to visit. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Cocoa Beach and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Austin?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Austin than Cocoa Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Austin is better known for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cocoa Beach is more popular for its resorts and beaches. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Austin and is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Austin is well known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. Also, Austin is famous for The Texas Capital.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Austin and Cocoa Beach. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cocoa Beach or Austin?

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Austin and Cocoa Beach.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cocoa Beach. The town's proximity to the Kennedy Space Center is a big appeal for space enthusiasts. It's easy to take advantage of the great beaches and then spend a day exploring the space center. Also in town is the Florida Surf Museum.

Austin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

Is the Food Better in Cocoa Beach or Austin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Austin is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Austin, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cocoa Beach makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood is the obvious choice in this beach town. Head to Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier for some great restaurants. In addition to seafood options, you'll find steakhouses, bistros, and pizza shops.

Is Cocoa Beach or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Austin is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Cocoa Beach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

Is Cocoa Beach or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is very popular for its music scene. However, Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

Austin has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Cocoa Beach is not a live music destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Austin Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Austin is not a resort destination.

Cocoa Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Austin is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Austin Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for its beaches. However, Austin is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cocoa Beach. There are long stretches of sand that are great for swimming, surfing, water sports, or just relaxing in the sun. The most popular area is around Cocoa Beach Pier. For family-friendly, head to James H. Nance Park which also has a playground. If you have a dog, Canova Beach Park is your best option.

Austin is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a decent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Austin?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Cocoa Beach and Austin.

Cocoa Beach has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Austin is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Cocoa Beach or Austin Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Cocoa Beach is an amazing family-friendly beach town to visit. It's right by the Kennedy Space Center, which is a great excursion for kids and adults alike. There's also the Brevard Zoo, amazing beaches, and great parks where the kids can run around.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Cocoa Beach or Austin Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for romance. Also, Austin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Cocoa Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

Austin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Cocoa Beach or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cocoa Beach is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Austin. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

Cocoa Beach is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there aren't any hostels in the area, there are some affordable hotels away from the beach.

Is Cocoa Beach or Austin Better for Students?

Austin is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

Many students visit Austin. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

Is Cocoa Beach or Austin Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Cocoa Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can hop on the Cocoa Beach Trolley to access many sights in the area. It's a service provided by the Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT).

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Cocoa Beach or Austin a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

Cocoa Beach is somewhat walkable. For the most walkable areas stay near the town center. In general, you'll want to have a car to access most of what the area has to offer though.

Austin is generally not a very walkable beach town. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Cocoa Beach Worth Visiting? and Is Austin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Austin or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Austin?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cocoa Beach and Austin. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cocoa Beach than in Austin. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 2-3 days is enough time in Austin.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Austin. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cocoa Beach that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Cocoa 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 Austin.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cocoa Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the eccentric city of Austin. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Austin?

Cocoa Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the lively destination of Austin. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cocoa Beach or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cocoa Beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The entrepreneurial city of Austin offers museums and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Cocoa Beach or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing destination of Cocoa Beach. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Austin. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in United States of America, The Best Bicycle Tours in United States of America, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United States of America, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Cocoa Beach and Austin, we can see that Cocoa Beach 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 Cocoa Beach Expensive? and Is Austin Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Austin, 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 Cocoa Beach or Austin?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Cocoa Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cocoa Beach is cooler than Austin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cocoa Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Austin averages at about 87°F (30°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Austin. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Austin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Austin. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Austin because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Austin. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Austin. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Austin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Austin. The winter months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Austin this time of year.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Austin in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and Austin fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in January than Austin. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Austin in the Spring?

Both Austin and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Austin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Austin averages at about 71°F (22°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Austin. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Austin and Cocoa Beach