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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Beaufort?

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 Beaufort. 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.

Beaufort

Beaufort is a historic, character-filled, and southern town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cocoa Beach and Beaufort: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Beaufort?

Both Beaufort and Cocoa Beach have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Cocoa Beach is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Beaufort is more popular for its historical sights, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Beaufort and is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Beaufort is well known for its Lowcountry cuisine and historic homes.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Beaufort?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Cocoa Beach can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Beaufort offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The town's museums highlight the region's past. There are four popular museums that you can visit - the Beaufort History Museum, Parris Island Museum, Verdier House Museum, and York W. Bailey Museum.

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

Both Cocoa Beach and Beaufort offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

Cocoa Beach has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Beaufort makes for a great culinary experience. Soak up the charming atmosphere by dining at one of the local restaurants. Many serve Lowcountry cuisine which includes She-crab soup, fried green tomatoes, shrimp burgers, and barbecue.

Is Cocoa Beach or Beaufort Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town for nightlife and partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Cocoa Beach. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Beaufort. You'll find bars, grills, and taverns in town, but most people don't visit for the nightlife scene.

Is Cocoa Beach or Beaufort Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Beaufort 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.

Beaufort is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Beaufort Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is notable for its beaches. Also, Beaufort is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for the beache.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Beaufort. The town has a nice waterfront, but you have to head about half an hour out of town for a real beach. One of the best options is Hunting Island State Park.

Is Cocoa Beach or Beaufort Better for its Old Town?

Beaufort is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Cocoa Beach does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Beaufort. Historic homes, some that were built before the Civil War, offer a glimpse into the past. Beaufort is the second oldest town in South Carolina and it holds on to much of its charm and character.

Cocoa Beach does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Beaufort?

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

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.

Beaufort is a great destination for shopping. Head downtown for some souvenir shopping or to check out the art galleries or fashion boutiques.

Is Cocoa Beach or Beaufort Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is renowned for its family-friendly activities. However, Beaufort is a mediocre town 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.

Beaufort is not always a place people visit with their families. There are parks and outdoor activities in the area, but one of the best options is to head out of town to the beach.

Is Cocoa Beach or Beaufort Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach and Beaufort both great destinations for a couple.

Cocoa Beach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

Couples visit Beaufort frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many charming and romantic spots around town as well as historic inns where you can stay. Couples will enjoy the waterfront area or exploring one of the nature parks that are nearby. There are also quaint local restaurants that make for a nice date night.

Is Cocoa Beach or Beaufort 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, Beaufort is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

Cocoa Beach has a few public transit options. 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 quite limited in Beaufort. There is no reliable public transportation system in the area.

Is Cocoa Beach or Beaufort a more walkable city?

Beaufort is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Beaufort is a very walkable destination. The quaint downtown is walkable and offers easy access to art galleries, restaurants, and shops.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Beaufort or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Beaufort?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cocoa Beach and Beaufort. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cocoa Beach than in Beaufort. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 1-3 days is enough time in Beaufort.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Beaufort. 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 Beaufort. 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 Cocoa Beach than Beaufort 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 Cocoa Beach.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Beaufort?

The beach town of Cocoa Beach offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Beaufort is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Beaufort?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this beach town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cocoa Beach, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Beaufort might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town 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 Beaufort?

Cocoa Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cocoa Beach, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Because Beaufort is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Beaufort?

Cocoa Beach is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This beach town offers something for everyone.

Since Beaufort is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Beaufort, 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 Beaufort Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Beaufort?

Cocoa Beach has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Beaufort. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Beaufort, 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 Beaufort?

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 Beaufort in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Beaufort. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Beaufort. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cocoa Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Beaufort averages at about 82°F (28°C).

It's quite rainy in Beaufort. Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cocoa Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Beaufort. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Beaufort in the Autumn?

Both Beaufort and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Beaufort because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cocoa Beach is generally a little warmer than Beaufort. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and Beaufort fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Beaufort. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Beaufort in the Winter?

Both Beaufort and Cocoa Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Beaufort this time of year.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Beaufort in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and Beaufort fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in January than Beaufort. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Beaufort in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Beaufort. The beaches are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beaufort for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Beaufort. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Beaufort averages at about 67°F (19°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Beaufort. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Beaufort receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Beaufort and Cocoa Beach