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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Berkeley?

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 Berkeley. 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 adventurous, fun-filled, and relaxing beach town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Berkeley

Berkeley is a diverse, quirky, and progressive city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cocoa Beach and Berkeley: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Berkeley?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Berkeley are popular destinations, Cocoa Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cocoa Beach is very popular for its resorts and beaches, while Berkeley attracts visitors for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Cocoa Beach is famous for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. It is also well known for the Kennedy Space Center. Berkeley is famous for its progressive and liberal mindset as well as its farmer's markets and local boutiques.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Berkeley?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach
Berkeley

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Berkeley 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.

Berkeley offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a wide range of museums around town, many of which are affiliated with the university. There are natural history museums, art museums, cultural museums, as well as historical and science museums.


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

Cocoa Beach
Berkeley

Both Cocoa Beach and Berkeley 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, Berkeley makes for a great culinary experience. There's a huge diversity of restaurants that range from international to California flavors. There are also eateries that cater to the student population, as well as fine dining and everything in between. You'll also find many farmer's markets, vegan options, and restaurants that use locally sourced ingredients.

Is Cocoa Beach or Berkeley Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Berkeley

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

Berkeley has a large number of nightlife venues. With its large student population, you'll find no shortage of nightlife activities around town. There are bars and pubs as well as live music venues and plenty of unique experiences.

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 Berkeley Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Berkeley

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

Cocoa Beach has a few great resort options. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Berkeley is not a resort destination.


Is Cocoa Beach or Berkeley Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Berkeley

Cocoa Beach is notable for the beach. However, Berkeley 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.

Berkeley is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Berkeley?

Cocoa Beach
Berkeley

Berkeley is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Berkeley. Quirky and local is what shopping in Berkeley is all about. There are also plenty of thrift stores and farmer's markets. Head to Fourth Street or Telegraph Avenue for some of the most interesting shopping opportunities.

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for shopping. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Is Cocoa Beach or Berkeley Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Berkeley

Cocoa Beach is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Berkeley is a family-friendly beach town. There are many outdoor places to explore with kids like Tilden Park or UC Botanical Garden. There are also science museums, nature centers, and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.


Is Cocoa Beach or Berkeley Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Berkeley

Cocoa Beach is notable for couples. Also, Berkeley is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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

Berkeley is a nice destination for couples. There's a wonderful mix of cultural activities and outdoor parks that you can explore. There's the Berkeley Rose Garden, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and many charming restaurants.

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

Cocoa Beach
Berkeley

Berkeley 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 Berkeley. With its eclectic and alternative vibe, backpackers will find their place in this city. There's also a huge student population and a couple of hostels in the area.

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 Berkeley Better for Students?

Cocoa Beach
Berkeley

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

Many students visit Berkeley. University of California, Berkeley is a well reviewed university that attracts a progressive and motivated student population. The city is an expensive, but very rewarding place to study with many activities and opportunities for students.

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.


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

Cocoa Beach
Berkeley

Berkeley is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Berkeley has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. It's located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it has access to buses and several BART stations.

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).

Is Cocoa Beach or Berkeley a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Berkeley

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Berkeley. Most of Berkeley is very walkable, particularly the parts around the university.

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 Berkeley Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Berkeley or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Berkeley?

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

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


  • How many days in Cocoa Beach or Berkeley? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cocoa Beach 2-5 
    Berkeley 2-3

One day in Cocoa Beach or Berkeley?

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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quirky city of Berkeley. 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 Berkeley?

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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quirky destination of Berkeley. 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 Berkeley?

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.

The diverse city of Berkeley offers shopping and museums. 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 Berkeley?

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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Berkeley. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Berkeley or Cocoa Beach?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Cocoa Beach is $145, while the average daily cost in Berkeley is $190. 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 Cocoa Beach and Berkeley in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Berkeley $131
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Berkeley $262
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Berkeley

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Berkeley? 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 Cocoa Beach


Hotels in Berkeley


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: Cocoa Beach Hotel Prices and Berkeley Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    Berkeley $30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach

Also for Cocoa Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral Hotel transfers : $47
  • Private Transfer from Cocoa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $277
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $279
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $293

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Berkeley

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Berkeley:

  • Private Transfer: Oakland International Airport to Hotel: $200
  • Private Departure Transfer to Oakland Airport OAK: $97
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland: $93
  • Oakland hotel or address to Oakland Airport (OAK) - Departure Private Transfer: $44
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to San Francisco hotel/address - Private Arrival Transfer: $64
  • Oakland Airport (OAK) to Oakland hotel or address - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $88
  • Arrival Transfer from Oakland Airport OAK to San Francisco by SUV: $232

Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Berkeley?

Prices for flights to both Berkeley and Cocoa Beach 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
    Cocoa Beach $43
    Berkeley $36

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cocoa Beach

For Cocoa Beach, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Guided Walking Food Tour in Cocoa Beach: $79
  • 3-Hour Indian River Queen Cruise with Dinner: $79
  • Guided Walking Food Tour in Cocoa Beach: $79
  • Village Food Tours Lunch & History Tour: $100

Typical Food Prices in Berkeley

Some typical examples of dining costs in Berkeley are as follows:


  • Chocolates at Sweet Dreams
    $4.46

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Berkeley

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Berkeley.

  • North 3-Hour Food Tour: $116
  • Best of North Berkeley Food Tour: $130
  • Black Food Tour - Downtown Oakland: $130

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Berkeley $30

Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach

For Cocoa Beach, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Palm Bay by 3Quest Challenge: $10
  • 1 Hour Historic Riverboat Shared Cruise in Cocoa City: $25
  • Banana River Sunset Cruise w/ Dolphin Watching: $40
  • Sunset Cruise on the Beautiful Banana River: $40
  • Cocoa Beach Dolphin Tours on the Banana River: $40
  • Thousand Islands Banana River Boat Cruise: $40
  • Dolphin Tours along and near the beautiful Indian River Lagoon : $40
  • Manatee and Dolphin Kayak Tour: $45
  • Dolphin Tour with Local Expert: $45
  • 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida : $45
  • Wildlife Refuge Dolphin, Manatee & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!: $48
  • Wildlife Refuge Manatee, Dolphin & Mangrove Kayak or Paddleboarding Tour!: $48

Tours and Activities in Berkeley

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Berkeley are as follows:

  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Berkeley: $20
  • Classic Sausalito Wooden Boat Tour: $135
  • Comedy Oakland at The Washington Inn Show Tickets: $20
  • Historic Houseboat Tour: $65
  • Oakland Athletics Baseball Game Ticket at RingCentral Coliseum: $14
  • Oakland's Temescal Tastes Tour: $120
  • Redwoods of Marin and Mt. Tamalpais Walking Tour with Local Guide: $59
  • Ruth Bancroft Garden General Admission Ticket: $12
  • Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Berkeley by Zombie Scavengers: $20
  • Self-Guided Oakland Tour in an Urban Excursion: $20
  • Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Antioch by Zombie Scavengers: $20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $20
    Berkeley $13

Sample the Local Flavors in Cocoa Beach

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Cocoa Beach:

  • Waterfront Happy Hour Bar Crawl: $39

Sample the Local Flavors in Berkeley

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Berkeley:

  • Guided Wine Tasting at Berkeley Wineries with Local Sommelière : $175
  • Guided Wine Tasting with Local Sommelière: $175


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

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 Berkeley Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Berkeley?

Berkeley has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Berkeley, 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 Berkeley?

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 Berkeley in the Summer?

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

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Berkeley in the summer. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Berkeley fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Berkeley. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cocoa Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Berkeley in the Autumn?

Both Berkeley 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 Berkeley because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Berkeley. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Berkeley averages at about 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cocoa Beach 77°F (25°C) 
    Berkeley 63°F (17°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Berkeley in the Winter?

Both Berkeley 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 Berkeley this time of year.

In January, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Berkeley. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Berkeley fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in January than Berkeley. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C) 
    Berkeley 50°F (10°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Berkeley in the Spring?

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

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Berkeley in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Berkeley fluctuates around 58°F (14°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Berkeley. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Berkeley receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cocoa Beach 73°F (23°C) 
    Berkeley 58°F (14°C)

Typical Weather for Berkeley and Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Berkeley
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 50°F (10°C) 3.8 inches (96 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 54°F (12°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 56°F (13°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 58°F (14°C) 1.2 inches (31 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 60°F (15°C) 0.2 inches (5 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 62°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (3 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 63°F (17°C) 0.1 inches (2 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 64°F (18°C) 0.1 inches (1 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 66°F (19°C) 0.3 inches (7 mm)
Oct 77°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 63°F (17°C) 1.3 inches (33 mm)
Nov 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 57°F (14°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Dec 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 51°F (11°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)