A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cocoa Beach vs. Blue Ridge for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge?

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 Blue Ridge. 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. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Blue Ridge

Blue Ridge is a quaint, charming, and outdoorsy town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, hiking, and shopping.

Cocoa Beach and Blue Ridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach than Blue Ridge, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cocoa Beach is better known for its museums, resorts, and beaches, while Blue Ridge is more popular for its hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Blue Ridge and is known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Also, Cocoa Beach is famous for the Kennedy Space Center. Blue Ridge is well known for its beautiful mountain setting, miles of hiking trails, and small town atmosphere.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Blue Ridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Blue Ridge offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. While you don't immediately think of museums in the area, there are a couple. The Dahlonega Gold Museum gives information on the gold rush and mining industry in town. In nearby Tennessee, Ducktown Basin Museum is a historic mine site that is open for tours.

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

Both Cocoa Beach and Blue Ridge offer excellent 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, Blue Ridge makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find plenty of small town restaurants serving local dishes like barbecue, trout, and biscuits with gravy. Southern food is popular, but you'll also find plenty of breweries and wineries in the area. Head downtown for an assortment of options that include southern, vegan, and even international flavors.

Is Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cocoa Beach and Blue Ridge.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Blue Ridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head downtown for a mix of breweries, bars, and clubs where you'll find live music and a casual meal.

Is Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Blue Ridge 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.

Blue Ridge is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Cocoa Beach for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Blue Ridge is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge Better for Hiking?

Blue Ridge is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Blue Ridge. There are miles of hiking trails in the area that take you to waterfalls and viewpoints. The starting point of the Appalachian Trail is also nearby, and another popular trail is the Benton MacKaye Trail. Options range from beginner to expert with everything in between.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge?

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. You'll find artisan shops, art galleries, and boutique clothing vendors. Many places are concentrated in the charming downtown area, which is fun to explore for a day or two.

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 Blue Ridge Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is an amazing beach town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Blue Ridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cocoa Beach is very family-friendly. 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.

Blue Ridge is a very kid-friendly beach town. Kids who enjoy hiking and playing outdoors will have fun here. There are waterfall hikes, fruit picking farms, and plenty of playgrounds. There's also a scenic railway and lots of places to sample treats.

Is Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach and Blue Ridge both excellent 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 Blue Ridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you're looking for a cozy retreat where you can relax in a cabin, take long walks through nature, and enjoy local food, then this is your place. There are plenty of bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and rustic cabins with fireplaces and simple pleasures. If you want to escape it all then the mountains are the place to be.

Is Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge. There are a number of campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hikes that backpackers will enjoy. Nearby you'll also find the start of the famed Appalachian Trail.

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 Blue Ridge Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cocoa Beach is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Blue Ridge is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Cocoa Beach has some 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 limited or non-existant in Blue Ridge. There's no real public transportation system in the area.

Is Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach and Blue Ridge are notable when it comes to walkability.

Cocoa Beach is a somewhat walkable beach town. 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.

Blue Ridge is somewhat walkable. While the downtown area is relatively walkable, if you want to hike and get out in nature, you'll need to have a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Blue Ridge or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge?

In either Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Cocoa Beach has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Blue Ridge. However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Blue Ridge. 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 Blue Ridge. 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 Blue Ridge 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 Blue Ridge.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge?

With museums and nightlife around the relaxing beach town of Cocoa Beach, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Blue Ridge is a small town with plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Blue Ridge?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Cocoa Beach, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this beach town.

Blue Ridge might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Blue Ridge?

Cocoa Beach, a popular beach town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this beach town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Even though Blue Ridge is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

Since Blue Ridge is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cocoa Beach and Blue Ridge, we can see that Cocoa Beach is more expensive. And not only is Blue Ridge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Blue Ridge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Blue Ridge 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 Cocoa Beach would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cocoa Beach than you might in Blue Ridge.

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 Blue Ridge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge?

Cocoa Beach has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Blue Ridge. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Blue Ridge, 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 Blue Ridge?

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 Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge in the Summer?

Both Blue Ridge and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Blue Ridge this time of year.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Blue Ridge. It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Blue Ridge. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge in the Autumn?

Both Blue Ridge and Cocoa Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Blue Ridge for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cocoa Beach is generally a little warmer than Blue Ridge. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Blue Ridge. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Blue Ridge. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Blue Ridge in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Blue Ridge can get quite cold in the winter. Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Blue Ridge in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and Blue Ridge fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Blue Ridge receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Blue Ridge. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Blue Ridge in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Blue Ridge. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the spring for the beaches. Also, most visitors come to Blue Ridge for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Blue Ridge. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Blue Ridge averages at about 62°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Blue Ridge. Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in April than Blue Ridge. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Blue Ridge receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Blue Ridge and Cocoa Beach