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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Chapel Hill?

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 Chapel Hill. 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a student-oriented, collegiate, and southern town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cocoa Beach and Chapel Hill: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Chapel Hill?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Chapel Hill are popular destinations, Cocoa Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cocoa Beach is very popular for its food, resorts, and beaches, while Chapel Hill attracts visitors for its nightlife. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Chapel Hill and is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. It is also well known for the Kennedy Space Center. Chapel Hill is famous for being the home of the oldest public university in the United States.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Chapel Hill?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Chapel Hill 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.

Chapel Hill offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Many of the museums are affiliated with UNC. A highlight of many trips is a visit to the Morehead Planetarium and Science Center. Hours can vary, so check the schedule ahead of time. Also worth visiting are the Ackland Art Museum and the Carolina Basketball Museum.

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

Cocoa Beach is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Cocoa Beach is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chapel Hill. Students often eat on Franklin Street, which has a diverse mix of casual and slightly nicer restaurants. You'll find Indian food, Mediterranean, Italian, and Greek. The city also has excellent barbecue and other southern favorites.

Is Cocoa Beach or Chapel Hill Better for Nightlife?

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

Chapel Hill has a large number of nightlife venues. Most of the nightlife is centered around the student population. Franklin Street has a number of bars where students hang out. There are also parties hosted by fraternities and sororities. Things are quieter during the summer months when students are mostly gone.

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 Chapel Hill Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its resorts. However, Chapel Hill 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.

Chapel Hill is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Chapel Hill Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is well known for the beach. However, Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Cocoa Beach is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Chapel Hill is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Chapel Hill?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Cocoa Beach and Chapel Hill.

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.

Chapel Hill is a great destination for shopping. There are a mix of local shops, larger shopping centers, and suburban malls. There are also weekly farmer's markets that are fun to check out.

Is Cocoa Beach or Chapel Hill Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Cocoa Beach is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Chapel Hill offers lots of family activities. You can wander around the UNC campus or visit one of the museums affiliated with the school. This includes a planetarium that has regular shows and movies (The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center). There are also science exhibits geared specifically towards kids.

Is Cocoa Beach or Chapel Hill Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is well known for couples. Also, Chapel Hill is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Chapel Hill is a nice destination for couples. There's an eclectic mix of restaurants on Franklin Street. Couples will also enjoy exploring the campus at UNC, visiting the botanical garden, or checking out one of the town's museums.

Is Cocoa Beach or Chapel Hill Better for Students?

Chapel Hill is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

Chapel Hill is a very popular place to visit for students. It's a quintessential college town. UNC has a nice campus and Franklin Street is the main spot for restaurants and shopping. Most of the students live near or on campus, but once you head further out things get more suburban.

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Cocoa Beach and Chapel Hill.

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).

You'll find some public transit in Chapel Hill, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus routes that operate between Chapel Hill and Carrboro.

Is Cocoa Beach or Chapel Hill a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach and Chapel Hill are nice 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.

Chapel Hill is somewhat walkable. The area around UNC is the most walkable part of town. Elsewhere things are very suburban and you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Chapel Hill or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Chapel Hill?

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

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill. 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.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled beach town of Cocoa Beach. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the collegiate town of Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of Cocoa Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This beach 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the student-oriented destination of Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the adventurous beach town of Cocoa Beach. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

The student-oriented town of Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cocoa Beach. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Chapel Hill. 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 Chapel Hill, we can see that Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Chapel Hill?

Chapel Hill has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Chapel Hill, 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 Chapel Hill?

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 Chapel Hill in the Summer?

Both Chapel Hill and Cocoa Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chapel Hill for the family-friendly experiences.

Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Chapel Hill in the summer. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

Chapel Hill gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Chapel Hill. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 5.1 inches (129 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Chapel Hill in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Chapel Hill. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Chapel Hill in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Chapel Hill. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Chapel Hill averages at about 61°F (16°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Chapel Hill. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Chapel Hill in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Chapel Hill. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Chapel Hill for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Chapel Hill can be very cold during winter. In January, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Chapel Hill. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in January than Chapel Hill. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Chapel Hill in the Spring?

Both Chapel Hill and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months.

Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Chapel Hill in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Chapel Hill fluctuates around 60°F (16°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Chapel Hill. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Chapel Hill receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain each month for the spring. The hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Chapel Hill and Cocoa Beach