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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Cherokee?

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 Cherokee. 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.

Cherokee

Cherokee is a fascinating, cultural, and genuine town. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Cocoa Beach and Cherokee: 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Cherokee?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach than Cherokee, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cocoa Beach is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Cherokee is more popular for its hiking. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Cherokee and is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Also, Cocoa Beach is famous for the Kennedy Space Center. Cherokee is well known for its cultural experiences and nearby hiking trails.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Cherokee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach
Cherokee

Cocoa Beach is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Cherokee 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.

Cherokee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the museums educate visitors on the Native American culture. Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee People, and the Mountain Farm Museum each offer a unique and interesting perspective.


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

Cocoa Beach
Cherokee

Cocoa Beach is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Cherokee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are casual sandwich shops as well as several places that offer traditional Cherokee foods such as fry bread.

Is Cocoa Beach or Cherokee Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Cherokee

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Cherokee 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 Cherokee. The town is generally quiet but you can head to Harrah's Cherokee Casino for drinks and entertainment.

Is Cocoa Beach or Cherokee Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Cherokee

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

Cherokee is not a resort destination.


Is Cocoa Beach or Cherokee Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Cherokee

Cocoa Beach is notable for its beaches. However, Cherokee 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.

Cherokee is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Cherokee Better for Hiking?

Cocoa Beach
Cherokee

Cherokee 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 Cherokee. There are many trails in the area that pass through forests, wander by waterfalls, and take you to spectacular viewpoints. The fall foliage is particularly nice during the autumn months.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Cherokee?

Cocoa Beach
Cherokee

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

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.

Cherokee is a great destination for shopping. There are craft shops and artisan vendors in the downtown area. It's fun to wander around for a few hours.


Is Cocoa Beach or Cherokee Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Cherokee

Cocoa Beach is an amazing beach town to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cherokee is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cherokee is very family-friendly. It's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make this a fun destination for families. There are countless outdoor adventure activities. The town is also filled with Cherokee history and culture, so it offers educational experiences as well.

Is Cocoa Beach or Cherokee Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Cherokee

Cocoa Beach and Cherokee 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 Cherokee frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nearby there are many outdoor activities and adventure experiences. Couples who enjoy nature and exploring will appreciate a stay here.

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

Cocoa Beach
Cherokee

Cherokee is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cocoa Beach is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cherokee. There are several great campgrounds in the area as well as plenty of hiking opportunities.

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

Cocoa Beach
Cherokee

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Cherokee 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 mostly limited in Cherokee. There are some bus and shuttle routes, but a private vehicle is important if you want to make the most of your visit.

Is Cocoa Beach or Cherokee a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Cherokee

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for its walkability. However, Cherokee is a mediocre town 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.

Cherokee is generally not a very walkable beach town. If you want to explore the area, you'll need a car to reach most places.

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

Should I spend more time in Cherokee or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Cherokee?

It's fun to spend time in either Cocoa Beach or Cherokee. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cocoa Beach due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cherokee.

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


  • How many days in Cocoa Beach or Cherokee? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cocoa Beach 2-5 
    Cherokee 2-4

One day in Cocoa Beach or Cherokee?

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 food and shopping when visiting the genuine town of Cherokee. 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 Cherokee?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Cherokee. 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 Cherokee?

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 genuine town of Cherokee offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Cherokee?

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 food and shopping when visiting Cherokee. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Cherokee 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 Cherokee is $174. 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 Cherokee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Cherokee $158
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Cherokee $316
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Cherokee

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Cherokee? 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 Cherokee


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 Cherokee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    Cherokee -

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Cherokee?

Prices for flights to both Cherokee 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
    Cherokee $16

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Cherokee -

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $20
    Cherokee -

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


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cocoa Beach and Cherokee, we can see that Cherokee 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 Cherokee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cherokee 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 Cherokee Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Cherokee?

Cocoa Beach has a larger population, and is about 94% larger than the population of Cherokee. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Cherokee, 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 Cherokee?

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 Cherokee in the Summer?

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

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

It's quite rainy in Cherokee. Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Cherokee. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cocoa Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Cherokee 81°F (27°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Cherokee in the Autumn?

Both Cherokee 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 Cherokee because of the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

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

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Cherokee. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.


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

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Cherokee in the Winter?

Both Cherokee 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 Cherokee this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cherokee in the winter. Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Cherokee in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and Cherokee fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

Cherokee gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in January than Cherokee. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C) 
    Cherokee 40°F (5°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Cherokee in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Cherokee. The beaches are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year.

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

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Cherokee. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Cherokee receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cocoa Beach 73°F (23°C) 
    Cherokee 62°F (17°C)

Typical Weather for Cherokee and Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Cherokee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 40°F (5°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.7 inches (120 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 54°F (12°C) 4.8 inches (123 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 62°F (17°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 70°F (21°C) 3.3 inches (83 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 78°F (25°C) 3.6 inches (92 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 81°F (27°C) 4.7 inches (119 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 74°F (24°C) 2.8 inches (71 mm)
Oct 77°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 63°F (17°C) 2.7 inches (68 mm)
Nov 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 53°F (12°C) 3.5 inches (90 mm)
Dec 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 44°F (7°C) 4.5 inches (114 mm)