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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Columbia?

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 Columbia. 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 relaxing, adventurous, and fun-filled beach town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Columbia

Columbia is a welcoming, suburban, and friendly city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and shopping.

Cocoa Beach and Columbia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Columbia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Columbia are both popular with visitors, Cocoa Beach has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Columbia and is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. It is also home to the Kennedy Space Center. Columbia is popular for its southern hospitality and friendly people.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Columbia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Columbia is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Cocoa Beach offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Columbia. As the state capital, there are some decent museums around town like the Columbia Museum of Art, the South Carolina Military Museum, the South Carolina State Museum, and the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum.

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

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Columbia is not a good city for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Cocoa Beach. 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.

Columbia may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Barbecue and other southern favorites are among the more local dishes, but the city is also filled with fast food joints and other major chain restaurants.

Is Cocoa Beach or Columbia Better for Nightlife?

The good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cocoa Beach and Columbia.

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.

Columbia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find live music venues as well as low key bars and more trendy cocktail lounges.

Is Cocoa Beach or Columbia Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its resorts. However, Columbia is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Cocoa Beach makes a nice vacation spot. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Columbia is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Columbia Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for the beache. However, Columbia 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.

Columbia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Columbia?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Cocoa Beach and Columbia.

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.

Columbia is a great destination for shopping. You'll find independent and locally owned shops along Devine Street and in the Five Points area. Also interesting are the Vista, which is a warehouse district, and Trenholm Plaza.

Is Cocoa Beach or Columbia Better for Families?

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

Columbia is a family-friendly beach town. Around town you'll find parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly restaurants. There's a zoo in the area as well as a nice state park - Sesquicentennial State Park. There's also EdVenture Children's Museum, which is filled with hands-on exhibits.

Is Cocoa Beach or Columbia Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for its romantic activities. However, Columbia is not a good city for couples.

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.

Columbia is not always the best place to visit for a couple. You'll find parks to explore and some nice restaurants that make for a good date night.

Is Cocoa Beach or Columbia Better for Students?

Columbia is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Columbia. The University of South Carolina, and other nearby colleges all bring in a decent student population.

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

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

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its public transit. However, Columbia is not a good city 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 Columbia. The COMET is the bus system through town, but you really must have your own car to enjoy the city.

Is Cocoa Beach or Columbia a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Columbia is not a good city for its ease of walking around.

Cocoa Beach is a somewhat walkable place. 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.

Columbia is not a very walkable beach town. It's filled with suburban-style development and is generally very car dependent.

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

Should I spend more time in Columbia or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Columbia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cocoa Beach or Columbia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cocoa Beach than Columbia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 1-2 days is enough time in Columbia.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Columbia. 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 Columbia. 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 Columbia 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 Columbia?

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 shopping when visiting the welcoming city of Columbia. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or Columbia?

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 welcoming destination of Columbia. 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 Columbia?

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 friendly city of Columbia offers museums and nightlife. 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 Columbia?

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 nightlife and shopping when visiting Columbia. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cocoa Beach and Columbia, we can see that Cocoa Beach is more expensive. And not only is Columbia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Columbia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Columbia 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 Columbia.

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 Columbia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Columbia?

Columbia has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Columbia, 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 Columbia?

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 Columbia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Columbia. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Columbia for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Columbia. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

It's quite rainy in Columbia. Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Columbia. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 4.6 inches (116 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Columbia in the Autumn?

Both Columbia and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Columbia in the autumn for the shopping scene.

Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Columbia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 77°F (25°C) in October, and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Columbia. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3 inches (75 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Columbia in the Winter?

Both Columbia and Cocoa Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Columbia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Columbia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cocoa Beach in January average around 63°F (17°C), and Columbia averages at about 45°F (7°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in January than Columbia. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 3.7 inches (93 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Columbia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Columbia. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months.

In April, Cocoa Beach is generally a little warmer than Columbia. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 73°F (23°C), and Columbia fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Columbia. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Columbia receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Typical Weather for Columbia and Cocoa Beach