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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Dallas?

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 Dallas. 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dallas

Dallas is a chic, active, and upscale city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cocoa Beach and Dallas: 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
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Dallas?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dallas. Although Cocoa Beach and Dallas are both popular with visitors, Dallas has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Dallas is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cocoa Beach is known for its resorts and beaches. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Dallas and is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Dallas is popular for its Tex Mex cuisine, upscale shopping venues, and cowboy culture. It is also home to the Sixth Floor Museum.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Dallas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach
Dallas

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Dallas 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.

Dallas offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Museums range from historical to art and science with some of the favorites being the Dallas Contemporary Museum, the African American Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The city is also home to the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Nasher Sculpture Center. A must-see is the Sixth Floor Museum, which is in historic Dealey Plaza and is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed JFK. Today there's a museum that goes over the events of that day.


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

Cocoa Beach
Dallas

Both Cocoa Beach and Dallas offer high quality 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, Dallas makes for a great culinary experience. There's a perfect combination of Texas cuisine and international flavors. You'll find Texas barbecue, Tex Mex, and steakhouses intermixed with Thai, Japanese, and Caribbean cuisine. There's also a great food truck scene and many local eateries.

Is Cocoa Beach or Dallas Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Dallas

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

Dallas has a large number of nightlife venues. Head to East Dallas for the most active clubs with large dance floors and great music. The city also has rooftop lounges and plenty of live music as well as comedy clubs.

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 Dallas Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Dallas

Cocoa Beach is very good for its resorts. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is not a resort destination.


Is Cocoa Beach or Dallas Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Dallas

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for the beache. However, Dallas is not a beach destination.

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Dallas is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Dallas?

Cocoa Beach
Dallas

Dallas 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 Dallas. You'll find a very diverse shopping scene around town, with everything from quirky local vendors to upscale fashion boutiques. There are cowboy outfitters where you can get a feel for the Texas style, but there are also posh shopping centers and local flea markets.

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 Dallas Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Dallas

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

Cocoa Beach is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dallas. The city is filled with families, and you'll find many kid-friendly activities around town. For some outdoor time you can visit the Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden or the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. The Dallas Zoo is a favorite for many kids and there are also a number of kid-friendly museums around town such as the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.


Is Cocoa Beach or Dallas Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Dallas

Cocoa Beach and Dallas both high quality 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 Dallas frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Head to the observation deck at Reunion Tower for spectacular views of the night skyline. The city also has many great comedy clubs and performing arts venues as well as fine dining restaurants that make for a great date night.

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

Cocoa Beach
Dallas

Visitors will find good public transit in both Cocoa Beach and Dallas.

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 Dallas, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While it's still very much a car-centered city, the public transportation system, DART, is one of the fastest growing in the country. It includes both light rail and bus service.

Is Cocoa Beach or Dallas a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Dallas

Cocoa Beach is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Dallas 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.

Dallas is generally not a very walkable beach town. The city is not particularly walkable, but there are several more walkable areas such as Ellum and Uptown.


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

Should I spend more time in Dallas or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Dallas?

It's fun to spend time in either Cocoa Beach or Dallas. 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 Dallas.

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


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

One day in Cocoa Beach or Dallas?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Cocoa Beach. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active city of Dallas. 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 Dallas?

Cocoa Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the upscale destination of Dallas. 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 Dallas?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cocoa Beach. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The active city of Dallas 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 Dallas?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun-filled destination of Cocoa Beach. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dallas. 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, Dallas 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 Dallas is $141. 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 Dallas in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Dallas $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Dallas $168
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Dallas

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Dallas? 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 Dallas


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 Dallas Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    Dallas $28

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 Dallas

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dallas:

  • Transfer private executive car from Dallas Airport (DFW)- City Center: $60
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DFW): $69
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DAL): $91
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas Airport (DFW) - City Center: $69
  • Transfer in private minivan from Dallas Airport (DAL) - City Center: $91
  • Transfer in executive private car from Dallas City Center - Dallas Airport (DAL): $71
  • RoundtripTransfer Executive Private Car Dallas Airport (DFW) -Dallas City Center: $120
  • Roundtrip Transfer Private Minivan Dallas Airport (DFW) - Dallas City Center: $138
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury Van: $126
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Luxury SUV: $126
  • Private Transfer from Dallas Airport DFW to Dallas in Business Car: $104
  • Private Transfer Fort Worth Airport DFW to Downtown Fort Worth by Luxury Vehicle: $109

Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Dallas?

Prices for flights to both Dallas 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
    Dallas $35

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 Dallas

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


  • Cowboys Stadium Tour (for 2)
    $55
  • Whataburger Lunch (family of 4)
    $21

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dallas

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

  • Happy Hour West Village Food Tour: $39
  • West Village Happy Hour Food Tour: $39
  • Deep Ellum Foodie Lovers Tour with Food Tours of America: $85
  • JFK Food & Culture Walking Tour with Food Tours of America: $89
  • Dallas Secret Food Tour: $97
  • Secret Food Tour of Dallas with Private Tour Option: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Dallas $13

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 Dallas

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

  • 2 Hour Dallas Night Sightseeing E-Scooter Tour: $90
  • Private Walking Tour of Dealey Plaza Assassination of JFK: $135
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour: $28
  • 1-Hour JFK Assassination Walking Tour : $28
  • 2 Hour Festive Walk Tour in Dallas: $245
  • 2-Hour Historic Dallas Segway Tour: $79
  • 3-Hour Ropes Course & Zip Line Adventure : $60
  • 3hr Dallas Cowboys Stadium Small Group Tour with Transportation: $108
  • Bishop Arts Food and Walking Tour in Dallas: $58
  • Combination Southfork Ranch and Dallas/JFK Highlights Tour: $145
  • Create Your Own Dallas and Fort Worth Combination Tour: $146
  • Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens Tour: $205

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $20
    Dallas $12

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 Dallas

Also in Dallas, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Dallas Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $38
  • Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas: $55
  • Dallas Party Bike Pub Crawl in Deep Ellum: $55


When comparing the travel costs between Cocoa Beach and Dallas, we can see that Cocoa Beach 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 Dallas Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Dallas?

Dallas has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Dallas, 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 Dallas?

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 Dallas in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Dallas. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Dallas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Cocoa Beach is generally cooler than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 81°F (27°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 88°F (31°C).

Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than Dallas. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 2.4 inches (60 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cocoa Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Dallas 88°F (31°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Dallas in the Autumn?

Both Dallas and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Dallas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Dallas in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 77°F (25°C) in October, and Dallas fluctuates around 69°F (21°C).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dallas. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. The hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cocoa Beach 77°F (25°C) 
    Dallas 69°F (21°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Dallas in the Winter?

Both Dallas and Cocoa Beach during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dallas because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Dallas. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cocoa Beach in January average around 63°F (17°C), and Dallas averages at about 46°F (8°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in January than Dallas. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 1.8 inches (45 mm) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C) 
    Dallas 46°F (8°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Dallas in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Dallas. The spring months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Dallas this time of year.

In April, Cocoa Beach is generally a little warmer than Dallas. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 73°F (23°C), and Dallas fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Dallas. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Dallas receives 3.9 inches (98 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cocoa Beach 73°F (23°C) 
    Dallas 68°F (20°C)

Typical Weather for Dallas and Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Dallas
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 46°F (8°C) 1.8 inches (45 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 51°F (10°C) 2.3 inches (59 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 60°F (15°C) 3.2 inches (82 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 68°F (20°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 76°F (24°C) 5 inches (128 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 83°F (29°C) 3.5 inches (89 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 88°F (31°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 87°F (31°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 80°F (27°C) 3.6 inches (91 mm)
Oct 77°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 69°F (21°C) 3.9 inches (98 mm)
Nov 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 59°F (15°C) 2.4 inches (60 mm)
Dec 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 50°F (10°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)