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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Denver?

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 Denver. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Denver

Denver is a park-filled, suburban, and accessible city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Cocoa Beach and Denver: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Denver?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Denver. Although Cocoa Beach and Denver are both popular with visitors, Denver has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Denver is more popular for its skiing, hiking, and big city activities, while Cocoa Beach is known for its museums, food, resorts, and beaches. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Denver and is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Denver is popular for serving as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains and the many national parks that are in the area. It is also home to Red Rocks Park.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Denver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Denver and Cocoa Beach. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Cocoa Beach or Denver Better for Skiing?

Cocoa Beach
Denver

Denver is a good destination for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cocoa Beach is not a skiing destination.

Head to Denver for some great skiing and other winter activities. Although there's no skiing in the immediate area, there is a huge list of world class ski resorts within an hour or two of town. Two of the closest are Echo Mountain Resort and Loveland Ski Area.

Cocoa Beach is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cocoa Beach or Denver?

Cocoa Beach
Denver

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Denver is not a good city 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.

While most people don't head to Denver specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Many people use Denver as a starting or ending point for their mountain and national park trip, but those who linger can visit some of the city's museums and sights. Popular museums include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the History Colorado Center, and the Forney Museum of Transportation.

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

Cocoa Beach
Denver

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Denver 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.

Denver may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. It's a pretty large city, so you'll find some nice local restaurants, but the foodie scene is still emerging in many neighborhoods. A number of restaurants offer outdoor seating, which is nice. You'll also find a growing selection of international restaurants. For something uniquely local, you should try the Bison steak and fried pickles.

Is Cocoa Beach or Denver Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Denver

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

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.

Denver has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has come a long way with its nightlife. There's a great craft beer scene and the downtown area has really come to life. Popular bars and clubs in town include the Grizzly Rose and 54Thirty Rooftop. Many places are concentrated in the Soco Nightlife District.


Is Cocoa Beach or Denver Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Denver

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

Denver is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Denver Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Denver

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

Denver is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Denver Better for Hiking?

Cocoa Beach
Denver

Denver is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Denver offers some nice hiking trails. The city is very close to many beautiful parks and hiking areas in the Rocky Mountains. It's not hard to make a day trip from town and enjoy some great hiking. Nice options include the Trading Post Trail in Red Rocks Mountain Park, Bergen Peak near Evergreen, and Chimney Gulch Trail near the town of Golden.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Denver?

Cocoa Beach
Denver

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

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.

Denver is a great destination for shopping. The city has many outlet malls that budget shoppers appreciate. There are also weekend farmer's markets, boutique shopping areas, and all of the major chains that you'll find in most larger cities.

Is Cocoa Beach or Denver Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Denver

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

Denver is a family-friendly beach town. It is a family-friendly city with museums, playgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. There are also a few ropes courses near town that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Popular activities include the Denver Zoo, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Children's Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus.

Is Cocoa Beach or Denver Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Denver

Cocoa Beach is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Denver is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Denver is a good beach town for couples to visit. There are many beautiful and romantic outdoor activities in the area such as parks and botanical gardens. There are also spas, including the impressive Spa at the Brown Palace, as well as upscale restaurants and fun bars and clubs to explore.


Is Cocoa Beach or Denver Better for Students?

Cocoa Beach
Denver

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

Plenty of students visit Denver. There are a few students in the city, but there isn't a college town vibe that you'd get at other nearby university areas.

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

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

Cocoa Beach
Denver

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

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 Denver, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If you're not planning to leave town, the light rail and bus systems offer good access to much of Denver.

Is Cocoa Beach or Denver a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Denver

Cocoa Beach is a nice place to visit for its high level of walkability. However, Denver 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.

Denver is not a very walkable beach town. While the downtown area is generally walkable, this is still a sprawling city where you'll really want to have a car to access areas outside of town.


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

Should I spend more time in Denver or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Denver?

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

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Denver. 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 Denver. 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 Denver 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 Denver? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cocoa Beach 2-5 
    Denver 2-3

One day in Cocoa Beach or Denver?

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 skiing and nightlife when visiting the accessible city of Denver. 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 Denver?

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 nightlife and shopping when visiting the park-filled destination of Denver. 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 Denver?

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 park-filled city of Denver offers shopping and skiing. 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 Denver?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the relaxing 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 skiing and nightlife when visiting Denver. 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, Denver 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 Denver is $218. 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 Denver in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Denver $87
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Denver $174
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Denver

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Denver? 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 Denver


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 Denver Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    Denver $101

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 Denver

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Denver:

  • Transfer in Private Car from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Downtown: $72
  • Transfer in Private Car from Denver Downtown to International Airport (DEN) : $72
  • Round trip transfer in private minivan from-to Denver Intl. Airport to Downtown: $173
  • Private Transfer from Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Business Car: $108
  • Private Transfer from Denver Airport DEN to Denver in Business Car: $108
  • Private One Way Transfer From and To Denver Colorado: $200
  • Private City Tour in Denver with Transfer: $130
  • Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury Van: $136
  • Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Luxury SUV: $136
  • Departure Private Transfer: Denver to Denver Airport DEN in Business Car: $108
  • Denver hotel or address to Denver Airport (DEN) - Departure Private Transfer: $50
  • Denver Airport Transfer To/From Aspen for 6-14 Sprinter Van: $1,950

Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Denver?

Prices for flights to both Denver 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
    Denver $42

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 Denver

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


  • Sushi Dinner (for 2)
    $61

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Denver

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

  • RiNo Arts District Food Tour: $79
  • Downtown Denver Food Tour: $79
  • Arts District Walking Food Tour: $79
  • Mystery Puzzle Food Tour in Golden, CO: $80
  • The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Denver, CO: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Denver $52

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 Denver

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

  • Shared Golden's History Wagon Ride Tour in Colorado: $65
  • Small-Group Cocktail Tour in Denver: $99
  • 1.5 Hour RiNo Art District Walking Tour: $28
  • 2 Hour Guided Segway Tour: $69
  • 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver: $28
  • Beginner Rock Climbing Tour: $200
  • Best of Denver Tour: $30
  • Best of Denver Tour: $64
  • Bike and Booze Tour of RiNo & Downtown: $76
  • Breckenridge Ultimate Full Day Mountain Tour from Denver: $139
  • Cheesman Park Ghost Tour: $28
  • Colorado Gold Rush Mountain and Mine Half-Day Tour from Denver: $99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $20
    Denver $5.31

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 Denver

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

  • Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl: $35
  • Wine Tasting with Cheese, Charcuterie, and Dessert : $74


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


Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Denver?

Denver has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Denver, 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.