A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cocoa Beach vs. Everglades National Park for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park?

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 Everglades National Park. 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. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a wild, pristine, and adventure-filled national park. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Cocoa Beach and Everglades National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Home to the Kennedy Space Center
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Everglades National Park are popular destinations, Cocoa Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cocoa Beach is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Everglades National Park attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Cocoa Beach is famous for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. It is also well known for the Kennedy Space Center. Everglades National Park is famous for its unique habitats and wildlife such as the friendly manatees.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Everglades National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park?

Cocoa Beach
Everglades National Park

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for its historical sights. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Cocoa Beach specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Everglades National Park offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. It's worth checking out the Museum of the Everglades, but most visitors prefer to spend their time outdoors exploring the habitats.


Is the Food Better in Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cocoa Beach
Everglades National Park

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its 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.

Everglades National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. There are a few casual eateries near the park. The options include taquerias and grills. You'll also find some farm fresh fruit stands on the side of the road and it's definitely worth stopping to pick up a snack.

Is Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach
Everglades National Park

Cocoa Beach is very good for its evening party scene. However, Everglades National Park is not known for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Cocoa Beach has a few options to choose from. You'll find a number of casual pubs, bars, and grills around town where you can grab a drink in a relaxed setting.

People don't go to Everglades National Park for the nightlife. There are a couple of grills outside of the park, but the nightlife scene is very limited.

Is Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach
Everglades National Park

Cocoa Beach is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Everglades National Park 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.

Everglades National Park is not a resort destination.


Is Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach
Everglades National Park

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for the beach. However, Everglades National Park 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.

Everglades National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park Better for Hiking?

Cocoa Beach
Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park. The trails take you through a variety of habitats and range in length from short nature walks to longer, in depth hikes. Do be aware that the insects can be brutal. Mosquitos and biting flies are both common.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park?

Cocoa Beach
Everglades National Park

Cocoa Beach is very good for its shopping areas. However, Everglades National Park is not known for shopping.

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.

Everglades National Park has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There's a park store, but otherwise the shopping is very limited.


Is Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach
Everglades National Park

Cocoa Beach is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its family-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.

Everglades National Park is a family-friendly place to visit. An airboat ride is a highlight for many kids. There's also hiking, kayaking, and even Junior Ranger programs. Do be on the lookout for mosquitoes, which can be relentless in the park.

Is Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach
Everglades National Park

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town for couples. Also, Everglades National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for romance.

Cocoa Beach is a great beach town if you're traveling as a couple. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

Everglades National Park is a nice destination for couples. Hiking and enjoying a bit of nature makes for a nice romantic getaway. Go kayaking or take an airboat ride and then enjoy some time exploring the natural setting.

Is Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cocoa Beach
Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Cocoa Beach is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Everglades National Park. There are two drive-in campgrounds (Long Pine Key Campground and Flamingo Campground) that you can reach from the Homestead entrance to the park.

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 Everglades National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cocoa Beach
Everglades National Park

Cocoa Beach is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its public transit.

While Cocoa Beach offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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 limited or non-existant in Everglades National Park. There is no real public transportation to the park so an organized tour is your best option if you don't have a vehicle.

Is Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach
Everglades National Park

Cocoa Beach is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Everglades National Park is not known for its 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.

Everglades National Park is generally not very walkable. While there are hiking trails, to really explore the park you'll want to have a car or take an organized tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Everglades National Park or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park?

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

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

One day in Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park?

With food and shopping around the fun-filled beach town of Cocoa Beach, there's plenty to do. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the natural national park of Everglades National Park. 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 Everglades National Park?

With shopping and museums around the adventurous destination of Cocoa Beach, there's plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this beach town makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Everglades National Park. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This national park 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 Everglades National Park?

With museums and nightlife around the fun-filled beach town of Cocoa Beach, there's plenty to do. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The natural national park of Everglades National Park offers . 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 Everglades National Park?

Cocoa Beach is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people enjoy the when visiting Everglades National Park. 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, Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park is $146. 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 Everglades National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cocoa Beach $85
    Everglades National Park $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cocoa Beach $170
    Everglades National Park $160
Compare Hotels in Cocoa Beach and Everglades National Park

Looking for a hotel in Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park? 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 Everglades National Park


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $26
    Everglades National Park $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cocoa Beach

Also for Cocoa Beach, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando-Sanford (SFB) Airport: $292
  • Private Transfer from Melbourne to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $278
  • Private Transfer from Cocoa Beach to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $276
  • Private Transfer from Cocoa to Orlando (MCO) Airport: $276
  • Cocoa Beach/Cape Canaveral Hotel transfers : $47

Is it cheaper to fly into Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park?

Prices for flights to both Everglades National Park 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
    Everglades National Park $31

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
  • Village Food Tours Lunch & History Tour: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cocoa Beach $16
    Everglades National Park $28

Tours and Activities in Cocoa Beach

For Cocoa Beach, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1 Hour Historic Riverboat Shared Cruise in Cocoa City: $25
  • 2 Hour Guided Sunset Boat Tour of the Indian River Lagoon: $75
  • 2 hour Dolphin Sightseeing Tour in Melbourne Florida : $45
  • Bicycle Tours and Rentals Throughout the Space Coast: $50
  • Bioluminescence Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Adventure Tour: $75
  • Bioluminescence Kayak Tour: $70
  • Bioluminescence Night Kayaking Tour of Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge: $80
  • Bioluminescent Clear Bottom Kayak or Paddleboard Sit-On-Top Kayak Hybrid Tour!: $75
  • Bioluminescent Clear Kayak Tours in Titusville: $120
  • Bioluminescent Kayak Tour. Fin Expeditions is Cocoa Beaches Top Rated Kayak Tour: $69
  • Clear Kayak Bioluminescence Tour: $85
  • Clear Kayak Florida Bioluminescence Tour | Beacon 42 (Titusville): $85

Tours and Activities in Everglades National Park

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Everglades National Park.

  • 2 Hour Chokoloskee Island Kayak Tour: $80
  • 4 Hour Everglades Kayak Tour: $120
  • 6 Hour Everglades Mangroves Kayak Tour: $200
  • Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 hours): $120
  • Everglades National Park Small Group Guided Boating & Walking Tour Expedition: $200
  • Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours: $48
  • Small Group Boat, Kayak and Walking Guided Eco Tour in Everglades National Park: $200
  • Small-Group Everglades Boating Kayaking and Walking Eco Tour: $200
  • Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cocoa Beach $20
    Everglades National Park $7.86

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 comparing the travel costs between Cocoa Beach and Everglades National Park, we can see that Everglades National Park 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 Everglades National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Everglades National Park. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Everglades National Park in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Everglades National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Everglades National Park fluctuates around 82°F (28°C).

Everglades National Park receives a lot of rain in the summer. Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Everglades National Park. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cocoa Beach 81°F (27°C) 
    Everglades National Park 82°F (28°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Everglades National Park. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Everglades National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Everglades National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Everglades National Park averages at about 78°F (26°C).

It's quite rainy in Everglades National Park. Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in October than Everglades National Park. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 5.6 inches (143 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November. Also, the hurricane season in Everglades National Park is June to November.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cocoa Beach 77°F (25°C) 
    Everglades National Park 78°F (26°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park in the Winter?

Both Everglades National Park and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Everglades National Park because of the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Cocoa Beach is generally cooler than Everglades National Park. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Everglades National Park fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Everglades National Park. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 2.2 inches (55 mm) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cocoa Beach 63°F (17°C) 
    Everglades National Park 67°F (19°C)

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Everglades National Park in the Spring?

Both Everglades National Park and Cocoa Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Everglades National Park this time of year.

Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Everglades National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Everglades National Park fluctuates around 74°F (24°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in April than Everglades National Park. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Everglades National Park receives 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Everglades National Park.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cocoa Beach 73°F (23°C) 
    Everglades National Park 74°F (24°C)

Typical Weather for Everglades National Park and Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach Everglades National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 63°F (17°C) 2.3 inches (58 mm) 67°F (19°C) 2.2 inches (55 mm)
Feb 62°F (17°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 68°F (20°C) 2.1 inches (53 mm)
Mar 67°F (20°C) 3.5 inches (88 mm) 71°F (22°C) 2.4 inches (61 mm)
Apr 73°F (23°C) 2.7 inches (69 mm) 74°F (24°C) 3.1 inches (78 mm)
May 77°F (25°C) 3 inches (75 mm) 78°F (26°C) 6.4 inches (162 mm)
Jun 80°F (26°C) 7.1 inches (181 mm) 81°F (27°C) 9.4 inches (238 mm)
Jul 81°F (27°C) 8.3 inches (211 mm) 82°F (28°C) 5.9 inches (149 mm)
Aug 81°F (27°C) 6.7 inches (171 mm) 83°F (28°C) 7.5 inches (191 mm)
Sep 81°F (27°C) 7.2 inches (183 mm) 82°F (28°C) 7.6 inches (194 mm)
Oct 77°F (25°C) 4.1 inches (103 mm) 78°F (26°C) 5.6 inches (143 mm)
Nov 69°F (21°C) 1.6 inches (40 mm) 73°F (23°C) 2.9 inches (73 mm)
Dec 64°F (18°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm) 69°F (21°C) 1.9 inches (48 mm)