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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Fairbanks?

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 Fairbanks. 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a remote, Arctic, and unique city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, hiking, and shopping.

Cocoa Beach and Fairbanks: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Fairbanks?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Fairbanks are popular destinations, Cocoa Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cocoa Beach is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while Fairbanks attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than Fairbanks and is known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. It is also well known for the Kennedy Space Center. Fairbanks is famous for its remote wilderness setting, access to the Arctic, unique winter sports, and popularity for seeing the northern lights.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Fairbanks?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cocoa Beach or Fairbanks Better for Skiing?

Fairbanks is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Cocoa Beach is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Fairbanks for snow skiing. The closest ski areas are the ski resorts of Fort Wainwright/Birch Hill, Moose Mountain and Skiland. The area also has dog mushing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing and sleigh riding.

Cocoa Beach is not a skiing destination.

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

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Fairbanks is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city is mostly known for its outdoor activities, but you can also visit the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center, the Aurora Ice Museum, Fountainhead Auto Museum, the Museum of the North, and Pioneer Park.

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

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for its restaurants. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

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.

Fairbanks offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Food can be expensive and of varying quality, but many restaurants use local meats and seafood. There's a surprising number of international restaurants in town as well. Also make sure you try the local specialties like reindeer sausage, Yukon gold potatoes, and Alaskan salmon.

Is Cocoa Beach or Fairbanks Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Fairbanks. You will find some bars around town, but for the most part, the city stays quiet at night.

Is Cocoa Beach or Fairbanks Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Fairbanks Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for the beach. However, Fairbanks 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.

Fairbanks is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Fairbanks Better for Hiking?

Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. While the town serves as a gateway to the Arctic and all that it has to offer, there are also hiking trails both in town and nearby. There are trails that connect the city's historic sites as well as day hikes that start at the edge of town.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Fairbanks?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Cocoa Beach and Fairbanks.

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.

Fairbanks is a great destination for shopping. There are interesting local shops and boutiques that sell native Alaskan handmade items. You'll find "Made in Alaska" merchandise at many boutiques and souvenir shops. There are also larger retailers available in case you forgot clothing or other items at home.

Is Cocoa Beach or Fairbanks Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is an amazing beach town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Fairbanks. Kids who enjoy searching for wildlife, playing in the snow, and exploring nature will love a visit to Fairbanks. Make sure you visit the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as Pioneer Park.

Is Cocoa Beach or Fairbanks Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for couples. Also, Fairbanks is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Fairbanks is a nice destination for couples. Couples who enjoy hiking and nature will love a visit here. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, Fairbanks is your best destination in Alaska. Try to visit sometime between August to April for the best chance of enjoying the lights.

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

Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks. There are many outdoor recreation areas where backpackers can explore. Alaska, and Fairbanks in particular, can have very harsh conditions, so unless you know what you're doing, it's best to take a guide.

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

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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).

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Fairbanks. There is a public bus system that connects the downtown area with the shopping areas and the university. However, you really can't rely on it to explore the region and you should have your own vehicle.

Is Cocoa Beach or Fairbanks a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Fairbanks is lacking in good options 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.

Fairbanks is not a walkable beach town. The city was built for cars and there are very few walkable areas around town.

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

Should I spend more time in Fairbanks or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Fairbanks?

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

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

One day in Cocoa Beach or Fairbanks?

You'll find shopping and museums around the beach town of Cocoa Beach. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the outdoorsy city of Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the fun-filled destination of Cocoa Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer. This beach town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Visitors enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting the Arctic destination of Fairbanks. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Fairbanks?

You'll find nightlife and food around the fun-filled beach town of Cocoa Beach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this beach town makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this beach town has to offer.

The Arctic city of Fairbanks offers shopping and museums. 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 Fairbanks?

Cocoa Beach is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the museums and shopping when visiting Fairbanks. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Fairbanks?

Fairbanks has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Fairbanks, 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 Fairbanks?

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 Fairbanks in the Summer?

Both Fairbanks and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Fairbanks for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Fairbanks in the summer. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 81°F (27°C) in July, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 64°F (18°C).

It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 2 inches (51 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Fairbanks in the Autumn?

Both Fairbanks and Cocoa Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Fairbanks in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Fairbanks can get quite cold in the autumn. In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Fairbanks. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Fairbanks averages at about 27°F (-3°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Fairbanks. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.9 inches (22 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Fairbanks in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Fairbanks. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Fairbanks for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Fairbanks can be very cold during winter. In January, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Fairbanks. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Fairbanks fluctuates around -9°F (-23°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than Fairbanks. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.5 inches (13 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Fairbanks in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Fairbanks. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Fairbanks because of the natural beauty.

The weather in Fairbanks can be very cold. Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Fairbanks in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Fairbanks fluctuates around 32°F (0°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in April than Fairbanks. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Fairbanks receives 0.4 inches (9 mm) of rain this time of the year. Keep in mind that June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Typical Weather for Fairbanks and Cocoa Beach