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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Gatlinburg?

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 Gatlinburg. 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 fun-filled, relaxing, and adventurous beach town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a wild, flashy, and high energy city. It's also popular because of the nightlife, hiking, and shopping.

Cocoa Beach and Gatlinburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Gatlinburg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Gatlinburg than Cocoa Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Gatlinburg is better known for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Cocoa Beach is more popular for its museums, food, and beaches. Gatlinburg is more touristy than Cocoa Beach and is known for its countless entertainment venues as well as its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also, Gatlinburg is famous for the Gatlinburg Strip. Cocoa Beach is well known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Gatlinburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Cocoa Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Skiing?

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

Head to Gatlinburg for some great skiing and other winter activities. Ober Gatlinburg is the only ski area in Tennessee. The winter activities open after Thanksgiving and include snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and tubing.

Cocoa Beach is not a skiing destination.

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

Cocoa Beach is great for its historical sights. Also, Gatlinburg is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Gatlinburg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums range from gaudy to quirky. Check out the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum, Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum. There's also the Gatlinburg Space Needle and the Gatlinburg SkyBridge.

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

Cocoa Beach is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Gatlinburg is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Gatlinburg. Staying true to form, restaurants in Gatlinburg cater to the tourist scene and serve up burgers, pizza, pancakes, and other classic favorites.

Is Cocoa Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Nightlife?

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

Gatlinburg is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. Live music, theatrical shows, as well as bars and clubs that stay open late into the night give this town a huge party atmosphere. During the peak season the town is packed with people looking to have a good time and you'll find tons of things to do by simply walking down the main drag.

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 Gatlinburg Better for Resorts?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

There are plenty of resorts in Gatlinburg to choose from. There are plenty of resorts and vacation clubs near town. Many have pools, waterslides, or hot tubs.

Cocoa Beach has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are casual and family-friendly resorts in the area that make for a nice beach vacation.

Is Cocoa Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is great for its beaches. However, Gatlinburg 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.

Gatlinburg is not a beach destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Hiking?

Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg. You'll need to head out of town into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but once you're there the hiking is impressive. There are waterfall hikes, trails to viewpoints, and loops that take you through wildflowers. Some of the most popular trails include Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Middle Prong Trail, and the Gatlinburg Trail.

Cocoa Beach is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Gatlinburg?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Cocoa Beach and Gatlinburg.

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.

Gatlinburg is a great destination for shopping. There are tourist traps and souvenir shops around town, but you can also head to the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community where you can meet local artists and learn about their work.

Is Cocoa Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. However, Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination.

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.

Gatlinburg is not a family-friendly destination. Ober Gatlinburg is a combination ski resort and amusement park that is a highlight for many families. During the warmer season, horseback riding and waterparks are popular. There's also a Ripley's Aquarium, minigolf, and Gatlin's Fun Center. Nearby you'll find Dollywood and Pigeon Forge.

Is Cocoa Beach or Gatlinburg Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach and Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. If you're looking for a flashy and ostentatious experience, then there are all the typical activities around town - Ripley's Believe It or Not, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, or Ober Gatlinburg. For a bit more nature, you can head out of town and enjoy one of the many hiking trails. There are also breweries and wineries in the area, as well as a range of resorts.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Cocoa Beach and Gatlinburg.

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 Gatlinburg, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a free trolley service that offers a convenient way to get around town.

Is Cocoa Beach or Gatlinburg a more walkable city?

Gatlinburg is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Gatlinburg is a very walkable destination. The downtown area is pedestrian-friendly and most of the attractions in town can be reached on foot. If you want to leave town, a car is a must, but in town traffic and parking can be frustrating, so walk when you can.

Cocoa Beach is somewhat walkable. 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.

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

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 Gatlinburg, we can see that Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Gatlinburg?

Cocoa Beach has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Gatlinburg. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Gatlinburg, 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 Gatlinburg?

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 Gatlinburg in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Gatlinburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cocoa Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 81°F (27°C).

Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Gatlinburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Gatlinburg. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Gatlinburg for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Cocoa Beach is generally a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Gatlinburg. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Gatlinburg in the Winter?

Both Gatlinburg 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 Gatlinburg because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Gatlinburg can be very cold. Cocoa Beach is much warmer than Gatlinburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and Gatlinburg fluctuates around 40°F (5°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Gatlinburg. In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Gatlinburg. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 4.7 inches (119 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Gatlinburg in the Spring?

Both Gatlinburg and Cocoa Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches.

In the spring, Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Gatlinburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Gatlinburg averages at about 62°F (17°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in April than Gatlinburg. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Gatlinburg receives 3.6 inches (92 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Gatlinburg and Cocoa Beach