A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Cocoa Beach vs. Hilton Head Island for Families, Food, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Hilton Head Island?

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 Hilton Head Island. 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.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island is a family-friendly, relaxing, and peaceful coastal town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, food, and beaches.

Cocoa Beach and Hilton Head Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Hilton Head Island?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Hilton Head Island are popular destinations, Cocoa Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cocoa Beach is very popular for its museums, food, and nightlife, while Hilton Head Island attracts visitors for its resorts 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. Hilton Head Island is famous for its long sandy beaches, many golf courses, popular tennis camps, and accessible bike trails.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Hilton Head Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Hilton Head Island does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Cocoa Beach or Hilton Head Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Hilton Head Island is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Hilton Head Island offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The island has many famous restaurants but reservations during the summer are a must. Restaurants can get very crowded during peak times. For some of the best restaurants head to Shelter Cove or Harbour Town. Popular local dishes include fried seafood and oysters.

Is Cocoa Beach or Hilton Head Island Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach is very good for its evening party scene. However, Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island. There are a few sports bars and comedy clubs, but nightlife isn't really a thing in Hilton Head. This is very much a family destination that shuts down with the sunset.

Is Cocoa Beach or Hilton Head Island Better for Resorts?

Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island to choose from. Most of the accommodation in the area is in the form of weekly condo rentals, which usually include a pool and outdoor space. Tennis and golf are also popular on the island so many resorts have facilities for each.

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 Hilton Head Island Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach and Hilton Head Island both offer high quality beaches.

Many people visit Cocoa Beach for it's beautiful 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.

Hilton Head Island is considered a top beach destination. The island has nice beaches that are popular with families. They are great for swimming during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. While some beaches may get a bit crowded during peak holidays, they're usually pretty relaxed and less crowded than many nearby beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Hilton Head Island?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Cocoa Beach and Hilton Head Island.

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.

Hilton Head Island is a great destination for shopping. The area has upscale shopping with designer names and local venues. Popular shopping areas include Shelter Cove Town Center and Harbor Town.

Is Cocoa Beach or Hilton Head Island Better for Families?

Both Cocoa Beach and Hilton Head Island are first-rate family-friendly destinations.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Cocoa Beach is very family-friendly. 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.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Hilton Head Island is a very family-friendly destination. This area is a popular family-friendly beach destination with a number of summer events for the whole family, peaceful beaches, and family-friendly restaurants throughout. Older kids will enjoy cycling around the island's many bike trails or attending a popular tennis camp.

Is Cocoa Beach or Hilton Head Island Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is a very popular place for couples. Also, Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island is a nice destination for couples. While the area is most popular with families, it is a fun place to explore as a couple because of the many high end restaurants and the beautiful setting. Couples can rent bikes to explore or play a friendly game of tennis.

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

Cocoa Beach is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island. You must have a car to get most places on the island, unless you bike. Rush hour during summer months can have intense traffic.

Is Cocoa Beach or Hilton Head Island a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach is very good for its ease of walking around. However, Hilton Head Island 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.

Hilton Head Island is generally not very walkable. You really need a car to get around, but for those who are motivated, there is a great network of bike trails. It's mostly used for recreational purposes though.

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

Should I spend more time in Hilton Head Island or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Hilton Head Island?

Both Cocoa Beach and Hilton Head Island have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Hilton Head Island than in Cocoa Beach. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 5-7 days is enough time in Hilton Head Island.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island 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.

One day in Cocoa Beach or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the adventurous destination of Cocoa Beach. This beach town offers something for everyone. 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 food and shopping when visiting the peaceful coastal town of Hilton Head Island. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Hilton Head Island?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place to visit. Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled beach town of Cocoa Beach. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cocoa Beach has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the relaxing destination of Hilton Head Island. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Cocoa Beach or Hilton Head Island?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Cocoa Beach. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Most people come for the beaches. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cocoa Beach has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the peaceful coastal town of Hilton Head Island. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Cocoa Beach or Hilton Head Island?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. It offers something for everyone. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and food when visiting the destination of Hilton Head Island. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this coastal town.

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

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Hilton Head Island?

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

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 Hilton Head Island in the Summer?

Both Hilton Head Island and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hilton Head Island in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hilton Head Island. It's quite rainy in Cocoa Beach. In July, Cocoa Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hilton Head Island. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 7.9 inches (200 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Hilton Head Island in the Autumn?

Both Hilton Head Island and Cocoa Beach during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Hilton Head Island for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cocoa Beach in October average around 77°F (25°C), and Hilton Head Island averages at about 68°F (20°C).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in October than Hilton Head Island. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.8 inches (71 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 Hilton Head Island in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Cocoa Beach is generally much warmer than Hilton Head Island. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 63°F (17°C), and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 48°F (9°C).

In January, Cocoa Beach usually receives less rain than Hilton Head Island. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Hilton Head Island in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Hilton Head Island. The spring months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hilton Head Island this time of year.

Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Hilton Head Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 73°F (23°C) in April, and Hilton Head Island fluctuates around 67°F (19°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hilton Head Island. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Hilton Head Island receives 2.9 inches (74 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 Hilton Head Island and Cocoa Beach