A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cocoa Beach vs. Key Largo for Families, Food, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Key Largo?

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 Key Largo. 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 nightlife, food, and beaches.

Key Largo

Key Largo is a relaxed, peaceful, and family-friendly island. As it is a quaint destination, it has a nice vibe. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling and beaches.

Cocoa Beach and Key Largo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Key Largo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach. Although Cocoa Beach and Key Largo are popular destinations, Cocoa Beach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cocoa Beach is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and shopping, while Key Largo attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and quaint atmosphere. 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. Key Largo is famous for its snorkeling and scuba diving including that around John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the artificial reef around the USS Spiegel Grove.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Key Largo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Key Largo 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 Key Largo?

Cocoa Beach is great for its historical sights. However, Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cocoa Beach. 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.

Key Largo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Key Largo offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Like the rest of the Florida Keys, Key Largo is known for its Key Lime pie and seafood. You'll find a great selection of restaurants that serve seafood dishes and options for the land-loving crew. There are even a few international restaurants to choose from.

Is Cocoa Beach or Key Largo Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach is a beach town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Key Largo is not a good destination 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.

Most people don't head to Key Largo specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. This area is not known for its nightlife, so you'll need to head further south if partying is your style.

Is Cocoa Beach or Key Largo Better for Resorts?

Key Largo 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 Key Largo to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Playa Largo Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection, Reefhouse Resort & Marina, and Largo Resort.

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 Key Largo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Key Largo is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cocoa Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Key Largo. Near this island you'll find some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Florida Keys at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There are private tours that head out to the reef for either snorkeling or diving. There are also shipwrecks and other fascinating spots to explore.

Cocoa Beach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Key Largo Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is great for the beach. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

The beaches at Cocoa Beach attract visitors from all over. 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.

Key Largo offers a nice beach destination. Many of the beaches around Key Largo are man-made, but they do offer nice sand and beautiful blue water. The water is turquoise, although not as striking as further south.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Key Largo?

Cocoa Beach is a beach town with good options for its shopping areas. However, Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Key Largo is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or Key Largo Better for Families?

Both Cocoa Beach and Key Largo are fantastic 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, Key Largo is a very family-friendly destination. This area has some of the best family-friendly snorkeling at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. There's also several places where your kids can interact with dolphins or experience wildlife. If you want to get out on the water, there's kayaking, sunset cruises, and glass bottom boats, all of which are great for the whole family.

Is Cocoa Beach or Key Largo Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is great for couples. Also, Key Largo is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Key Largo is a nice destination for couples. Most couples head further down the Florida Keys, but for snorkeling and scuba diving, Key Largo is the better option. You'll also find kayaking and sunset cruises that leave from the area.

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

Cocoa Beach is a beach town with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Key Largo is not a good destination 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 Key Largo. There's no real public transit around the island and you must have a car to get around.

Is Cocoa Beach or Key Largo a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach is a beach town with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Key Largo is not a good destination 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.

Key Largo is not a walkable beach town. It is a sprawling area that spreads out along a main highway that is not pedestrian friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Key Largo or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Key Largo?

Both Cocoa Beach and Key Largo have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Key Largo 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 Key Largo.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Key Largo. 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 Key Largo. 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 Key Largo 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 Key Largo?

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 scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the family-friendly island of Key Largo. 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 Key Largo?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxing 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 scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful destination of Key Largo. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This island 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 Key Largo?

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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful island of Key Largo. 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 Key Largo?

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.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Key Largo. 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 island.

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

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Key Largo?

Cocoa Beach has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Key Largo. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Key Largo, 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 Key Largo?

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 Key Largo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Key Largo. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Key Largo because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

Key Largo 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 Key Largo. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.9 inches (149 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Key Largo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Key Largo. The autumn months attract visitors to Cocoa Beach because of the shopping scene.

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

It's quite rainy in Key Largo. Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in October than Key Largo. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Key Largo receives 5.6 inches (143 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 Key Largo in the Winter?

Both Key Largo and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Key Largo for the cuisine.

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

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

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Key Largo in the Spring?

Both Key Largo and Cocoa Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches. Furthermore, many visitors come to Key Largo in the spring for the beaches.

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

Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in April than Key Largo. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Key Largo 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.

Typical Weather for Key Largo and Cocoa Beach