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

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or New Bern?

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 New Bern. 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. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

New Bern

New Bern is a charming, laid back, and quaint town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping.

Cocoa Beach and New Bern: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or New Bern?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cocoa Beach than New Bern, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cocoa Beach is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches, while New Bern is more popular for its small town charm. Cocoa Beach is more touristy than New Bern and is popular for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. Also, Cocoa Beach is famous for the Kennedy Space Center. New Bern is well known for being the birthplace of Pepsi.

How is Cocoa Beach different from New Bern?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between New Bern 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 New Bern?

Cocoa Beach is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

New Bern offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many visitors check out the Tryon Palace while they're in town. Other museums include the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Carolina Creations Fine Art & Contemporary Craft Gallery, and the New Bern Academy Museum.

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

Cocoa Beach is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Cocoa Beach makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

New Bern has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of local eateries, bistros, and cafes in town. You can sample southern favorites or something international. Popular dishes include fresh caught fish, crab cakes, and even tacos.

Is Cocoa Beach or New Bern Better for Nightlife?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for nightlife. However, New Bern is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

New Bern doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a couple of pubs and breweries around town.

Is Cocoa Beach or New Bern Better for Resorts?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its resorts. However, New Bern is not a resort destination.

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.

New Bern is not a resort destination.

Is Cocoa Beach or New Bern Better for Beaches?

Cocoa Beach is well known for its beaches. However, New Bern 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.

New Bern is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or New Bern?

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

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.

New Bern is a great destination for shopping. There are local shops and boutiques that sell clothing, antiques, and gifts.

Is Cocoa Beach or New Bern Better for Families?

Cocoa Beach is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, New Bern is not particularly known for its kid-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.

For families, New Bern is not always the best place to visit. Stand up paddle boarding and other outdoor activities are a fun way to experience the area with kids. You could also visit the New Bern Fireman's Museum, the Tryon Palace, or one of the parks around town.

Is Cocoa Beach or New Bern Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is well known for romance. Also, New Bern is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Cocoa Beach frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Beautiful beaches, fun outdoor activities, and great date night activities make this a wonderful couples destination.

New Bern makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town's charm and quaint parks make this a nice weekend getaway. There are outdoor activities and the Tryon Palace which is nice to visit. There are also local restaurants around town.

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

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its public transit. However, New Bern is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Cocoa Beach, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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 quite limited in New Bern. There's no real public transit in the area.

Is Cocoa Beach or New Bern a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach and New Bern are notable when it comes to 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.

New Bern is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is walkable and nice to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in New Bern or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or New Bern?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cocoa Beach or New Bern to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Cocoa Beach than New Bern because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cocoa Beach, and 1-2 days is enough time in New Bern.

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than New Bern. 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 New Bern. 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 New Bern 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 New Bern?

The beach town of Cocoa Beach offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

New Bern is a small town with plenty to do. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Cocoa Beach or New Bern?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this beach town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cocoa Beach, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

New Bern might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This town 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 New Bern?

Cocoa Beach is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cocoa Beach, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Because New Bern is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 New Bern?

Cocoa Beach is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This beach town offers something for everyone.

Since New Bern is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 comparing the travel costs between Cocoa Beach and New Bern, we can see that Cocoa Beach 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 New Bern Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or New Bern?

New Bern has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and New Bern, 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 New Bern?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or New Bern in the Summer?

Both New Bern and Cocoa Beach during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to New Bern for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as New Bern. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cocoa Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and New Bern averages at about 80°F (27°C).

New Bern gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Cocoa Beach. Cocoa Beach usually gets more rain in July than New Bern. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 6.6 inches (169 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or New Bern in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and New Bern. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to New Bern in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Cocoa Beach is generally a little warmer than New Bern. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and New Bern fluctuates around 65°F (18°C).

Cocoa Beach gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Cocoa Beach usually receives more rain than New Bern. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 3.4 inches (85 mm) of rain each month for the autumn. June to November is the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or New Bern in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as New Bern. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to New Bern for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cocoa Beach is much warmer than New Bern in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and New Bern fluctuates around 44°F (7°C).

It's quite rainy in New Bern. Cocoa Beach usually gets less rain in January than New Bern. Cocoa Beach gets 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 4.1 inches (105 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or New Bern in the Spring?

Both New Bern and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to New Bern because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than New Bern. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and New Bern averages at about 62°F (16°C).

In April, Cocoa Beach usually receives around the same amount of rain as New Bern. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while New Bern receives 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain each month for the spring. June to November in Cocoa Beach is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for New Bern and Cocoa Beach