A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Cocoa Beach vs. Orlando for Resorts, Families, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Cocoa Beach or Orlando?

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 Orlando. 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Orlando

Orlando is a active, family-friendly, and entertaining city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and theater.

Cocoa Beach and Orlando: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cocoa Beach or Orlando?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Orlando than Cocoa Beach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Orlando is better known for its theatre productions, resorts, and shopping, while Cocoa Beach is more popular for its museums and beaches. Orlando is more touristy than Cocoa Beach and is known for being the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and many other theme parks and family-friendly activities. Also, Orlando is famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and the city's many amusement parks. Cocoa Beach is well known for its wonderful surfing waves and its proximity to the Kennedy Space Center.

How is Cocoa Beach different from Orlando?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cocoa Beach is great for its historical sights. However, Orlando does not have 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.

Orlando does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Cocoa Beach or Orlando Better for Theater?

Orlando is a good destination for its shows and theatre. However, Cocoa Beach is not a theatre destination.

You'll find a nice selection of shows in Orlando. The city has a number of local theaters that are fun to explore. As home to Disney World and Universal Studios, there are also a number of shows available that are affiliated with the parks.

Cocoa Beach is not a theatre destination.

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

Both Cocoa Beach and Orlando offer superb 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Orlando makes for a great culinary experience. There are a diversity of restaurants on the Disney grounds and nearby. You'll also find many restaurants at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs. Food can be expensive, and the quality can vary dramatically. Many people enjoy going to dinner shows as well. Restaurants can be challenging also, as reservations must be made months in advance.

Is Cocoa Beach or Orlando Better for Nightlife?

The notable nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cocoa Beach and Orlando.

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.

Orlando has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. If you need a break from the kids, you'll find some of the best nightlife around Orlando at Disney Springs, Wall Street Plaza and Universal CityWalk.

Is Cocoa Beach or Orlando Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Orlando for its luxury resorts. Disney World is famous for its many iconic resorts. Some of the most popular are the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Port Orleans Resort, and the Grand Floridian Resort. There are also many resorts that aren't affiliated with the major theme parks. These tend to be more affordable, but transportation options to and from the park are limited. You'll also miss out on the perks that come with staying at a theme park 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 Orlando Better for Beaches?

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

Orlando is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cocoa Beach or Orlando?

Orlando is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Cocoa Beach is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Orlando. Shopping is a dream for any Disney enthusiast. There are countless malls and shops, both on and off the Disney grounds, that sell all of the Disney paraphernalia. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are the most famous areas. During the evenings, these areas can be very crowded, but during the day they're less popular as most people are at the theme parks.

Cocoa Beach is a great destination for shopping. You'll find lots of great local shops as well as malls and beach stores where you can pick up everything you need.

Is Cocoa Beach or Orlando Better for Christmas?

Orlando is very popular for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Cocoa Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Orlando offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. Christmas at Disney World is lots of fun. There are decorations and all kinds of seasonal activities around town.

Cocoa Beach does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Cocoa Beach or Orlando Better for Families?

Both Cocoa Beach and Orlando are amazing 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, Orlando is a very family-friendly destination. Known as a theme park capital, here you'll find the iconic Disney World, as well as Universal Studios, SeaWorld and many more. While most people spend their vacation at the Disney or Universal resorts, there is also an endless supply of less mainstream parks and activities in the area.

Is Cocoa Beach or Orlando Better for Couples?

Cocoa Beach is great for romance. Also, Orlando is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

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.

Orlando makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. While most people visit the area with family, there is a niche crowd that enjoys honeymooning or vacationing here as a couple. There are many beautiful restaurants and interesting activities that couples can enjoy together. This is the perfect trip for fun loving couples who don't take themselves to seriously.

Is Cocoa Beach or Orlando Better for Students?

Orlando is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Orlando. Most people don't think about education when they think about Orlando, but there are actually a diversity of internships and opportunities for students to learn in a fun setting.

Cocoa Beach is not popular with students.

Is Cocoa Beach or Orlando 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, Orlando 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 generally limited in Orlando. If you're staying at a Disney Property, there is excellent transportation around the complex, but otherwise, a car is essential.

Is Cocoa Beach or Orlando a more walkable city?

Cocoa Beach is a popular place for its walkability. However, Orlando is not a good destination for its high level of walkability.

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.

Orlando is not a walkable beach town. The city is sprawling, so unless you stay on the Disney grounds, it's best to rent a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Orlando or Cocoa Beach?

How long in Cocoa Beach or Orlando?

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

Families should spend more time in Cocoa Beach than Orlando. 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 Orlando. 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 Orlando 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 Orlando?

In Cocoa Beach, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This beach town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the family-friendly city of Orlando. 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 Orlando?

In Cocoa Beach, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend 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 family-friendly destination of Orlando. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Orlando?

Cocoa Beach is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cocoa Beach has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and theater when visiting the active city of Orlando. 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 Orlando?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cocoa Beach. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cocoa Beach. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Visitors enjoy the theater and nightlife when visiting the destination of Orlando. 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 city.

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

Which is Bigger, Cocoa Beach or Orlando?

Orlando has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cocoa Beach. When comparing the sizes of Cocoa Beach and Orlando, 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 Orlando?

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 Orlando in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cocoa Beach and Orlando. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cocoa Beach this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Orlando for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Orlando. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cocoa Beach in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Orlando averages at about 82°F (28°C).

Orlando 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 around the same amount of rain as Orlando. Cocoa Beach gets 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 8.3 inches (211 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Orlando in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cocoa Beach as well as Orlando. Many travelers come to Cocoa Beach for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Orlando in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Cocoa Beach is generally around the same temperature as Orlando. Daily temperatures in Cocoa Beach average around 77°F (25°C), and Orlando fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite rainy in Orlando. Cocoa Beach receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cocoa Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Orlando. Cocoa Beach gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 4.1 inches (103 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 Orlando in the Winter?

Both Orlando and Cocoa Beach are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cocoa Beach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Orlando for the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Cocoa Beach is a little warmer than Orlando in the winter. The daily temperature in Cocoa Beach averages around 63°F (17°C) in January, and Orlando fluctuates around 59°F (15°C).

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

Should I visit Cocoa Beach or Orlando in the Spring?

Both Orlando and Cocoa Beach during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cocoa Beach for the beaches during these months.

In the spring, Cocoa Beach is around the same temperature as Orlando. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cocoa Beach in April average around 73°F (23°C), and Orlando averages at about 72°F (22°C).

Cocoa Beach usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Orlando. Cocoa Beach gets 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain, while Orlando receives 2.7 inches (69 mm) of rain this time of the year. Also, the hurricane season in Cocoa Beach is June to November.

Typical Weather for Orlando and Cocoa Beach